Materially... left with nothing but Personally and whole heartedly... left with all I truly need.

This past week has been quite overwhelming. Through a span of 7 short days I have probably gone through the largest range of emotions I have ever gone through in my life.

The story:

Last wednesday... I had gotten all of my material items stolen. That includes my back pack with my computer, passport, wallet, identification, cellphone, work material, USB key and umbrella. Basicallly all of my technological and identification belongings were stolen. Now how exactly did this happen... it wasnt by force but by manipulation. Yes I can say that I got scammed and it is true that I am a bit angry that this happened but I have learned to move on and grow from this experience. It was a nice afternoon last wednesday and I decided to take a 20 minute walk from Carre Four La vie to Socece. During this walk I started to talk to a local as he had asked me where this pharmacy was. And seeing that I have been here the last two months with no serious problems talking to people on the street and just being very friendly I of course offered to help him ask someone else where this pharmacy was. But what I didnt know then was the man that we had asked ended up being his accomplis. Long story short he was talking to me about god and sorcerers and how I need to take a rock and sand and put it in my hand, give him my sac and walk a bit forward and all of my "malheur" will be gone. Of course at first when my head was clear and correct I had refused him many times as it really is a ridiculous thing to do. But as we got to talking further and further my mind seemed to drift off into another reality and I think I got so engaged in the conversation that after 20 minutes of insisting and insisting I ended up doing exactly what he said. The weird thing is that once I stopped... my head cleared and I turned around and realized that both of the men were gone. Then came the tears... I realized that I am in a foreign country without my passport, without my money and literally do not know what to do. Thankfully I met someone who spoke english and gave me money to take a taxi home. Of course once I got home I burst in tears talking to my Maman and we went straight away to the police station to declare my things stolen. A proccess that in itself is another story to tell. But Apparently this kind of theft is common in Abidjan and almost every person has gone through a similar ordeal.

AIESEC:

Through this whole ordeal. The AIESECers have been nothing but a wonderful support network. Not only my local AIESEC Cocody but the other locals as well especially AIESEC Bouake. They provided words of encouragement, hugs and help in finances (I am so lucky to have a great support network of not only AIESEC locals but of amazing Interns in Abidjan).

African Family:

I have realized how much of a support network I need to get through situations and I especially need that family feeling. One that I definitely get from my host family in Abidjan. I absolutely love them and grateful for them.

Embassy:

I am absoutely grateful to be a canadian citizen. The Embassy has been a wonderful help in this whole ordeal. Although there is not many people that speak English... I think that if you absolutely only speak English they will find someone to help you. Otherwise they will talk to you in French. However I do feel like that once I payed the fee things sped up a bit more.

Parents and sisters:
Through this I have realized that I am still young and that I do still need my real family to be there for me. Without the help from my sisters and parents I would of probably not gotten things sorten out. They give me a strength that I do not even know I have in me.

I find myself reflecting on my whole internship here and now need to focus back on my purpose. What do I want to do in the last 2 weeks in this absolutely overwhelming but amazing country? I am trying to think of what I can do back home and what I need to bring back. I just cannot believe how much my feelings have changed in the past week. I find myself a different person in the sense that I know my capabilities and my strength. It is amazing how we can adapt in the most difficult situations. And that is when you know how strong you are. I am so grateful that my parents brought me up with a straight head... yes a head that can sometimes be careless or naive but a strong head when needed.

Life and its lessons.... You know through this all I go back to god and think yes he wanted me to go through this. I do not know why but he did.

Less then a month for "reality" to start again

I officially have less then a month until I leave to go back home to Calgary. And at this point my feelings are all over the place. I constantly have thoughts of... am I ready to go home? How is life going to be when I return? My Canadian sister left last week and it is just so strange not being with her anymore. I am surviving on my own and am not full out depressed but I guess it just takes a while to get use to it.

I have figured out who I can really count on here and the people I would really love to get to know more.

I am trying my best to cherish these last few weeks in Abidjan and know that it will be difficult for me to come back. Just to go back to the comfortabilities will be strange. But then at the same time I am so excited to go back to school, gain knowledge and make more of an impact with what I have learned. Plus I cannot wait to share my stories with everyone.

Oh mon dieu, les personnes en Abidjan sont tellement fou mais je t'aime avec tous mon coeur. Je ne sais pas comment je peut dire aux enfants en travaille: "Oh non, pas la semaine prochaine... c'est mon dernier journee au travaille". I have just gotten so use to always telling them... yes I will see you next wednesday or "Semaine prochaine (avec les bissoux)".

This is the extremely difficult part... "leaving".

Canada day... in cote d'Ivoire

To tell you the truth... I have never celebrated Canada day. Really it is not a big deal in Calgary, or maybe it is because I am foreign.

