September 10, 2011
I’m at an interesting crossroads today. I am at once sad to be leaving my host family, but at the same time, excited to be moving to my new site. Two events have led to these crossroads. First of all, I had the opportunity to visit my new site, and I was very happy with what I saw. Secondly, in one week I will be moving from my host site to Ouaga to prepare for swearing-in (finally!).
Let’s start with my site visit. My new site is located in a small village in the Southwest part of Burkina Faso, near the borders of both Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. The population is about 3,ooo people, most of whom speak a language called Lobiri. It’s very green and lush, and the people were very welcoming. I believe I am either the 6th or 7th volunteer that this community has had, but only the second education volunteer. In the past they have had health volunteers. My house is located in the middle of a large field and surrounded by wild tomato plants. I can’t wait to add some additional trees and vegetables to the mix! The town has no electricity, so I’m now is search of a good solar charger for my computer and phone. Any recommendations?
One of the best parts of visiting my site was meeting my counterparts. My community counterpart, Armelle is very fiery and I’m excited to work with her. Just two years older than me, she works at the local medical clinic in the maternity ward (she IS the maternity ward), as well as owning a restaurant and being a single mother. This woman knows EVERYONE in town, and it seems to me that she is much respected in the community. My second counterpart is the Associate Director of the primary school. He is sweet and soft-spoken. All three of us were able to quickly form an easy and jovial relationship.
In three weeks, I will be permanently moving to site – I can’t wait! But moving to site means leaving my host family who I have become very close with. I know that I will visit them over the next couple of years, but still, the thought of not seeing them and joking around with them on a daily basis makes me a little sad.
I think that’s the news for the day. I’m sure there’ll be more to come as I prepare for swearing-in and relocating to my site.
Two quick announcements:
1. I won’t have a new address until the beginning of October, but you can use the address in Ouagadougou and I will still get anything you send (although maybe slightly delayed).
2. Cell phone reception at my site will be a little iffy until the cell phone tower is completed at the end of October, please be patient when you try to call or text me.
Until next time!
