You know those times when life stresses you out and no matter where you're standing or what you're doing, you can close your eyes and transport yourself to another place. A place that may be real or it might be a work of your imagination, but regardless, the very thought of it is enough to slow your heart rate, calm your nerves, and allow you to take a deep breath and relax enough to not pull out all of your hair. My mental breakdown home is Nosy Varika, it is a very real place, and I have walked and ran more miles along its coast line in my head than I ever did while I was actually there (a sign of instability or laziness?! you decide).
My wonderful site mate Bryan is currently looking for funding to build a well for the town of Andonaka, just north of Nosy Varika. Bryan and I biked the adventurous "road" to Andonaka together a few times and I always left there with a full belly, a smile on my face, and the sense that my time in Madagascar was going to be worth it. That means a lot when you're a Peace Corps volunteer. It can be hard to find people that will work with you and not against you, and there are some very hardworking and generous souls living in Andonaka. I will never forget learning how to harvest rice in Andonaka, collecting mandarins from the giant trees where they were falling like rain with heavy thuds, and crossing deep water in a boat that someone hand carved with sweat and love. Despite how tiring and uncertain life can be for the citizens of Andonaka, I never encountered anything but smiles and giggles from the children and respectful handshakes from the adults. Really, I can't say enough about them.
But Bryan can tell you more! He's lived in Nosy Varika for more than a year and half and does a lot of his Peace Corps work in Andonaka. Here is a link to the site where he is collecting donations to build 2 wells there, as well as a brief explanation about his project and the town: http://appropriateprojects.com/node/1344
Nosy Varika is where I worked and lived, it is where I would have requested any financial help if I were still able to be there and these are the exact people I want to be helping. They are the people that took the time to know me, feed me, and listen to my terrible Malagasy with patience and smiles. My beautiful, mental safe-haven needs fresh drinking water and you can help Bryan make this happen! I am not aware of whether or not another Peace Corps volunteer will be placed in Nosy Varika in the future, and it is possible that this will be the last opportunity (for awhile, hopefully not forever) to invest in its health and well being. If you can donate anything at all I would greatly appreciate it, and I know Bryan would too!
Misoatra betsaka namako sy fianakaviana!
(Thank you so much to friends and family!)
