Rudi Conley,
Antananarivo
Some months ago I set foot on the tarmac of
Ivato International Airport. This country will be my home for the next few
years.
The interesting part of my arrival here is
that I never envisaged three months ago that I would ever end up in Madagascar
.. However, being in the job that I am, these things do happen. I have been
told that the difference between a 'first, second 'and later posting lies in
the words "when?, where? and how much?". This being my first posting,
my first reaction on learning that I had been posted to Madagascar was one of
"When do I leave?".
Although being advised and informed by
colleagues, a post report, books and magazines, nothing of these could ever
prepare anyone for that which lies ahead. My initial response was one of
"not so bad". However, this was only what a psychologist would term a
"feeling of denial". By verbally expressing my feelings of "not
so bad", I was only making matters worse for myself. Things came into
perspective when the culture shock officially dawned on me that same evening.
Everything,inside me cried for home: South-Africa !-. - violence or no violence,
stywe pap, mieliepap (although I am a Capetonian), a deep cry for relief from
my feeling of helplessness and depression. The process of accepting my
situation was not easy. During the weeks that followed, I went through a very
painful process of accepting circumstances that were terribly different: A strange language, a poor
infrastructure, unhygienic open air butcheries, overloaded busses, chickens and
cattle roaming the streets.
All this has brought a new dimension and introspection
to my own cosy and relatively comfortable existence. After being here a year, a
fellow colleague still experiences moments of emotional torment when seeing the
trying living conditions that the Malagasy people are experiencing. Empathy and
sympathy have to be weighed up closely every time you set out to go into the
zuma (marketplace).
Being here for some time now, I have
learned to accept and overcome my initial negative feelings. The secret lies in
coming to terms with that Q which Madagascar has to offer. Identifying with the
Malagasy situation causes one to try with vigour, determination and sincerity.
This effort enables one to become part of the Malagasy people and their
situation. Ask any "Wasa" (foreigner) about their feelings about
eating Ravintoto (green dish consisting of cassava leaves and pork meat). Being
a good diplomat my comment after my first experience was "no
comment".
These experiences are great stepping stones for the future and furthermore will
strengthen us to serve our country in an excellent manner.
To all my fellow colleagues posted in
Africa, I would like to encourage you to hang in there: we are experiencing the
best time of our careers
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