An ode to Lovasoa and emotions that follow

Lovasoa, a Cross-Culture Competence Center & SO much more....

Lovasoa, my first home in Madagascar.
I could not have asked for a more lovely and welcoming home for my first month. Here I was surrounded by not only my newest friends, the Madagas'gals but also amazing teachers, friendly staff, amazing plant life, beautiful sunsets, and of course sakakely!
It was here at this new home that I began to learn Malagasy and not only the language but also the culture. The teachers were absolutely amazing!! Even Mr. Henry, who started off scaring the crap out of me, ended up being the best! I honestly can not think of one bad thing to say about any of the teachers. Yes, it was quite overwhelming a number of times... But my teachers held strong. They were patient and helpful, they made us laugh, they taught us games and dances, and they quickly became friends. To Mr. Henry, Mamia, Nina, & Jean, thank you so so much. I will never forget you.

From the moment I knew I was coming to Madagascar, I was eager to get to my site placement. I knew how fast the 10 months would fly by, and I wanted to make each second count. However, the longer I was at Lovasoa, the more it felt like home. It was comforting knowing I was in a safe place surrounded by friends. I knew my way around the area. I could get to the park and the market and even two different western stores. I knew where the pharmacy, the post office, and most importantly, where the good ice cream spot was. I was comfortable, and I found myself not wanting to leave. It was really hard to say goodbye to Antsirabe and Lovasoa. I had fallen in love so fast... In my last hour on the Lovasoa campus, I found myself just walking around, taking in all the sites that I had come accustomed to. I took pictures of EVERYTHING, not wanting to forget a thing! I was struggling with having to say goodbye...

 

The building we stayed in.
 D2 will always have a piece of my heart

Where we had the majority of our classes

English chapel 

I found sacakely right before leavng!

These flowers are not only pretty, but
they smell amazing too! They are called Telo Fanovana,
or 3 changes. This is due to the flowers blooming 3 times in a
year, and as a different color each time. Purple, Yellow, and Red.
Beautiful!

It is now, that I need to remind myself that comfortable is not what I signed up for. It is not what I wanted. I wanted change, and I wanted a challenge. I say this because I'm hopeful that in these challenges, I will find more of myself. I will grow, and change, and become more aware of the world around me and more aware of what I'm really capable of.

Yesterday I made the 6 hour journey to Toamasina, my new home town for the rest of my stay. On that winding trip, I experienced car sickness for the first time in my life. It was awful and debilitating at times. During the times I was able to look out the window though, I was once again blown away by the beauty that is Madagascar! I also had to wonder if it was really all car sickness... Or was I just feeling a million feelings all at once on top of lack of sleep? I guess I'll never know... But I do know that I am happy to be here. I am happy to say that I have finally arrived in Toamasina. I am happy to meet my site supervisor, Lydia today. I hear she is the best! I am so happy for my journey to really begin. The first month in Mada was fantastic! I can not wait to begin my adventure in Toamasina! I know with time I will love it as I did Antsirabe and Lovasoa, if not more, because I will call it home!

  Some sights on my way to Toamasina!