But I did get to celebrate it in Cote d'Ivoire. It just so happens that July 1 landed on a Wednesday (that only day the kids come to work)... so of course I had to celebrate our national holiday with them. How do you ask? By the ingenious idea of making paper birthday hats. I placed pictures of "Canada" on paper and we made them into cones and attached string to make a lovely "chapeau". It was an exhausting but amazing day! They were just so thrilled.

Things at work right now are a bit slow and I really do not do very much except for on Wednesdays with the kids. They really are the only reason why I am staying... I can't say that I am leaving earlier then before because not only would they be heart broken but I would be heart broken as well. I think I am just going through the typical roller coaster of emotions you go through when you are working abroad. The ASK program with AIESEC also has come to a small halt as they are trying to organize the second part of the program. So I really do not have much to do... but we are taking some trips out of the city this week, hopefully this will wake me up and take me out of this slum.

Oh mon dieu... the kids at work play with my heart too much, hopefully they will enjoy the other activities I have planned for the upcoming weeks.

Tourist or Local?

Traveling is well meant for traveling. But an internship is meant for fully integrating into the society. I have been having a very hard time lately thinking about my purpose and my actions here. To tell you the truth Cote d'Ivoire is not a "touristy" place... especially Abidjan, there aren't museums everywhere or even extremely special places to go. The last two months I have been here, I have been fully integrating into the local. And you know what... I am happy with that.

I do not have a billion pictures of Cote d'Ivoire but I do have lasting relationships with individuals here (which I think is something much more special). 

But of course at times my inner "tourist" comes out and I long to look for things to do but just end up sleeping or going to campus. We ended up going to the zoo last weekend... which is a strange concept, a zoo in Abidjan. But like all zoos it was a bit depressing... the animals were not well fed and were practically roaming around with no cages. It was quite the experience. And this upcoming weekend we get to go to the famous Yamoussoukro with the largest Basilica in the world... It is apparently more stunning than the vatican.

6 more weeks in Abidjan... It has gone by so fast and in a sense I am ready to leave but in another sense I am not ready to leave this wonderful country. My Canadian sister Jacqui is leaving in 2 weeks so it will be quite the experience being truly "alone" for my last month here. We live and work and the same place so it will be quite the drastic change. But although I will miss her terribly and will probably break down more than often without here, I am excited to experience being by "myself". 

My heart is truly in Abidjan... Mon coeur est vraiment en Abidjan <3

You have to toughen up

I am hitting the half way mark of my internship and I had my second major break down yesterday night. The trigger of it all I think was my canadian sister Jacqui (I really do not know what I would do with out her support here... probably be more crazy then I currently am) living with me who started to cry because she was thinking of the shock that will happen when she goes home... the comfortabilities of Canada and our safe reality. As well a few of the kids at work expressed that they would miss me when I left and asked if I would return. I really cannot stand to be emotional here because it will "eat me alive" as my sister in Amsterdam has politely reminded me. But I do just some times need to cry to get it out of my system.

Its not right to be full out depressed when you get back from an experience such as this but we are just human. I know I just need to channel my emotions into something positive such as continually promoting the NGO I am working with back home. I know I will keep in touch with the kids by sending letters and packages. They are in my heart now and I will never let them leave it. At times I think I am too fragile to be here but then at other times I know I can tough it out and learn to focus. But that is all a part of the self discovery of this internship eh? What a wonderful but sometimes painful concept.

Have to be strong, Have to be tough have to focus on what needs to be done. Oh Abidjan... why do you do this?

"Be the change you want to see in the world" - Ghandi

As I am hitting my one month mark in this country I find myself constantly questioning the purpose of this internship and the purpose of me being here. It frustrates me when I feel like I can't do anything productive and the only thing that I have to give is my love. I know I cant say that me being here will change the world but at least making some sort of difference would be fantastic.

But if you think about it what does it mean to "make a difference". In a sense this internship is selfish (it has a lot to do with personal growth). But in another sense there is that element of cultural exchange, for individuals from different parts of the world to share their ideologies to know that we are all looking out for each other and that the best thing that we can do in new societies is to have an open mind. Yes this sounds fluffy, but it is true.

