Here it is, I know largely over due. It has been three weeks since I set foot on Benin soil. To be very vague - some things are getting easierand others a little bit harder.
For example, I have become a pro at using the pit latrine and taking bucket showers. I even did all of my laundry by hand today. Things are also becoming more clear in French. I can communicate with my family now and can talk down prices at the market.
As for things that have gotten harder - the future is the biggest thing. On Tuesday I will find out where my post is and from there start to specifically prepare for my next two years. I have been doing so well with not getting ahead of myself and taking things one day at a time. But, it gets harder and harder each and every day to wait. Instead, I just have to be patient until I can visit it in two weeks. AHHHH!!!! I guess it is a bit like going to open houses of your first apartment - only I don,t get any say as to where I visit. Well, I got one survey.
Other things that I have gotten hard are little conviences. I miss reality TV and eating Taco Bell. There are things easily gotten over, but when you add a frustrating day or hour they are intensified.
But, on the whole -- I am healthy, well supported, and holding my own here. In some ways I think my abilitty to laugh and make jokes has served me the best. I am quickly learning that a sense of humor is the thing shared by all PC volunteers.
It sounds stupid, but it is nice to feel like you belong somewhere and I think in the last week that feeling has come to the surface.
Alrighty, other funny moments and stories.
-- Went to the beach yesterday. Jumped on the waves, soaked in the sun. No swimming the currents are too strong.
-- My homestay father bought crabs home a few days ago. There was this rain storm and the door to the cage flew open. When I woke up, I went to the bathroom and began to slide my foot into my sandal. Only, a big ass crab was waiting. I look up to see my entire family running around the yard chasing crabs. I of course tried my best, but only cornered one.
-- A famous Benin muisician dies, and everyone in my family got matching t-shirts. It is a huge portrait of his face on the bag.
-- I bought my first African outfit. So cool! Pants and a top complete with a little linning of shoulder pads. Three more shirts zill be ready at the tailor Wednesday.
-- We are having a sticker contest for our zemijohns, so if you have any additions for mine, please send them! The PCT with the most after 3 months wins.
-- Finally, the PC Benin card game is Euchre! Random, I know, but way to represent Indiana.