A Series of Thoughts

An Introduction of Sorts

Up to now, I’ve had a number of different blog “tactics”. First off, I attempted to recapture everything in one blog no matter the length of time. Secondly, I worked ahead of time, on Maewo, to prepare multiple blogs covering various stories and topics (none of these recaps being exceptionally short). Lastly, I tried to stick to topics, did not prepare ahead of time, and kept things short (more or less commentary on multiple events). In essence, this last one was the best version of a recap, but inevitably left out a lot of detail. I have learned that being in Port Vila discourages me from spending the time to blog. While being on Maewo, I have a near insatiable desire to write all about my various exploits (big to small). With this in mind, I have tried to prepare ahead of time, but keep things short and detailed—something of a true commentary. Each commentary will cover a short number of activities or musings, more often than not, of mine the past months. This might result in some expanded storytelling, but as of now they are simply a series of thoughts (or perhaps the ravings of a madman). 

Let me touch on these things first…

The Chairman comment from the previous blog comes from the PHAST workshop I held in the beginning of May. I realized many things in the speed blog entry at Lolowai Hospital were unexplained and I will now touch on those things now. During the PHAST workshop, the participants felt the need to give me a title—this is a trend in Naviso; I have spent a lot of time watching committees form and titles handed out (after which the committee does nothing, but we now have a Secretary of the Disaster Response Committee). So, in that same vein, I was given the title “Mr. Chairman” during the PHAST workshop. Every time some wanted to address me they would raise their hand and say “excuse me Mr. Chairman”.

Regarding Condom Man, he is a creation of a fellow Peace Corps Volunteer (whose identity must remain confidential for obvious Super Hero reasons) who distributes male and female condoms in the latest joint UN/Vanuatu Ministry of Health social marketing campaign to encourage condom use. He, of course, was introduced at the PEPFAR Village Health Worker HIV/AIDS training of trainers in Pango, Efate (outside Port Vila). Actually, calling him a he could be misleading; we should probably use a gender-neutral pronoun. It’s probably wrong to try applying a sex/gender to Condom Man (even though that name directly opposes this statement)—might send the wrong message about responsibility.

Adjusting to “Aelan Laef”

For those of you who have been following my Vanuatu exploits regularly, yu save finis se I’ve been living pretty flas in the backend of the middle of nowhere. What, with my fancy water-seal toilet and raised tap/showerhead and an indoor tap/sink. I’ve been living the High Life. Now, I must readjust. I officially moved in May 5^th, 2011—approximately 6 months after arrival. I did not have much time to adjust before I left for Ambae and Vila at the end of May, so this has really been my readjustment period these past months. Now, I am surrounded by naked children who cry incessantly (all being around two years old) and desire to follow me around and sit in my house all the time. Additionally, I never really understood the “fishbowl” problem until now. While hanging around in my house, I am constantly made aware of a shadow in the doorway who happens to be a person, usually a child or yungfala. I usually ask “olsem wanem” (What’s up?) and quickly get a “No” (Nothing) more often than not. After this, they usually stand around for awhile staring at me. I have combated this these past months by being exceptionally boring most of the time; unfortunately, my inclination to play music on a speaker makes me far less boring and is now an invitation to come inside and sit. On top of all this, I have had adjust to swimming naked in the river (the swimming hole); the rough equivalent of swimming naked in a public place. There is a “private” place for the men to swim naked. It’s not really private—I constantly sit there in the river and watch people walk by in front of me. Luckily, years of training have made it so they don’t turn their heads 45 degrees and look right at me.

Workshops: Yes, I do work in Vanuatu! This is not just a Vacation!

Poetically, I like to consider myself a used car salesman. I mean why recreate the wheel when you can just take it, put some more flair on it, and call it a wonderfully new idea (I especially like adding pictures to everything). “Participatory Methods” also make everything easier as, inherently, the participants do the work and I just facilitate—no leading necessary and that means a lot less talking. Sounds like a scavenger, huh? Well my friends, there are truth to these words… I guess the difference is I understand the importance, the methodologies, and the purpose behind each different “wheel”. I also am almost finished with my MPH requirements, so the three letters to my name will add credence to my assessments… hopefully…