In between here and there

So I'm back in America while still being in Mali. Last night, all of us went to the American club in Bamako to watch the inauguration of our first African-American president. Played some volleyball, had a great chicken sandwhich- it was almost like being at a backyard picnic in the states.

But as excited as I was to get a break from the village, it is quite strange being back at the training center. After so many months among Malians, I don't really know how to act among large groups of Americans any more. I'm terribly awkward and uncomfortable, but I'm not alone in that. July, August training, nighttime at Tubaniso was always a party- playing cards, watching movies, staying up to socialize or going out to have a drink. Now its like people will have dinner, chat a bit and exclaim, "Well, my book is getting good, I think I'll go read a bit by myself in my hut." And with the 10 people from our stage that left peace corps for America, things are much quieter. Of course we still all have a good time around here, it's not all social anxiety. It's just another adjustment that is a bit difficult. And then it's back to village in another 12 days. Adjustment again. I'll tell you, I'm pretty sick of adjustments.

In any case, I feel like I'm learning quite a bit with my classes. It's a bit overwhelming, especially trying to attempt some of these things in a site where no peace corps volunteer has gone before, but I just gotta give it my best you know? Today we did a practice school lesson at a local school. It was great to be back among Malian kids- I haven't taught at Dombila's school yet, but now I know what to do when I'm talking to sixth graders about why you should poop in the negen or answering 9th grader's questions about AIDS. No, sorry buddy, you can't use the same condom twice.

So we've learned everything from how to dry fruit and leaves and make natural protien powder to how to encourage our homolouges to improve prenatal counseling. Before I leave here, I'm going to post a list of upcoming projects so you can start following my progress. Oh progress. It's something I long for but only see small glimpses of. Confidence. That's all I really need. It took me until the end of the inauguration to realize that when Obama called Americans to dust themselves off and rebuild the country that- oh yeah, I'm part of this too. Even though I'm not there, even though I feel like an awkward middle schooler trying to do my nails with white girls, stumbling on my words while trying to say something intelligent in English, trying to eat salad with a fork (ok I never did that in the states anyway...), trying to actually keep myself looking presentable (almost given up on that too), I'm still American. No, I don't turn my computer on everyday, I choose to heat up water for a bucket bath rather than brave the cold showers, I usually fall asleep during the movies and I find myself seeking out my Malian teachers to drink sugary tea at night. But I'm still American. And I'm proud to be one in this historic era alongside my countrymen- here and in the motherland :).

Missing you all and wishing you well in the cold,
Emily
REQUEST-
If anyone has a used simple laptop that runs well and can do just basic internet and microsoft office, would you email me? emilyahurley@gmail.com. My language teacher is learning basic computer skills and needs some practice. She is looking for one and can pay about $100-150 for it. If it works out, it can be sent with my parent when they come in Feburary. Thanks!