I have just gotten out of a meeting with all of the staff of Le Soutien (www.lesoutien.org) ... the organization is currently going through problems with finances (a constant problem for many non for profits) and they are going to have to shut down their main office in Deux Plateaux (area in Abidjan) but that doesn't mean the organization is going to stop. The hard core work (base) is done in Youpoggoun (Another area in Abidjan). I am constantly amazed with this non for profit and wish that I could give them finances myself. Le soutien works in many areas and in particular with OVCs (Orphans and vulnerable children affected and infected by HIV/AIDS). Basically every Wednesday the children come to the bureau and have a day of activities, they play, eat, learn some lessons, if they need medicines they can get them here as well they can get counselling (depending on their age group: there are three age groups... the first is 1 - 5 years the second is 6-11 years and the last group is 12 - 17 years). But the whole purpose of them coming is to create a family, a community of non-discrimination. It is a time where they can just be kids. And really my role is to play with them and to be a part of the activities. Many times I am discouraged because I wish I could do more but then thinking about it through a sustainable view, that is the best task that I can do. Because taking on a huge role will not work for a 3 month internship. I really need to take all the experiences I learn here back home.

Another project that Le Soutien is working on is Project NUNSSEU (The child is the future) this is a project based in Danane (Village in the North of Cote D'Ivoire)... in a period of 3 years (10 villages each year). What Le Soutien does is that the counselors in Danane go to each village and help to mobilize the village. What I found out is that... Women are the key factor in everything. So Le soutien provides Womens groups with land so that they can make money and feed their children. Since the village sees this positive impact that Le Soutien does then they can trust the organization and are able to be mobilized on topics such as SIDA/VIH (AIDS/HIV). It is quite a complicated but logical system.

One of my co workers told me that hopefully we will be able to go to Danane before the end of our internships. They go at least once a month, depending on funding and talking about finances at the meeting today their probably will not be a trip this month.

This organization is so amazing, and I really hope to learn and make as much of a contribution as I can. It also makes me want to create my own non profit organization (if only it was that easy :) ). As Ghandi amazingly put: "Be the change you want to see in the world". Sometimes, that is the best thing that we can do.

IMPORTANT Side note: As for all non for profits, funding is a big issue and that is the main problem for Le Soutien (www.lesoutien.org), they are providing such a necessary and great service to OVCs (Orphans and vulnerable children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS) and to many villages in Cote d'Ivoire. In Africa, the reality is so different from the "western world". Non for profits and passionate people are necessary here in order for the reality to improve. My heart hurts for this organization... please if you know anyone or if you have advice on how we can find funders contact me at marcia.tiro@gmail.com or post a message on this blog, It's a big task to under take but all we can really do is try.

NLDS 2009 (AIESEC Conference in CI) - In the interesting city of Taboo

*Picture: At the barrage (dam) by Taboo... this dam is a network of several other dams that provide electricity for all of Cote d'Ivoire! L-R: Me, German intern, Paquom (Outgoing LCP of Cocody), Canadian Intern

I was able to spend the last 4 days at an event close to my heart - An AIESEC conference. It was quite a gong show. The conditions of this conference would of not been tolerated at all at a conference in Canada. And through all the mixed emotions, it was quite an experience being at a national conference in Cote d'Ivoire (there are only 3 locals here and 1 MC... you can see the difference in Canada which has 27 locals and 1 MC). With that being said, there are way to many things that need to be said so the following are the most important highlights of the conference:

AIESEC Time + Ivorienne time:
What does this mean? How about going to campus at 10 am but leaving at 5 pm... Yes that is Ivorienne time. The cause of the delay? A very bad mis communication and of course because of the wonderful rain. Apparently when it rains, everything stops until the sun comes back up... oh you have to love Cote d'Ivoire. I have concluded that if you are a high maintenance person, you cannot survive in this country, things are just very laid back and "laissez-faire" as they call it and you can't really do anything but laugh, smile and go with the flow (which is the type of attitude I have been adopting). But to add on to the waiting, we had to cramp into a bus with 50 people (3 people per seat) for a long 2 hour ride to Taboo (at least it was suppose to be 2 hours but we ended up not getting there until midnight). Although the ride was cramped it was actually quite amazing with the endless songs and energy from the AIESECERS. To add onto their strong passion, once we arrived in Taboo at midnight they STILL HAD SESSIONS until 3 in the morning.

3 am sessions:
Yes, admidst the long bus ride and all of the waiting their were still AIESEC sessions to be done at midnight until the early hours of the morning. I am just so impressed that these passionate young individuals could stay awake and with smiles... while all of the stagaires (interns) ended up going to bed.

AIESEC Canada Cheer:
Two of the AIESEC values are "Living diversity" and "Enjoying participation" so of course I had to show them how it is done in Canada and teach them the AIESEC Canada hot to go cheer. It was very adorable because by the end of the conference they had recited it... not exactly the same (the song was a bit butchered and very slow) but nonetheless it was very sweet. "AIESEC Cote d'Ivoire is HOT-TO-GO H-O-T-T-O-GO HOT-TO-GO". This is where the language barrier of French and English kicks in...

