The day I left Madagascar one person was killed and 16 more injured as a result of protests about the fairness of the upcoming election. As a government employee I was prohibited from getting involved in Malagasy politics as well as saying anything against the United States government (a task that was much easier before … More How we talk about coups
A number of people in Madagascar put great faith in medicinal plants for minor ailments. There were sticks to eat to give you energy (they were oddly spicy). Wild ginger leaves were good for women who had just given birth. There was one plant that made excellent toilet paper and helped with upset stomachs. Another … More Madagascar’s Magical Plants
It’s been one year since I cried giving my going away speech to my village one year since I sobbed on a taxi brousse leaving my village one year since my host brother saw his first airplane .. and cried once he realized I was getting on it It’s been one year since I … More It’s been one year since…
I’ve been back home for a couple weeks now and I think I’m getting the hang of things. I now own a pair of pants and more than one pair of shoes, so I think I’ve gotten consumerism down. However, I haven’t fully adjusted yet. Here’s some thoughts I’ve had since being back. I only … More In a Strange Old Land
This is the farewell I should have given to my community, but instead I broke down crying and couldn’t speak. To my mommas: You are all amazing women. You took me in and cared for me like I was your sister, your child, your niece. You were there when I was sick and couldn’t fetch … More A Farewell to my Community
*set to the tune of What’d I miss? from Hamilton* Mikaela Cherry’s coming home Mikaela Cherry’s coming home Mikaela Cherry’s coming home Lord she’s been off in Mada for so long… Peace Corps Madagascar is now over, there is no more status quo But the sun comes up and the world still spins My town … More Mikaela Cherry’s Coming Home!
I know I’ve talked a bit here and there about working in rice fields and eating rice, but I’m not sure I’ve explained exactly how important rice is to Malagasy culture. In short rice is life. Most people here eat it three times a day in amounts that would cause. It’s the main crop that … More Rice is Life
Since Mada is known for it’s lemurs I thought I would do a post about some of the lemurs I’ve seen while I’ve been here And last, but not least some a short clip with some of the lemurs I’ve seen
Today I officially close my service as a volunteer. It has been an incredible two years. At times I didn’t think I would make it to this point, but I’m so glad I did. I will be back in the States soon, but I still have a few blog posts I never got to that … More Ringing the Bell!
We survived PC Mada We’re done eating rice Oh Oh it is so nice We survived PC Mada Now we’re RPCVs What does all this mean? Host Families, LPIs, Off radar alabis, Evil ombys, endless broussing, PCTC food Leaky rooftop, vanilla murder No moto rides? Crowing rooster Rice rice rice rice rice rice rice … More We Survived PC Mada (We Didn’t Start the Fire)
Mik In Mada 