By Annie May Krapek 

Editor’s Note: Annie Mae Krapek set off for a summer of volunteer work in Sierra Leone in June. Her story was featured in the May 29 issue of the Chaska Herald and here [0] online. She will be writing regular columns on her experience throughout the summer. You can also follow her work at www.be-change.blogspot.com [1].

From the moment I set foot on African soil, it has been an adventure. Everything here is so very different - neither better nor worse - just very, very different. Even the most articulate writer could not describe my experience this week in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, so I have decided to just share a few of the most important things I have learned during my first week in Africa.

Ditch the stereotypes – or at least be aware of them.

Some of mine have been very accurate. For example, literally being the only white person (a non-African at that) almost everywhere I go.

Many stereotypes are completely wrong, though. Africa isn’t all bush, Freetown is every bit as busy, and even larger than Minneapolis.

I hear music all of the time - but rather than ethnic drumming it is popular American musicians like Akon and Sara Bareilles and local hip hop.

As a type, I can hear cheering as 30 Sierra Leoneans watch a soccer match in the other room of the hostel. For any of you planning on visiting Africa soon, be aware of your stereotypes and be ready to change them.

Make friends – you never know when you’ll need them.

On my third and final flight from London to Freetown, my fellow global justice volunteer “Leo” and I met a man on his way to Sierra Leone for business. “Digi,” as I will call him, was born in Nigeria but currently lives in the United States. We mentioned to Digi that Leo hadn’t known he needed a visa and we were unsure how and if he could get into the country.

When we landed Digi and Leo complete disappeared (I will admit, I was very nervous). Fifteen minuets later Leo returned and, in a hush voice, asked “Can I borrow $100?” Later I found out that Digi had helped Leo “arrange” a visa with officials (which actually cost $31 less than my legal visa).

Everyone in Sierra Leone has been incredibly hospitable. However, to all of the white young women, while it is good to be friendly, make sure you aren’t giving the wrong impression. Many men have asked to take me out, and I even had a note with a phone number on it passed to me at church!

Ask, listen, observe, and try

If you don’t, there is no way you will know that you need to fill the top of the toilet with water everyday, that goats really are allowed in taxis, that people saying “white girl” when they see you on the street isn’t bad, that African night clubs are incredibly fun, or that lizards are harmless, even when they are in the shower (which is actually a faucet and bucket).

Don’t worry about the hippos

Driving is the scary part of Africa! Drivers in Freetown almost never stop at corners –for people, for dogs, for anything. It seems that horns have replaced brakes here. On multiple occasions I have had to close my eyes as my taxi approaches a street dog unflinchingly at 35 miles per hour. We haven’t hit one... yet.

Community is key

This has been reinforced more than learned, but community has been incredibly important this week. My grandmother, Elly Krapek, died on June 27, during my first week here. It has been incredibly hard to be this far from my family at a time like this, but my fellow volunteers and new friends have been incredibly supportive.

When in doubt, bring your French dictionary

You will need it! I honestly speak French as much as English here. While it is an English-speaking country, two of the Global Justice Volunteers only speak French,
one of whom I will be working with for the next seven weeks. Beaucoup de francais!

I am sad to see most of the volunteers leave for Zambia and Ghana this week, but excited to start work with City of Rest and Society for Women with Aids Africa, Sierra Leone chapter.

I’m ready to start changing the world!

Annie Mae Krapek is a 2007 Chaska High School graduate and former Chanhassen resident.