Sessions:
The sessions in this conference were quite similar to those back home during NLDC, of course focused more on the realities of Cote d'Ivoire. But also focused on leadership, best case study sharing and a lot of development. At times I wish that things would have been more organized but then at the same time sessions were done and the drive was there so really no complaints. I did find that being an international delegate at sessions really did not make too much sense especially when you do not speak too much french and they are talking about the realities of Cote d'Ivoire. Therefore, those sessions for me were left for sleeping :/. However I did have a favorite session: Hosted by JCI. They had done a session on how to manage an organization (the key elements, etc.) which was actually very well done.

Integration - World Wide AIESEC:
I have realized through this conference that I am adapting quite well into the culture and can proudly say that I am an official Ivorienne-Canadian-"Chinois"-Filipino. What has kept me sane and extremely patient is just laughing at all the crazy things that happen (or the slowness of reality). The culture is so much different then in Canada and the best thing that we can do is smile and laugh it off. One thing that I did find was world wide in all AIESEC conferences was AIESEC Dances. Cote d'Ivoire loves them and their energy during the dances rubs off on everyone :). I hope to show some Ivorienne dances when I get back home.

In a nut shell this conference was quite the experience, our rooms were cramped and the water/electricity didn't work sometimes but people still managed to get up everyday (from the late nights and sessions) and learn and develop themselves through the new sessions. All I can say is that it was a different but interesting conference :)... one that I am happy to of experienced.

Stay tuned for my next blog on work (yes I actually do work on this internship... (kind of :)), I wouldn't call it work but more of a learning experience) and the amazing NGO: Le Soutien.

Merci dieu (Thank you lord)... Faith in Abidjan

To tell you the truth when I arrived in Abidjan... I did not know what to expect in terms of religion. I honestly thought that it would be difficult to find a church in Abidjan as I had assumed that the population was mostly Muslim (in actuality (facts from my boss): most people are catholic in the south part of cote d'Ivoire... about 50% while the north consists of muslims, buddhists, etc). But out of all the luck in the world I end up staying with a family that is catholic and they go to church every Sunday at 7 am. That is such a huge sign for me... a sign that the Lord is with me.

I am proud to say that I am a person of faith (even before I came to Abidjan), but my faith in the Lord has been 100X strengthened during my internship. When I feel scared (especially in my first few days) or even during my daily adventures I feel as though the Lord is always with me. I have come to realize that faith is a huge part of who I am and the actions that I take.

This past Sunday I got to finally go to church with my host family and it was such a wonderful ceremony. It amazes me that even being on the other side of the world, catholic ceremonies are exactly the same. Yes the ceremony is in french and yes the structure is not completely similar but the atmosphere of the community and the purpose of church is still there. It was just so beautiful and I cannot wait to go again in the next week. I hope this did not sound ignorant... but I am completely in awe of how much my faith has played a role in everything I do in Abidjan.

The following is a huge example of why I have reconfirmed the guidance of the Lord:
This past Sunday (May 24), we went to the market in Adajame to pick up fabric for an African dress that my Canadian friend wants to get done. Markets are extremely busy and "blanches or chinois" are most likely to get pick pocketed. Out of all my luck... it happened to me! I was walking in a busy crowd not paying attention to my bag when 3 guys supposedly tried to take my bag (that is what our "mama" said). But for some reason our "Mama" knew what was going on, turned around, grabbed the guy who had my wallet and rain coat and basically went all "what the heck are you doing" in french to him. Because of that...nothing from my bag got stolen. I am still a bit traumatized but we laughed about it yesterday saying that I had such good luck and that the lord is truly with me (it was by coincidence...or not that we just went to church that morning). And thus my faith has been reconfirmed!

I am just so grateful for all the fortunes that have happened so far during this internship and yes everything is not hunky dory but I can confidentally say that everything will be ok because I know I am here for a reason, I am here because the Lord wants me to be here. Amazing... just amazing.

Only 10% of OVCs get the proper resources and support

Finally starting work at Le Soutien this past week has really opened my eyes to the reality of Cote d'Ivoire. My heart hurts... it really does. I have probably cried 3 times this week (much less than I thought I would). I have been having thoughts of, why I am I here. What is the purpose of this internship? I don't know the language too well and sometimes  I just feel useless. But talking to my canadian friend living in the same house and working at the same organization as me has made me to realize... ok I am not here to change the world overnight (As I knew when I came) but I am here to open my eyes to a new culture and to open the eyes of the people I meet with my culture. It's a whole "global exchange". Just so that we know that we are all here for each other.

At le soutien I finally got to meet the kids (they only come on Wednesdays) but they were just so happy and kept on caressing my hair saying "chinois, chinois". They are just so adorable and I just am so sad with the reality that they live in... did you know that only 10% of OVCs (Orphans and vulnerable children due to HIV/AIDS) get the proper resources and support. It's a harsh but true reality. It will be so hard for me to leave August... it took an extra hour for them to say good bye this past week and I am going to see them next week. So I don't know how I am going to hold up when it's my last day. 

