Play time is over. I have been extremely busy this week going to the different schools with my homologue meeting the Directors of the schools and paying the students yearly tuition. Since Monday I have visited Boukoumbe, Perma, Birini, Tampegre, and Toucountouna. Each day we leave around 8am and take his motorcycle for about 1 hr and 30 min there and then another 1hr 30 min back during the hottest part of the day. I don’t feel old until I have been on a moto for about 4 hours each day; my back, butt, and hips hurt really bad (I have only two seating options on his moto, 1. ride up on him 2. sit further back on the metal rack both of which are extremely uncomfortable) . All of the above listed towns are smaller villages so it was really interesting to get a glimpse into village life. I have much more respect for those volunteers who spend two years in a tiny village where people are constantly watching them. Tuesday in Perma we went to the marche were I seriously thought I might have forgotten to wear clothes the way everyone was just staring at me and when I would say Bonjour and smile they would just stare harder in amazement that I, the white person, spoke.
During the journey to Boukoumbe my homologue actually ran into a cow….I didn’t think it was possible but we literally ran into a cow with his motorcycle. I thought I was going to die. I have heard crazy stories of volunteer’s moto accidents but I said a prayer that my journeys would be fine. We were just cruzing down the goudron when I saw a man herding cattle across the road and there was one cow in particular a head of the group. I started calculating and I realized we were on a course for contact. I grabbed my homologue’s shoulder and said “Oh my god” and he slowed down but not quite enough and the head of the cow and the front of the motorcycle collided. The cow backed up a bit and swayed then moved just past us behind the moto. My homologue replied “desole” and then rubbed his knee. Apparently the cow also hit his knee. Then for the next few minutes while on the moto I finally realized I am in Africa where it is possible to crash into cows.
Besides being uncomfortable and hitting livestock, it was fun to get out of Nati and visit other villages. I know that the main reason for my attendance is for my homologue to show me off “Hey look we have an American volunteer working for us!” So I just smiled and saluered the directors. It was amazing how some of the schools have over 800 students but only 8 classrooms where up to 75 students crowd into one room and they have classes from 7am-7pm and even Saturday mornings just so all students can attend all classes. Each director proceeded to list the things they need for their school and how some have had volunteers before but it had been a few years and some were lucky enough to have a volunteer but still needed more classrooms and professors. Many students walk multiple miles to school in the heat on the goudron where 18 wheelers and huge oil trucks fly by. There is also no lunch for the students; they are expected to go home and eat then return for more classes. I am really excited to be paired up with students so I can hopefully provide some extracurricular activities and outside thinking.
I have my work cut out for me over the next two years but at the same time I am happy to see that I have work.
On a bad note, one of my friends from stage has decided to Early Terminate (ET); which is leave early. Not everyone is as lucky as I am to have an organization to pair up with and clearly define their goals over the two years. Many volunteers have to search for work and it usually takes a long time as working with Africans you have to build a relationship first before convincing them to take your advice. She didn’t think there was work in her village and she didn’t see the point staying in country to do nothing. I am sad because she was one of my close friends here but I told her she has to do what works for her because life is too short to be miserable and stay 2 years in a country when you don’t want to be there. It is unfortunate but I want her to be happy. This whole situation has just got me thinking…as much as I miss my family and friends I don’t want to let my ONG down or the students they support. Anyways I can’t dwell on it just need to focus on why I am here and what I can do.
My homologue is visiting Tanguieta and Materi the two remaining villages where there are students; they are about 3 hours North and I told my homologue I don’t think I will survive the trip so he is letting me sit this one out. I need to start preparing for my English clubs to start and the visit with my APCD mid November. I also need to complete my community evaluation so I can explain to their other volunteers about my city and work. I need to start making preparations for my mom’s visit….Mom you will be happy to know that I have stopped making to-do lists and I am just trying to “ride the wave” like you told me. No more stressing whatever happens each day happens. I have a feeling from now until Christmas is going to fly by, then it will be 2011 and I will have beaucoup de chose to do.
I hope everyone has an awesome Halloween weekend and can’t believe November is around the corner…where does the time go???
If you get time send me an update! Love everyone!
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