This posting was going to be a happy one given the fact that I have had some wonderful days recently. Yet, they have all been overshadowed by today.
I arrived at the Peace Corps' regional office this morning to check on an electrical problem. This was to be the least of my worries. Upon entering, I discovered that the back door had been broken down and our entire computer system (monitor, hard drive, backup generator, keyboard, mouse, and webcam) had been stolen. Although none of this was my personal stuff, I am still responsible for it. You see, each region has an office for volunteers to use a computer, make phone calls, use the library resources, etc. And, each region has a volunteer coordinator who is in charge of all the volunteers in the region, represents Peace Corps to government officials, pays the bills, maintains the equipment and library, etc. That's one of my jobs here.
At this point, I am just fuming mad! This is the 5th time in 2 years I have had to report a robbery to the police here! What's worse is that the police do absolutely nothing. They come, look around, take a few notes, and make countless promises they have no intention to keep. Yet, no action is ever taken. It's not even the police who really bother me. Yea, they could do fingerprints, interview neighbors, look for footprints in the sand, etc. Of course, they do none of that. Yet, it doesn't bother me. What does bother me is the fact that many of the people here just don't respect us or the Peace Corps. We give up a lot to come to one of the harshest climates on earth to serve the people of this country. Yet, does that count for anything? It appears not! I am so tired of continually being a target for theft, harassment, etc. I only want to help this country and its people and this is the thanks I get?
I am really glad that I'm not starting my 2 years here now because I am definitely fed up with being treated so poorly. Sometimes, I wonder why Peace Corps is even here if people can't respect the work we are trying to do. I certainly won't miss the feelings of frustration and fatigue of dealing with ungrateful people. Yet, I will miss my family, friends and Peace Corps staff. Sadly, in a country of 3 million people, I can count on 2 hands and 2 feet the few people I respect and admire here. What an unfortunate waste!
Until next time,
Janine to