I've come to realize that really there is not too much you can do in a short 3 month developmental internship. I need to take back everything I learned here and apply it back home, whether that means a small motivation for myself to do better in my studies to get my masters in public health or even just sharing my experience. I don't know... I have come to realize that education is such a key factor in everything. When students go to school in Cote d'Ivoire, they are there because they really want to be there. They do not take the educational system for granted (as I find that some canadians do). 

I hope to open my eyes more during this internship and to gain a better sense of purpose.

Till the next blog... hope that you are all doing well!

One thing common in all countries? The love of FOOD

Right now I am at work, waiting for my supervisor (it's my first day in Le soutien) to come... I assume that she won't arrive for a few hours (gotta love africa time it is the same as filipino time). Since there is internet access, I thought I would blog about food in Abidjan. One word: AMAZING. The picture above is Foutou (basically mashed plantains that you eat with your hands and dip in fish and sauce). Other foods that I have tried so far is Attieke (sticky rice and fish) and Alloco (fish and fried plantains). Most things you eat with your hands, but who cares. I cannot get over how good the food is. The host family that me and the other canadian (Jaqui) are living with make such good dishes. Our "Mama" reminds me so much of my own mom because she is so proud of her food and wants us to always eat. And we both love the food so really their is no complaining going on!

I hope to taste more amazing cultural dishes and blog crazy about them! However, I have been getting a bad case of Diarrehea, I think it is because my stomach is getting use to the food. But I seriously hope to recreate the food here when I get back home (it will not taste the same at all but I will try!).

Till the next blog. *hugs* and loves from Abidjan

Hey I found the other Asians, Les petit amies... boyfriends and no longer being dazed :)

As I sit in the very slow but cozy internet cafe I find myself reflecting on the past crazy week and all the emotions I have gone through in such a short period of time. I hope my blogs are not too random for you guys but I should be heading back home soon so before I go here are a few more adventures that have happened the past couple days:

Socece
As I told you that everyone thinks I am chinese I think thats because it is the most popular asian they know but anyways I finally found the rest of the asian population their is a supermarket by our house called socece where all the expats are so whenever I miss home I am headed that way. I honestly thought their were no other foreigners here but its nice to know that if I ever feel homesick I can go there to get a taste of home and maybe have some ice cream :)

Boyfriends
No marriage proposals yet haha but I am pretty sure that I have been hit on at least 6 times since I have been here I have been reffered to as someones wife and have been asked for my number many times. I hope I do not give anyone the wrong impression when I give my number I just want to be friendly and make friends and NOT get a boyfriend. It is very amusing though and you know a tad flattering but I am happy to say that I have stood my ground and have made it clear that I am here to work... It does make for a funny story. For example this one guy told me oh we should be together and I was like uhhh Non Non Non and he was like oh we will work on that. Oh dear. I am still trying to figure out this mentality of la blanche it is quite an intreresting one

Daze be GONE
Today me and the other canadian finally figured out on our own how to get to the key places like campus and home using the cheap taxis using this system we now pay HALF of what wer did before... Thank goodness for WoWo WoWos. I am happy to say that I am finally getting in the groove of things and hope to get more comfortable as the days go on

Cheers to more adventures in lovely Abidjan and a few shoutouts:
FSA: Good luck on culture night I know it will be fantastic
AIESEC Calgary: Hope that Alvaro has arrived safely and that you are raising those TNs

hugs and loves to all :)

Culture shock, French sessions and my "daily routine"

*Picture: the AIESECERS in abidjan, my boss (in the middle) and the other canadian... sorry if it is backwards!

To tell you the truth when I arrived in Cote d'Ivoire I thought that I would have no problem getting into the culture, instead what happened was that I was in super SHOCK mode. I literally cried and complained the whole night to Jacqui (the other Canadian who is doing the same internship and living at the same house as me)... I just felt so isolated and the french was just too intense. I had thoughts of... can I really handle this?

But as It's been almost a week since I have arrived in Abidjan I have come to love this country and it's strangeness.... I have yet to master the roads and different transits and hope to do so before the end of the internship.

French sessions
I do not know why I did not think of this before but of course you are going to need to speak in french when giving sessions because english is not understood very well. I am trying my hardest to make sense when I speak in french, but at times I feel that the session is not effective unless the students understand me (of course). Hopefully as the months go on I will be more comfortable in french and can give better sessions sur le SIDA. But things have been well and the organization is more that what I expected. For some reason when the children/students see me in the class room they smile and are so nice and interested in why I am here. However... everything things I'm chinese.... weird!

