18.08.2007

Had a great week in Azové with the training of the new volunteers. We do a rotation, and mine was the third week. Each week, they have about 20 hours of French, along with other random health, admin, biking, and cultural sessions. Then there is the technical training, where we second-year volunteers come in. We first took them to meet some different artisans in the community in order to see what they do and how they do it. Then I gave a two hour presentation on Savings and Credit in Benin, and how to teach it to Beninese. I did this in Franglish, as its good for the trainee’s to get used to French, yet hear enough English as to not be totally lost. It went well, and they are excited about getting started. Another volunteer and I also did a short skit on the differences in culture. At the end of the week, they learned their posts, and so that was a big celebration and a lot of excitement that lasted well into the night. Saturday they practiced with a Beninese class and I was really proud of how they did. This group of trainees sure has the stories. One girl has lived in Bangladesh for the past three years, working at an orphanage and studying at a meditation center. She invited me for dinner with her host family two times during the week and it was just incredibly interesting to talk with her. Another volunteer has been in the Air Force for more than 10 years, and has met two former US Presidents and M. Gorbachov. And he brought M and M’s to share! It was also cool to spend the week with the language teachers, as I have become friends with some of them in the past year, and now can finally speak good French with them. One of them, Sophie, invited me to dinner and we ate three plates of beans and gari! My favorite dish. We also had a group soccer game one evening which was so fun in the midst of a spectacular sunset.
The week was considered “work,” but really was a needed break with some interesting new people! Came back last Saturday and there was a big party going down in Avrankou, so hung out there with a lot of friends and my little four year old friend feel asleep on my lap. It was nice to come home to. This week I have been getting back into the routine, and reorganizing and planning some work for the coming months, as well as preparing to receive my parents, which amongst other things, means considerable housecleaning which is badly needed! I can’t wait to have them here. I started English tutoring with the kids at tanté’s house. They are at very different levels, so I break up the time. It is laid back and relaxing and I love how they love to learn. Always good attitudes and big smiles.
More later. Have a nice day. Love, Sara