I have to admit that I'm having a hard time keeping up with blog entries. With several weeks in between entries I'm bound to forget huge chunks of what I've done. And of course there's also the fact that when I get to use the internet all I want to do is surf aimlessly. But now I am here and write I will!
Most recently I attended a sensibilization on female genital mutilation, or excision, at the CEG where I teach. Practically the entire school attended. I've never been so horrified and disgusted in all my life. We watched a video where we witnessed several girls being excised. Their screams were haunting (dull razors or blades were used and no anesthetic) and I had nightmares that night. I think I have a strong stomach, but I had to work incredibly hard to keep my food down while watching this video. But at least most of the students paid attention and took it seriously; many jumped at the opportunity to answer questions asked of them and, in turn, asked their own questions.
On Thanksgiving, Jillian and I collaborated with my counterpart and the director of my school to put on a sensibilization about HIV/AIDS. I find the pictures (above) quite amusing. Jillian and I were in charge of doing condom demonstrations for the whole school; it was a lot of fun, especially when we called students to the front to demonstrate what they learned.
There was nothing Thanksgiving-ish about the actual Thanksgiving day, but last weekend I celebrated the holiday with other Americans in Bobo-Dioulasso. I ate turkey, green bean casserole, macaroni (almost exactly like Grandma's!), potatoes, apple pie and carrot cake. Holy Amazingness it was delcious! And I got to visit with friends I hadn't seen since August, so it was all quite lovely.
I have tentative plans for Chrismas and New Year's. Tentative because I somehow have to go to Ouaga very soon to get my visa, but I'm stuck in Bouroum-Bouroum at least until the 22nd grading exams and calculating averages. I think I'll be able to work it out, but here are the plans: Christmas in Po searching for elephants or animals besides donkeys and goats. New Year's in Ghana on a beach with an ice cold coke between my peeling hands (my hands haven't gotten better, but I called the PCMO and he's sure it's just dry skin; hydrating lotion is en route from ouaga as we I write!). Then I have to be back in Ouaga on January 5th for Inter-Service Training. Whew! That's a loaded two weeks, but it sounds like oodles of fun.
Speaking of fun, I bought the first Harry Potter book in French and have started reading it. It's taking me forever, but I figure it's a good way to expand my French vocabulary. And it's Harry Potter; what's not to like?
Okay I'm tired of writing for now. Until next time. And if that next time happens to be after the 25th, a very jolly Merry Christmas to everyone!
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