Daily Routine
So far, my days go by at a medium pace maybe it is because the heat gets to me sometimes. Basically since I do not start working in Le Soutien until next week, I have been in the AIESEC office every day. I go here, say "Salut, comme ca va" then go do a session, go home, eat, prepare for my session the next day (need to translate everything in english). Basically I am hot, sweaty, eat a lot and have a constant french-english dictionary in my head... it actually is very WONDERFUL. And I don't know why but I just feel comfortable. What an experience... however next week will probably be a different routine (as each day is brand new)

This is all for now, Till the next blog *hugs* and love (beaucoup d'amour) from Abidjan!

Abidjan first impressions... Pays beau et tellement fou (a beautiful and really crazy country)

So I have been in Abidjan for about 3 days and have gone through 20 million types of emotions... the following are only a few bit little tid bits of my thoughts on this CRAZY but BEAUTIFUL city:

Family
My family is so sweet and they treat me and the other canadian like their own daughters... they cook for us, do our laundry. I love them so much. But one crazy thing is that because our boss is so well known we have a security guard.

AIESEC
What I have found is that no matter where in the world you are AIESEC will always be there. I have heard so many horror stories about the organization of development internships but everything has been so smooth and amazing here. I feel so safe as their is always a person with me. They have brought me around everywhere and even had a welcome party... I am able to confirm my love for the organization in Abidjan. The communication barrier between french and english amuses me and it's just so wonderful. I tried to teach them an AIESEC Canada cheer that did not work out too well... as they couldn't say it fast enough. Mais tres bon effort!

Weather
It is constantly hot, but I have gotten use to the fact that I will be sweaty the whole time... as long as I sleep in front of the fan at night, everything will be fine. I drink water like their is no tomorrow. But am getting use to the "groove of things".

Tid bits here and there
The roads are nuts and their are 4 types of taxis... red one (the safe but expensive one... converted it is only 2 dollars maximum... but it does add up), yellow ones that don't take you exactly where you want to go just on a certain road close by, roro - crazy cramped bus that I have yet to figure out how it works.

I am off to do a session (en francais... je suis tellement peur!) so will try to add more on this post later. Hope everyone is well.

Marcia

Airplane friends, Dubai and +37 C weather

Above is a picture of Dubai taken from the wonderful 12 hr plane ride. It is one of the longest flights I've taken but their was great service. Emirates really has great customer service: hot towels, great meals, endless list of music and movies. Plus they provided passengers with over night flights with a free hotel room and meal for the night.

Dubai is a very interesting city, however the bright lights and numerous stores in the air port remind me of las vegas. But when looking outside at the "non flashy" areas, I really feel like I am in other area in the world (perhaps because I am :) ). It's a wonderful 37 C right now but really is not too bad... it feels like a heater is on 24/7 but it's a nice change from the constant snow!

Being in the UAE, has really gotten me excited for Cote d'Ivoire. Right before my flight to dubai I was very scared... not knowing what to expect. But although it is true I am still scared I am also very grateful and excited for this wonderful opportunity. While talking to two airplane companions on the flight to Dubai, we had talked about how the world is quite small and that you never know what will really happen unless you communicate with people and discover/explore different cultures and parts of the world. The wonderful 61 year old lady I met informed me that she tries to instill 3 main characteristics in her children - Ambition (reach for the skies... never limit yourself), hard work and exploration (go and discover the world). If we all kept those 3 things in mind, imagine what we can each accomplish.

Going to cote d'ivoire, helping with HIV/AIDS is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am excited to learn not only about the culture of cote d'Ivoire but about HIV/AIDS itself and see first hand it's impact on individuals and communities. I sat in my hotel room yesterday reflecting on why I was doing this internship. I see this opportunity as an eye opener and that first step in "saving the world"... yes it sounds fluffy but helping (even just a little) such a huge cause as this is extremely soul fulfilling. I am not going to Cote d'Ivoire to instill my thoughts on how things should be done, I am going to learn about and engage in their culture. Obviously HIV/AIDS will not be fully prevented from the three months I am in Cote d'Ivoire... but getting this experience and bringing it back to Calgary will help towards this step. This really is the only thing individuals can do on short term developmental internships. We need to absorb in the culture, cherish the opportunity and bring back what we learned home.

I am off to my flight to Abidjan... cheers to 10 hours from ABJ!

Baby bird flying out of the nest Part I (Waiting for my flight to Dubai)

As I sit here at the Toronto airport waiting for my flight to Dubai, I find myself contemplating on this adventure to come... I feel like a baby bird flying out of their nest. Not really knowing what I am doing, dazed but still head strong on taking this "flight". This sentiment was further validated just a moment ago when I went through customs with questions and comments thrown at me such as: "Oh your going to Africa?" "How old are you?" "Awww, you look so scared". I am not afraid to admit that I am scared out of my body to what will happen when I arrive... I have a faint idea of what to expect of Abidjan but things are never what they seem and I guess that is the beauty of this adventure!

