Okay, so pre-dep has been one of the most challenging and thought provoking experiences I've had. Working in a facilitated environment, breaking down and analyzing issues, scenarios, as well as courses of action is something I've never done before. Being pushed to explore everything in an out of the box manner for 12-15hrs a day, has both envigorated and utterly exhausted me. The group of people I'm with though are fantastic, and considering the little time I've spent with them the comfort I feel is kinda scary....but giving the housing situation, with zero personal space it isn't that surprising!
Speaking of the group dynamic I got a story to share, CAT had just finished explaining a tricky value chain on the development sector, when someone asked a question to which the response was as follows,
Cat- I don't think I can give you a concrete answer to that
Dean-What!?
Bevin-Spoon feed me!
Needless to say, after the heavy stuff we'd just been taking in I nearly passed out from laughter.
I know I mentioned the concept of how I might try and circumvent the gender barriers that I feel I might encounter on my placement, so I'll share one of my theories as of now. I think by engaging in the daily activities of all the groups of a family household on the premise of learning about their livelihoods, which I actually want to do anyway, I can try and float outside of the tradition gender heirarchy in a sort of ambigious state, thus hopefully being more effective. Any thoughts from the audenience? I wish I had the space to share all that I'm been learning with all reading this, but it would go for miles and my fingers might start to bleed, so I'll try to throw in tidbits as I go.
On a positive note, toronto has been a great city to indulge my love of bikes, the culture is booming here so it's been great getting a look at some of the stuff people have done. Been taking part in this informal yoga class the JF's been doing in the mornings, which while I'm sure I look like a fool doing, has been a nice bit of excercise.
Anyway, more to come, RIP habs, and comment away
Cheers
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3 comments:
I'm sure you're probably gone, but I wanted to wish you luck for your journey and through the transition to Ghana. There's nothing quite like the honeymoon stage of culture shock!
Pre-dep is so challenging, but I don't think I've ever allowed myself to be so open and vulnerable as I did during that time, and also so open to learning. I'm glad that it sounds like you made the most of your time there.
I can't wait to hear your initial thoughts of Ghana and about your living arrangments. Make sure you post when you get there! (Grassroots in Tamale just north of the market opposite the STC station has fairly reliable internet for a pretty good price)
Hey buddy,
How has Africa been treating you so far? Well, I guess a crazy long flight mixed with an intense bus ride will not give you the best perception of what is truly going on, but I am guessing that you have had a chance to settle in a little bit. Hopefully. Was you mind just blown the entire bus ride or what? Mine would have been.
Winnipeg is same old Winnipeg, still pretty chilly and not looking like really nice weather for a little while yet. I have made it out of the city to do a bit of riding, and hope to do a lot more soon. My clipless pedals came in the other day, so the Empire is faster than ever! Seriously, no excuses, you need a set of these. Period. The biking has been pretty good, as I have been switched permanently to the Kenaston location and am now commuting around 25 km a day. This makes my commute a legitimate distance, and I have been moved to all day shifts so I am not there too late.
But on a serious note, Habs...done. It's too bad man, because I really cannot see Dallas winning the series now (0-3), and if Detroit wins...no hope...no hope. Our only chance lies in Pittsburgh, and they are about to take game 3 go make the series (3-0)! Malkin, Hossa and Crosby together had around 20 points in their last series against the Rangers, and they are lighting up Philly like nobody's business.
On a different note, sounds like pre-dep was a little intense man. How was it living with so many people in such a cramped space? And all the work that you guys were doing sounded pretty heavy on top of that.
So these gender issues you are speaking of, do they directly apply to your workplace? Or are they an all encompassing aspect of the daily activities you find yourself in while working in Africa? I am unfortunately ignorant in the ways and customs of this continent, but I do think that your proposed idea has merit. By actively participating in every aspect of their livelihood you may be able to demonstrate a willingness to not only learn from them but understand and absorb everything as well. My only suggestion would be to always put yourself in a learning position, and make them very aware that they are the teacher in this situation.
Also, how has the search been going for a place to live? You will have to keep me updated on this progress, but more importantly, keep me updated on the bike situation! I want to know about African bikes, and what kind of set-up you will be able to get while you are there.
Remember, the west did not conquer the world with their higher morals, better ideas, or superior religion. But through their ability to organize violence against others. Keep an open mind, coupled with open eyes and take in everything you can. Be safe good buddy, I will keep this up as best I can.
Cheers,
Aaron
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