Well, I know it has been quite a while, but I am alive and well. In the shortest terms my first two days in Badjoude were chaotic, the next week very difficult and the past two amazing, with a plethera of work and projects. I guess, the easiest is to break it down.
My Village
The provisional ballots are still being counted, but I can now predict that I live on a farm. I have gotten used to the call of prayer at 5 am, but not the roosters. There are also tons of goats, some sheep, and others who I share my front yard with. The corn harvest has just ended, so the KMs and KMs of fields are being replaced by other vegatables and the like.
Perhaps my favorite thing about Badjoude is just how pretty it is. I wake up to the sun raising over the mountains. I can walk to a local dam or match through the maze of fields. If I ever have doubts that I can do this for two years, which do come at times, all I need to do is go on a walk. The people have also been very friendly. The little kids annoy the crao out of me, but at least they are too learning my name. I have perfected the local greetings, and perhaps soon after the vacation I will be able to start learning more of Lokpa.
The kids all bow, and sometimes the qdults too. It is a sign of respect, but still a little awkward. The first time it happened, I thought the kid was trying to run into me, but in actually they just try to get as close as possible, it is a sign of even greater respect.
My house is also starting to look just like that. I now have a table, chairs, bed, bookcase, bench, and little coach area. I have surrounded all the walls with tons of photos. Remembering all of you makes life just a little easier. I don't have electricty, but running water and an overhead shower. The toliet is outside, but I usually cheat and use a chamber pot. It gets dark about 6 or 7, and I am in bed by 9, so really using a lantern or candle is not that bad.
Work
In the most generic terms, I have four classes - two each of first ans second year English. Classes are big, 71, 65, 53, and 51. But, It is no longer that bad and even the fact there are no books I have seemed to get past. It is amazing how much we rely on things and how much you can do with relatively little or nothing. However, I still have more resources than my other collegues and the process of sharing and educating them on these things has been one of my major projects beside teaching. I watch them teach and we have weekly meetings to discuss our lesson planning. I attempt to help, but thus far I am doing so at a distance. I guess I don't want to burn any bridges just yet.
Along with teaching and helping the other English teachers, I have started a club and given 40 books to the local library to start an English collection. It isn't much, but it is a start and I am hopeful with the club the practical use and discussion of English will become aparent to the students and community members.
As for other ideas, I have many, but with semester exams and holidays comming up, I think they will have to wait.
Daily Life
I wake up every morning about 6 or 7. Most days I boil water and then sweep my cement floors waiting for it to finish/ Usually, my first class is at 8 and I work at the high school till noon. I come home, eat, nap or read. Each afternoon is a little different depending on meetings, class, or other work. In general, I finish about 5 and then work on lesson planning or grading papers.
I eat usually street food. There is always a mama cooking up some pounded yams, rice, or beans. My food budget for the week, about four bucks and that is eating pretty darn well.
Yes, my life has become simplier and in the process I more patient. Routines have formed and old habbits simply replaced with new ones.
Alrighty, I guess that is it for now. I have to go to the bank next week, so I will be in an area with internet access again soon. But, In general about every month I will be in a bigger city. Miss you much and as always please think of me and write often.