This is my little rant before I board my flight. So expect a little blog in Dubai on further thoughts and feelings on the internship, etc.

Cheers to 2 flights away from Abidjan!

Feelings on the final week in Canada (-4 days)

I am at the stage of pure excitement. It's true that I am a bit scared (as are many travelers when going to a completely different country and culture). But I am as prepared as I can be to leave the country and immerse in the culture of Abidjan. And I think that is the right mentality when leaving the country... I need to go there with an open heart, open mind and just completely absorb my surroundings.

The one thing that has really gotten my spirits up is an e-mail from a fellow Canadian who is already in Abidjan (we will be living in the same house and working in the same organization) and is having a wonderful time. It makes me want to just get on my plane tomorrow and start this adventure.

I know it will difficult, especially because of the language barrier. Yes, I can understand french better then most but I haven't practiced in over 3 years and hope that the 6 years of french immersion classes kick in. I don't want to go there and have them expect some one with completely fluent french (Je suis peur... tres peur pour ca)... as I am known to be an avid speaker of "Anglicism". But I am sure after a few weeks things will start to become "daily routines" and I will get use to the French.

Good byes have been said and I will truly miss everyone back home. Thank you to everyone who have been nothing but supportive of this internship, whether that means writing a heartfelt card, words of encouragement, random gifts , contacts and advice or a wonderful hug. These all mean the world to me and I am truly grateful to all of you. I cannot wait to share the experiences from these 3 months with you when I return (A&B je me tellement manque beaucoup LULT).

Au revoir Calgary, Salut Abidjan... Je suis prete pour vous et tous tes défis!
Good bye Calgary, Hello Abidjan... I am ready for you and all of your challenges!

Just... RELAX (-12 days)

As I sit here, "studying" for my last exam and trying to mentally prepare myself for Abidjan. I find myself reflecting on what has happened so far in my preparation for leaving.

For those that know me, I am a very organized person that likes things set in place and loves to create lists. However, the past few weeks (just trying to get everything prepared for Abidjan) has gotten me to question this regiment and made me realize that sometimes I just need to RELAX!

On top of that I need to keep my faith open and keep that attitude that things do happen for a reason. I know I am meant to go on this internship and that I will go through many challenges during the next 3 months but these challenges will happen.... for a reason!

This reflection has a lot to do with the events of the past few weeks and my list of what needs to be done in 12 days:

• Visa - Apparently I can only have a visa for up to three months in Cote d'Ivoire (it is the law), that means I will need to get an extension when I arrive in the country. This initially made me completely freak out. But from talking to my mom, really there is no point in getting flustered about it. Worse thing is that I do not get the extension and have to come home early, but at least I would of got to make some sort of impact for 2 months. But being an optimistic hopefully things works out. I am thankful for my lonely planet that my sister gave me, as it has the visa extension office address! I am definitely going to rely on lonely planets on my other travel adventures.
• First week in Abidjan - I have talked to Alex and I will be in the AIESEC office in the first week then go to Le Soutien the next week (of course depending on my boss, as I will be living with him and his family). I also hope I can figure out this wonderful visa extension during my first week.
  
• Packing, packing, packing - I have finally bought linen pants (Melynda mentioned that these are the best pants to get for HOT places) and hope that they will help with the heat. So I am good for clothes, now I just need an adapter and all the other travel basics.
• Gifts - I am excited to go shopping this upcoming weekend for Maple Syrup and little "Canadian" souvenirs. Anyone have suggestions for great little Canadian gifts?
• Learning more about HIV/AIDS and potential workshop activities
• Medication - I get to start my potential "crazy malaria pills" tomorrow. I am suppose to take these pills 2 weeks before I leave, but the doctor warned me that they may cause me to have vivid dreams and go a little crazy (hopefully this doesn't happen!).
  
• Mental preparation - This is probably the key thing I have left to do, I need to get into the "Abidjan" mode and prepare myself to go away from my everyday comforts. And as much as I want to go away and experience a new culture, I know I will still find it very hard to have such a different daily routine.
  

It's time for me to "RELAX", get these little things prepared before I go.

Cheers to 12 days till Abidjan!

Travel visas (-30 days)

It's always good to get your travel visa way in advance to your departure , just in case anything goes wrong. So that is what I exactly did, I leave May 8 but I sent in my visa application last week.. thinking the only thing that could go wrong is that it would take more than a month to process.

