Just a Day in the Life...

It’s been a long since I updated from here at site, and many things have been going on here in the Southwest.  I have been busy meeting people and exploring my village.  A lot of days, I feel like I do not have much to do, but yet, the days fly by!  The little things, like hauling water, cleaning my house, and biking to and from all the places around town, take a lot of time.  Many people have been curious as to what I actually do every day, so I have a bit of description of my every day life here in Burkina, for your reading pleasure!

 

Each day, I get up pretty early and get myself (and my NEW puppy, Belle) ready for the day.  Before 8 a.m., I am usually ready to start working on my Etude de Mileu, my study of the area I have to work on for the first three months here at site, or other tasks, usually on my computer (translating my resume, writing emails, writing notes for English class preparations).  Then, by 10 a.m. or so, I usually head into the atelier, where all the tailor apprentices of my association work.  There, I sit and practice French and Jula with the apprentices, ask accounting questions with the accountant who works there, and talk with various vendors around the town area.  All the time, I try to get a sense of life in my village and what needs people have.  Around noon, I usually have my favorite lunch, rice with peanut butter sauce (it’s AMAZING) from the woman next door.  Then around, 1 or 2 p.m., when the repose (French word for siesta) starts, I set off for my house.  On my bike ride home (like all my bike rides), I am constantly shouting greetings like Bonjour, A nisogma, Sedayougou to all the Burkinabé I meet.  It’s incredible how important these daily greetings are!

 

During the repose time, I usually read a bit (I’m currently halfway through War & Peace!) or study my languages.  Then around three or so, I usually strap my large bidon to the back of my bike, and I pedal down to the water fountain to haul water.  Other afternoons, I head to the president of my association’s house, who has a computer, to teach him or the accountant how to use Microsoft Word and Excel.  I am hoping eventually to get my association to have an Excel-based accounting system.  However, neither person has ever used Excel before (actually neither is particularly comfortable with computers in general), so it will definitely take time.  They are both very enthusiastic to learn though, and I enjoy teaching.

 

In the late afternoon, I usually head down to the boutiques along the road and buy bread, vegetables, eggs, and other condiments for my evening meal.  I usually make a salad or a stir-fry every night, so I am always buying tomatoes, onions, peppers, and rice!  When I return to my house, I soak my fresh condiments in bleach and water and heat water for my bucket bath.  Most days, during these evening preparations, I am interrupted by neighbors who stop by and say hi.  Many nights, I find myself eating and bucket-bathing after 8 or 9 p.m. when my visitors have finally gone.  I don’t mind, however, because these nights, I learn a lot about the Burkinabe and their culture.  Sometimes, I talk with high school students who want to practice their English, whereas other times, little kids come with their math homework.  A large incentive for them is that La Blanche usually has some candy to hand out J  Around 10 p.m., I usually head to bed, exhausted, as the heat, the bike-riding, and the constant French/Jula speaking really wears me out!

 

So that’s my life here at site; much different from my American life!  Still, I am very content with my life here in Burkina, especially each day usually holds some sort of a little adventure.  I am looking forward to the time though when I am more comfortable speaking with the villagers, so I can start community-based projects and really get rolling with work.  However, I still have 23 months or so to go here at site, so I can definitely take a bit of time to integrate first!

 

Other than that, I miss and think of everyone back at home often.  Thanks to everyone that have been sending packages and letters; you have been making my weeks here in Burkina!!!  I hope the winter storms aren’t too terrible back in the States; I will continue to enjoy my perfect mid-80 degree weather here!