Finally, I am able to post. I appologize, but the last few weeks have been like the hurrucanes I am hearing about near the coast. Specifically, I know have seen where I will call home for the next two years.
Like I said before it is a little village near Togo. If you look at the map it is between Nattitango, Djougou, ad Kara in Togo. Djougou is quite a large city and the point of entry for me. I took a bus taxi from Cotonou, th captial city. It is about a six to seven hour ride. But, try sleeping or doing anything with two people in the front passanger side and four in the back. It is really not as bad as it seems, but when your foot falls asleep for too long it takes just as long to wake it up.
Djougou is perhaps the most Islamic City in Benin. It is one of the few places in Benin where even women,s faces are covered and mosques line every corner. From there, I caught another taxi with my director of the schooltowards Ouake. It is only a 30 km ride, but because the road is not paved and we picked up/dropped off people it took more like an hour.
A tear rolled down my check as we rolled through the grassy hills and forests. The ocassional palm tree reminded me I was still in Benin. Much like Kenya, Benin has soo many different landscapes. It is almost like entering a new country each territory one travels through.
Badjoude is literally a bend in the road. Small hills begin from the center of town yielding fields of corn and other agriculture. It is mostly a sustainable economey.
The school I will be working at is Dompargo CEG. CEG is just another word for high school. There are two larger buildings each with four classrooms. I will be teaching, most likely, two classes of first year and two classes of second year English. That equals about 16 hours a week, because each class meets twice a week for two hours.
On top of my teaching I will be collaborating with the community on various secondary projects. There is an NGO that is working towards adult literacy, a health center; and a library. There are all possible collaborations and so many others. Of course only with the community,s feedback will these projets begin.
Badjoude, as I sort of eluded to, is very very prro. But, perhaps a group of the most happy people I have ever met. Which would you choose? I think in the end happiness. There are mud huts with thatched roofs and the occassional concrete structure with a tin roof. Where I will be living is actually a beautiful, lovely house, with no electricity, but running water thanks to the systern (Collects rain water).
Apparently in 1987 this random Belgium man built the house for a vacation and then moved out shortly after. It has been ived in by various aid workers, but I am the first PC Volunteer. In some ways I feel a bit bad, because I am living so above the standards of the community I am working with. However, it is necesary at the same time to stay sane and healthy.
The house has four rooms and a kitchen with a front poarch and garden. There is also a little chicken coop and a small guest hut. I KNOW!!!!!! I walked in abd flet this nerdy sense of pride.....my first HOME!
Also, I have an announcement. No, I am not getting married. But, there is a nez addition to my family. I have a puppy commin to Badjoude with me. A little boy. I am open top suggestions for names. I figured the house would be big enough to share.
There will also be another PC Health Volunteer in Oake and two in Djougou. The people in the village too will provide a lot of company. The only people who speak French are the school kids and the educated men. So, once I master French, which is comming along, my next task is to learn the local language-- Lokpa.
But, even without a common language there seems to be universal truths. This older looking woman saw me out of the corner of her eye. She was explained that I was a new teacher for the school. She immediately bowed, a sign of respect reserved for only those of high reguard in the community. I followed her bow by shacking her hand with the same respectful bow. She smiled and gave me a hug. I almost broke down right there, and I never cry. It just reaffirmed my reasons for being here, but at the same time but weight on my shoulders. I am ther first PCV here and I know they expect a lot. I just hope I am able to live up to their expectations, but at the same time I must realize my best has to be enough.
Well, now, jumping ahead I am back here in Lokssa to finish the rest of staging. We are half way through and on Monday start the miodem school. I am on at Monday at 8 am sharp for my first lesson teaching basic English greetings.
As always, miss you all, and hope to hear from you soon.
Write me....
Annie Reifsnyder, PCT
Corps de la Paix
BP 971
Cotonou, Benin
West Africa
PS......
Dad drums are still a musical Instrusment, thanks for your support on that Uncle. Heidi....I think it is safe to say the Pottery Barn would not fit in with my theme. Katie....no letter yet and just find the most random Birger like sticker and send it to me. It will be on my helmet that I carry everywhere for two years. Becca......Save a slice of cake for me too!!!!!!!!
MUCK LOVE YET AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!