As a little fun thing to celebrate our one year anniversary, I asked several of my fellow PCVs to contribute one lesson that they’ve learned after spending a year of their lives in Mozambique. Some might not make sense to those who are stateside, but I still wanted to share. Enjoy!
Moz 13: What I’ve learned after a year…
The BBD legend does not always hold true.
I’ve absolutely learned that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…
It’s totally worth it to take the time to sit and chat with village elders, even if its for several hours and it’s super awkward, because they will love you so much more for it.
With enough inspirational talking you can get any teen to air guitar.
When traveling, always have a book and toilet paper.
I’ve learned that the worst experiences, or things that seem to be terrible at the time, always make the BEST stories. So, I try to enjoy that amazing story as it’s happening, even if it seems like the end of the world at the time.
Caldo makes everything better. And it’s okay to greet people by telling them that you are doing well and not asking how they are.
Portuguese! I knew like 2 words when I left for site. Practice makes perfect.
I have learned that there’s really no experience quite like passada-ing with my students.
Your best hope for tolerating the bull that gets thrown at you is to make friends with Mozambicans to keep life here personal instead of just a job. And just because we do it differently in the states doesn’t mean we do it better. And take everything everyone else says about you, Mozambique, and everything else with a pinch of salt. And make sure you are actually seeing what you think you are seeing. Also maybe focus on living and living well instead of surviving—the perspective of it all.
I’ve learned that everything has both a 100% chance of succeeding and a 100% chance of failing, but you have to get out and try hard.
When you’re at a party, always dance. Even if you suck, the enthusiasm is always appreciated.
What I’ve learned so far: How to turn down marriage proposals in four languages and STILL not get my point across!
How to better recognize when I should be patient and when I should put my foot down.
I learned that the phrase “he didn’t know better” is the ticket to doing basically anything in a foreign country blame free.
Sometimes it pays to be a complainer!
I’ve learned to be able to sit quietly and do nothing for a long period of time and think nothing of it.
Personal space is not a right; it is a privilege (and/or a completely foreign concept)
I’ve learned the versatility and value of coco and amendoim!
Bring a book.
Don’t walk barefoot between vilanculos and inhassoro if you like your feet.
My counterpart has shown me that in order to incite change we must realize that we must sweat for the things we want in life and then show others why we are sweating and what we are sweating for. It is then that others will see our struggle and be inspired to sweat for their own desires or to help in achieving ours.
Also if I had collected one metical from every man that wanted to marry me here, “learn English” from me, and go to America with me, I would be rich by now!
Look hard for a dedicated, motivated hard worker in your community to start a project. You won’t get anywhere with most of your lazy coworkers.
The fastest way to get somebody to stop asking you for money is for you to ask them for money first!
If you have it, give it away. If you don’t have it, go ask someone for it.
You really don’t need to refrigerate everything.
I’ve learned that a true friend isn’t someone who’ll stand by you when you shit yourself in a field, it’s someone who stands by after they’ve found you banana leaves to wipe with.
I’ve learned to try to appreciate the attention because we will never be treated like we’re so frickin special any other time in our lives. Also, never expect perfection because you’ll be disappointed but do your best and be happy with the little successes.
30 is the new 20.
Give what you want to get.
That it’s a crazy ass time to be alive on the planet and not being able to change that, it’s our right to just smilingly watch it all and not worry.
Recently, that I’m not above boiling batatas and then using the hot water to bathe.
99.9% of the time, being frustrated, angry, or bitter is a choice that does not help anything. “Choosing your attitude” sounds cheesy, but can really make or break your time here.
This experience will change your life much more than it will change those of whom you are serving. Accepting that without becoming jaded and valuing the personal growth that happens in you is the key to making the most of your experience.
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