Thursday, November 25, 2010

N'dunya Borey ga ba Suuru

Hard to believe that November has already come and gone, marking the passing of my fifth month in Niger. While Pre-Service Training seemed to take a lifetime in itself, these past two months in my village home have flown by much more quickly. Most days, I keep busy between working at my Mairie (local government offices) and wandering around town chatting with the villagers. I have met many genuinely wonderful people here, and seen some of the most beautiful scenery in the whole of the country. Slowly slowly I am picking up new languages (Fulfulde and a little Hausa), and in turn am teaching English at my weekly club meetings. And, most exciting, I am mentally preparing myself to take on future projects, which will hopefully involve fixing the village water pumps and painting murals with the school children. Every day is a new adventure!

That being said, these first three months at post are undoubtedly the most challenging in any Volunteer's career. At times, the stress of adapting to a completely new way of life can be overwhelming; and despite the number of people constantly around me, it can still feel isolating to be the only American for many a mile. Yet I've come to find that after a long, exhausting day of being an "Annasara" celebrity, the best cure comes from gazing up at the night sky, and taking in the sight of millions of stars unmarred by harsh city lights and pollution. The sheer beauty of this place is enough to refresh my spirit and motivation for doing this tough (but rewarding) job.

Above all, the best advice I have come to learn in this country is about having patience. Niger wasn't built in a day, bush taxis never manage to leave on time, and no matter how far off it seems, tomorrow will always dawn anew. As my favorite Zarma proverb goes, "N'dunya borey ga ba suuru" - To live in the world requires patience.* A good piece of advice for us all, I think :)

(*literal translation is something along the lines of "The people of the world like patience")

And now, as proof of my trying to make the most of every moment here, I am excited to share some new photos from my little slice of the Sahel~

A real, live chameleon, hanging out near my neighbor's house. Watch out, they bite!


Two friendly Nigerien dogs - good protection for bush walks.


The local Mairie, where I have my own office.


A cow cart, about to take these kids out to harvest millet. Aahhh, they should be in school!


Team Dosso's Thanksgiving feast. Turkey, mashed potatoes, greenbean casserole, banana bread, candied yams, and PIE! So much deliciousness!

Thanks, as always, for the letters and words of encouragement. Take care back home~
Kala tonton,
Michelle

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Reflections on my First Month at Post

One month has passed, and already the long, hard days of pre-service training seem a lifetime away. I have spent over 30 days as an official Volunteer now, living and working in my new village home, and enjoying the freedoms of being independent. My Zarma language skills improve a little more every day, while the villagers seem to be slowly adapting to my presence (although being the only Westerner for 30km around still marks me as something of a celebrity!). I have a new kitten (named Russia, or "Rousse"), have been adopted into my neighbor's family, and am learning how to prepare some of the tastier Nigerien dishes. So far, so good.

Time here, I've noticed, is a very intangible thing. It is a place where most people rely on the prayer calls instead of clocks, and where cool mornings can fly by while the heat of the afternoon seems unlikely to ever end. A day can seem short or long depending on the temperature. An entire lifetime can pass in just four short months. Every day here is packed full of new things to learn, experiences to be had, chances to grow; I can only imagine how much I will have changed by the end of two years! It will be a very, very long time...but I know it will also go too fast.

Anyway, today I make my return trip back to my village to hammer out my second month. I'm looking forward to getting home, seeing my neighbors, and starting an art class at the primary school. Please keep writing letters and emails, it is always wonderful to hear from America! Until next time, when I'm in for a Thanksgiving feast, enjoy some pictures~!

Kala hanfo,
Mich



Beautiful blue skies over Sambera! Doesn't look like it's 105 degrees, does it??

A scene from my hand-washing event at the primary school. The kids were great!

My kitten, Russia :3

CAMELS IN SAMBERA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Halloween with Team Dosso! We rock!