To my surprise I received it in the mail yesterday. Being my first major trip, I was very ecstatic about receiving it so early and without a hitch. But it did seem to good to be true. So yes there was ONE MAJOR PROBLEM. The embassy issued my visa from April - July... which means I can get into the country in May but will get kicked out a month early! It was clearly stated on my application, sent flight ticket AND invitation letter that I would be in Abidjan from May 10 - August 16. Thus, I will have to call the embassy on Monday to tell them of the mistake and will then send my passport back to Ottawa. Thank goodness it only takes less then a week for them to issue a visa.

Moral of the story: It really is ALWAYS good to get your visa done ahead of time, because you NEVER know what will go wrong. It could even be the embassy that makes the mistake!

Time is running out (-39 days)

It's only been 4 days since my last blog and over these past few days I have gotten a sense of TOTAL STRESS. Maybe because it is the first day of April or the fact that I have just realized there is only 2 weeks of school left and I am completely behind. Oh yeah and because I will be off to the other side of the world in a month and 9 days. Yes, TIME IS RUNNING OUT.

I know that all students go through the stress of school, assignments and balancing and I really thought I had mastered the art of the balance. But apparently not... I sit here thinking I have a lot to do and end up procrastinating and in the end do nothing.

On the bright side my first list of what needs to be done before Abidjan is getting smaller... but I have started a new list:

• Visa - Application has been sent in and now I play the waiting game (will call them next week to see if they received it)
• Bursary - I sent in my application for the international studentship award on Monday and hope to hear back from them this week... this is a big source for money and I really hope I can get at least some money for this trip.
• Flight - Set and booked to leave on the night of May 8 and come back August 16.
• Accommodations - Have been confirmed to live with one of the co-founders of Le Soutien and his family (quite exciting!).
  
• Fund raising events and promotion of the internship
• Getting together more workshop materials and extensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS
• Look into local organizations (AIDS Calgary) and Le Soutien
• Packing, packing PACKING... getting all the items needed for 3 months as well as gifts, etc. (I am so thankful Amber has given me a start up list of what to bring)
  
• Putting together a video of Canada/Calgary for the AIESEC Abidjan - Not only am I going to experience a new culture but I of course have to share my culture as well and be a fantastic Canadian ambassador.

I honestly do not think this list of things to do will ever stop. But at least it is the "small things" that I have left to cross off. It is now starting to sink in that I will actually be leaving and thus the stress comes on. So for now I will keep the positive vibes going and just keep trucking to get things done.

It definitely helps that my parents are just as excited as I am. Maybe not my mom so much (Asian parents, youngest daughter and Africa do not mix too well). But it is understandable for them to be scared and through it all I know they are proud! My dad has even bought me an "African musicians CD"...

Check out one of Angeliques songs - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vP3ic1Jwog

I guess that is it for now. Back to the endless assignments, restless nights and ongoing preparation. I just have to keep the amazing experience ahead of me in mind =)!

Counting down the days (-43 days)

If you were to tell me one year ago, that I would soon be off to Cote d'Ivoire to do a development internship with Le Soutien and AIESEC (the ASK program) I would punch you in the arm with disbelief. I have a little over a month (43 days to be exact) before this crazy journey starts. And my feelings are all over the place.

Yes I am extremely excited, happy and grateful but at the same time I am stressed and overwhelmed. Maybe because this is my first major trip outside of Canada or because I am helping to promote such a prevalent health issue (HIV/AIDS) and want to make sure that I do my best. Whatever the reason... I still have a lot to do before my departure. Lets see at the moment here my major priorities:

• Visa (in the process)
• Flight (in the process) - After endless weeks of searching have finally found a cheap and affordable price ($1500)
• Reading up on HIV/AIDS and preparing workshop/session materials (in the process) - I have made a wonderful binder with the given modules and other materials!
  
• Shots (check)
  
• Setting up blog (check)
• Renew passport (check)
  
• Arranging contact list for when I arrive and accommodations (in the process)

Looking at the above list, I still have a lot left to do. But all this pre-stress is definitely worth the experience. So what exactly will I be doing? In a nutshell I will be working with AIESEC Abidjan and their ASK program to research, develop and facilitate HIV/AIDS awareness workshops/sessions to college and high school students. As well, I will be working with Le Soutien (a non profit organization that care for orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV /AIDS through an association of donators, awareness events, etc.)

To learn about Le Soutien please refer to their site: http://www.lesoutien.org/I am honored to be volunteering with this NGO and cannot wait to learn and experience more about the organization.

Hopefully reading this blog will let you experience the same things I am going through on the other side of the world. And along the way help you to learn more about HIV/AIDS, Le Soutien, AIESEC and the ASK program and the wonderful city of Abidjan. Thus starts the blogging about my first crazy and most fulfilling adventure!