So lots of exciting things are happening!
I got my assignment for homestay- beginning tomorrow I will be living with the family of Samba Sako in the tiny village of Satinebougou (2k outside of Banankoro). The village has only 400 people in it and the only other thing I know is that most people there are gardeners and fruit sellers. There are only 2 other PCTs in my homestay village but there are about 8 in Banakoro that we will see when we do are shopping etc. Bambara lessons everyday, meals with the family, and experiencing a lot of people pointing and laughing at the "toubab" (white person). It should be exciting though. So far we haven't been outside the gates of Tubaniso, but we've been eased in to the culture so slowly that apparently now we are ready. Representatives from our village came to have lunch with us today, which is another interesting topic. We learned how to eat in the traditional Malian fashion yesterday so as not to make a fool out of ourselves today. We sit on the ground, eat from a communal bowl, don't talk to each other, and hope to burp so as to compliment the chef.
Today the Health Education volunteers had our first training session- it is all I expected and more. The job is going to be tough- working with sick babies, doing school presentations for preventative health, etc.... but it sounds so exciting and perfect for me.
I got to sypke with my family today- it was so awesome! I miss all of you guys so much. Everything here is great except for missing friends and family.
It will be 12 days until I am back in the Peace Corps Training village of Tubaniso, so I may not be able to write until then. Wish me luck! It's going to be one of the strangest experiences of my life.
PS- sorry for the lack of pictures... maybe next time!!
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9 comments:
Wow honey!!!! I've already been reading about Satinebougou. In 2005 there was a project to build 13 "domestic" latrines in the Village.
YEAH!! lets hope they are still there.. love love love you...
What an amazing thing you are doing! It must be the scariest most wonderful experience EVER! We are proud to be related to you!
Let us know where we can mail things and WHAT we should send (like TP maybe??) to you.
Take care, be safe and we'll be looking for your updates.
Love Aunt Sue and Uncle Jeff
What an adventure!...have to admit, you're the first person I've ever met who speaks Bambara (sounds like a cocktail!).
Can't wait to see pictures of your village when you get there. Include one of the local golf course, OK?
Feel free to Skype us if you want. We're Skyping with Matt down in Mexico all week. ( A far cry from a PC lifestyle for him down there however). Good luck, and we'll be in touch again soon...
Love, Uncle Steve and Aunt Cheri
I love it that you have to burp after a meal. That is awesome. And you thought it was gross when I would! Looks like the tables have turned!
Emily, this blog is the most wonderful idea ever and I am living vicariously through you. It sounds so surreal, like I'm reading a chapter out of Monique and the Mango Rains. Also, I think I should go to Mali because I am an uncontrollable burper and normally it's unacceptable but there I would be a real champ. Well, Em... know that I'll be here waiting for more news, and I am so proud of you. You're such an inspiration, lady. The world is an infinitely better place with you in it. <3
Bambara? Dancing lessons in Africa? Just kidding... I cannot imagine anything that could be more satisfying than working with sick babies. You will literally be making the difference between life and death for some people. Keep up the good work and be careful. That means stay away from the hippopotamousses and the rhinocerousses
great blog honey keep up your faith in God and he will get you through the rough patches. 2 years is long but don't worry its worth
Hi Emily,
I found you by chance when searching for bloggers in Africa. Hang in there, I am a RPCV Senegal and it's worth the wait! I am actually going to Mali next week for a year long job and will bee living in Mopti. I was wondering if you knew of any PCVs you can connect me to in that region? Thanks!
Kash
manolosonamission@gmail.com
www.manolosonamission.com
Wow Emily, I cannot believe the things that you are experiencing. You are truly living as a disciple. You are always in my prayers. Keep up your spirit even on those not so good days. peace, Fr. Joe
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