Monday, April 5, 2010

People. Importance is with people, with relationships.

I've had computer access for over a week and have been stubborn and unmotivated to write a blog. It isn't because I don't want to, but I'm having difficulty figuring out what to say.

I've been here 10 months now and I'm not the same person I was before I left. I've certainly grown in small ways: my patience, my understanding of people, my view of what's important in life. As Peace Corps Volunteers, we're not here to make people think like us and change mindsets and ways of life that have worked for hundreds of years. We're here to help make things work a little better, improve efficiency, help people with problems they feel need to be fixed. It's funny, because so many have the ignorant belief that we need to go to third world countries to save those people who are viewed as savages, simply because they were “unfortunate” enough to be born into the 2nd most illiterate country with over 50% of its people living on less than $1.25 a day and over 80% living on less than $2 a day. That type of mindset goes along with our US American need to view progress as something tangible, something you can quantify, and the faster we can do it, the better...

Being here, I've learned to slow down [at least somewhat!] Instead of focusing on fixing the problem, I know you can't do good work if you don't have people behind you supporting you. And you can't gain such support if you don't talk to people, get to know them, listen to them.

It's funny that there are those who think they need to save the people here while there are many important lessons the Burkinabè can teach others if they only took the time to listen. The focus on people here is where I think the focus should be. It's not about how much money you have, how many things you own, which prestigious people you know. It's about how you care for and maintain your relationships, how you are with people, and how much of yourself you give to others.

The way people give here continues to astound me. Perhaps the solidarity does only exist because of the omnipresent poverty. It's that solidarity that keeps such strong bonds between the people here. You don't need to know someone on a familial or personal level. If you're passing through an unfamiliar village for the night, you can stop by the nearest home or case and not only will that family give you a place to stay and food to eat, but they will welcome you and treat you as though you were a sister or a brother.

Another example. A new neighbor moved in a few months ago. When he came to introduce himself to me, he brought me a watermelon as a gift. He continues to give me fruit as gifts and even made me a well-wishing New Year's gift out a a calabask, the outside of a round melon-like inedible fruit here, often used as bowls.

As for me, I'm trying to do the best I can here. I'm making friends with my neighbors, even though I still cannot communicate with them in Jula, their language. I say hello. I'm trying to learn names. I'm keeping a positive attitude and trying to figure out what more I can be doing here.

My third and final trimester began Friday. It's the shortest with only 6 weeks to get grades. By the end of May I'll be finished with my first year teaching. I still cannot believe it.

I've been way too nice with my students and that finally came up to bite me in the butt my last week of classes at the end of the 2nd trimester. Based on their disrespectful and out-of-control behavior, I've finally decided to kickstart the discipline and hold them accountable. They'll be shocked the first day I'm back teaching because I'll be doing a complete and necessary turnaround. It's what's fair for me and for the 50 or so good students who come to learn, who ask good questions, who try, who come to my house for exercises and questions when they don't understand something. They'll be my motivation. I'll let you know how it goes!

I started volunteering with maternity at out local clinic. I really enjoyed it. I actually felt useful. There's a woman who works there, an accoucheuse. She's a strong, confident woman who is respectful and kind to the women who come in. I think I will learn a lot from her. The first day I went in I helped fill out the 3 separate forms necessary after every prenatal checkup. It was interesting. It still blows my mind that I'm doing all of this in French.

I had a 2 week vacation in between trimesters and spent the first half in Ouaga with my fellow volunteers. I attended my first COS (Close Of Service) party for the volunteers who will be leaving the country for good in the coming months.

Next I went visit my host family in Ouahigouya. It was great to see them. They welcomed me and treated me as though I was a member of their family and reinforced my mutual feelings for them. I hung out with my little brothers and sister. I spent an entire day talking with my Maman as she did my hair. I felt much more comfortable and at ease this trip. I'm more competent with my language and understanding of the culture here and it's made all the difference.

It was weird going back to a city that encompassed my first 3 months here and all that came with my training, my immersion, and my introduction to Burkina Faso and its people. It was great to realize all I remembered and learned in that time, even after 7 months of being away. In a way it felt like coming home which must also explain why I was sad to leave. It wasn't the city though, it was my family. I was blessed to be brought into that family in June 2009 and blessed to continue my relationship with them. I'm lucky to know them and I enjoyed having family to spend Easter morning with. It's my Burkinabè home.

I hope this hasn't been too sporadic. I wanted to provide an update on my life here and it was important to include my thoughts and realizations, because life is not all about doing. In fact, that's not even the half of it. I think the sooner people realize that, the sooner people can find true happiness and purpose.

So talk to people. Get to know them. Be kind. Be respectful. Forgive. And love. There's nothing greater than love.

Until next time.