Pastor Rich was right. I packed scrubs and medical supplies, prepared to work in the hospital. Instead, I'm doing data entry. I'm use to doing data entry; I've had various desk jobs since high school. That's not a problem. The problem is that I CAN do the same thing in America.
I was asked to teach a few classes on first aid/EMT basic, anatomy & physiology, and exclusive breastfeeding. That would be amazing. Anything new and different I would readily welcome. However, I feel I have been tricked. After all the action packed surprises during my trip to Bere, Tchad seems to be pretty boring. (At least my current situation is really boring).
Zach and Charis have emphasized that they want at least 8 hours of work from us - just like in America. Not a problem, but please give me something to do. They have tried to assign data input tasks, have us study french, and even teach a healthy cooking class. Nothing keeps us busy.
It is common knowledge that I like to keep busy. I hate feeling like I am wasting time. So...this is what Daniel, Josh, and I have accomplished in our free time. I have complete 2 chapters in my MCAT study book. I taught one of the Bere boys how to complete a Rubik's cube, and I have finished a full season of Suits. Daniel has finished 2 (almost 3) seasons of Suits, killed every bug that crossed his path, and is on level 37 in Bejewel (he doesn't even like that game, but it is the only phone game he has). Josh has accomplished the most. He has watched 5 movies, a season of Suits with me, and he beat every level in Bejewel. (He was crowned the king of Jewels haha). At this rate we will make an impact on the bench we sit on instead of the world.
On a happier note, we started meeting with the traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and the community health workers (CWAs). Granted we mostly sat quietly and listen, but at least we were able to help a little bit. We helped them practice taking blood pressure and temperature. They don't have fancy machines to do it for them, so we have to make sure they understand the concept behind every little thing we teach them. They always have a lot of questions.
As I made my rounds, ensuring everyone had practiced, I was stopped by a man. He asked if I would be willing to be his "patient," while he practiced. Of course I said yes and took a seat.
Once he finished taking my BP, he practiced his english skills. He took a seat next to me and began asking about the paracord bracelet I was wearing. He wanted to know where I got it and if I had one for him. I answered his questions politely then tried to go finish my rounds. That's when I realized I was trapped.
It turns out that I was talking to "Monsieur Casanova." He was a lover of women, and an American would be a wonderful addition to his collection. He continued to flirt with me, finding any reason to touch me. To make matters worse, his english wasn't that great. Half the time I didn't even know what he was saying.
I called out to one of the translators, Freddie, for help. That flopped. It turns out that they were friends. Freddie was his english teacher. Monsier Casanova told Freddie something and he walked off laughing.
Apparently, Monsieur Casanova was politely showing interest in Tchadian culture. Men can do almost anything to women because they are the superior species. Freddie understood what was happening, and didn't try to stop Monsieur Casanova because it was a honor he was paying me heed. However, I was technically Casanova's teacher. That means I am on a higher pedestal then him. Monsieur Casanova shouldn't have been treating me the way he was. To bad they view me as a woman, not a teacher. Trust and believe I will fight for the correct title.
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