Hello everyone, I’ve been in Mozambique for about a week now and a lot has happened. We left our orientation in Philadelphia at 2 AM and bused to New York for our flight out of JFK. After a lot of waiting around, rearranging of luggage, a 15 hour flight to Johannesburg, South Africa, and a six hour layover we finally arrived in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. Not much happened in our two days in Maputo. We weren’t allowed to leave the hotel and our days were filled with vaccinations and presentations on what to expect during our 3-month Pre-Service Training. There are 58 education volunteers in the Moz 29 group and its crazy how well I have gotten to know a lot of the other volunteers in such a short period of time. I’m usually not a fan of icebreakers but it has been cool to hear about where some of the other volunteers are coming from and what their motivation to join the Peace Corps was.
After the two days in Maputo, we took a 2-hour bus ride to Namaacha where we will be for the next 3 months for training. When I arrived in Namaacha, I was immediately greeted by my host Mae (pronounced my) who whisked me away to my home for the next three months. There I was greeted by four of my seven host siblings. All my host siblings are over the age of 16. Four attend secondary school in Namaacha, one sister goes to an I.F.P which is a school specifically designed to train teachers (she will graduate in December, and will start teaching in January) one attends university in Maputo, and one is a policeman (I think). After meeting my new fam, we all sat down to a huge lunch. Although the lunch was very tasty, it may have been one of the most awkward meals of my life, as I understood nothing. Yet, that did not stop my family from asking me a lot of questions and trying to talk to me. I can only imagine the look on my open-mouthed face as I tried to process the few Portuguese words that I understood. After lunch, my Mae took me to what she called a “Festa” or party to meet one of my other sisters. As we walked to the “Festa” I tried to imagine what a Mozambican party looked like. Whatever images I had of what the party would be like were way off. At first, I was offered a seat at the men’s table and observed what seemed to be an argument between the men and women of the party. After everyone had said their piece, everyone sang and danced as a man was led into the room. Then a sort of laying of hands was performed on the guy as prayers were said over him. After this, the “Festa” was over. The word “Festa” does translate to party, but it wasn’t much of a party in my opinion haha. I found out from some other people that what I attended is not a typical party so hopefully when my Portuguese improves I can ask my Mae what exactly happened. I’ll keep you all updated on what I discover. After the party, we came back home where I took my first bucket bath and then had another awkward meal with my family before going to bed. What’s a bucket bath you ask? Great question! A bucket bath consists of heating water in either an electric kettle (Yes there is electricity in Africa) or on a charcoal stove. Then you take the hot water into the shower along with your own personal pitcher. You pour the water on yourself using a pitcher, scrub scrub scrub with soap, rinse, and then all clean. Anyways, after my first day I was overwhelmed, exhausted, and pretty discouraged that I really could not communicate with anyone. I went to bed kind of feeling sorry for myself, but hoping for a better day the next day. The next day was Sunday and I went to church with my host brother, Muchiua (pronounced Moo-she-wa), who it turns out is the director of the youth choir at the Assembly of God Evangelical Church. His choir is really good and it was cool to see him do his thing. After church we came home and just kind of hung out. I got to know my host siblings a little better and they are all so friendly. I then had an interview to determine what level of Portuguese class I should be placed into. I was actually placed into one of the more advanced classes. (If you are wondering how this happened, I am also wondering how this happened). So far, the average day during the week consists of waking up, taking a bucket bath, having a quick breakfast and then heading to class. Classes mainly focus on Portuguese, Mozambican culture, and staying safe and healthy here in Mozambique. After class I come home and try to help my family with chores, but I’m not quite competent in many of these chores yet, so usually I just watch and try to keep my siblings company as they work. My siblings and Mae are great. They are so generous and willing to help me with my Portuguese, especially Ceclia, (she’s the one training to be a teacher). Then we eat, and thankfully the meals have become less awkward as I slowly get better at Portuguese. It’s crazy how much better I have gotten in the past week or so. Partly because if I don’t get better I can’t talk haha, and partly because of how helpful my family has been at teaching me. After dinner, we go to bed around 9 or 10. Anyways if you have any questions or anything about what it’s like here in Mozambique feel free to text me on Whats App (+258 86-498-2265), message me on Facebook, or Email me ([email protected]). I’ll try to upload some pictures next time.
7 Comments
Ashly Brady
9/6/2017 02:42:56 pm
Hey con! Hope you have a great time. Can't wait to see the pictures! Love you!!!
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Conor Brady
9/11/2017 10:52:25 am
Thanks Ash! I'll try to take some pictures this week. Love you too!
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Janet
9/6/2017 06:49:27 pm
Conor Thank you for sharing. I shared with mom & Carl so we get to live through you. I'm amazed at how well you have connected. Even though not surprised because of who you are. Your gracefulness has shown through. Do take care, God Bless janet & family!
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Conor Brady
9/11/2017 10:53:34 am
Thanks so much Janet, I appreciate the kind words!
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Kristin
9/10/2017 11:05:47 am
Glad you are picking up the language!! I had an aww :( moment for you when you said you went to bed feeling sorry for yourself because you couldn't communicate. We should all be put in situations where we are different and out of the norm to know how that feels. You can do absolutely anything now that you have done this! So proud of you. Thanks for writing so we can follow your adventures. We miss you!!
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Conor Brady
9/11/2017 10:55:35 am
Thanks Kristin, ya I'm definatly outside of my comfort zone at times here but hopefully I'll get the Portuguese down soon.
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Marian
10/5/2017 05:05:32 am
Hi conor great to get an update on your adventures! giving me itch feet again :-) it's so refreshing to get different perspectives on life and society. No doubt it will feel very strange for a while. I remember my uncle telling me when I went to new York for the first time that it would take six months to feel settled...and it did take time. And that was just new York, where the transport could be scary at times too!! Look forward to hearing more. Mx
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