Another week in "Paradise"

Friday, 25 January, 2013

Just another day in “Paradise”

Hey friends!

I tried getting photos on here last weekend with that last post, but I only managed to get some up on FB (soo if you’re my friend on there, you’ve probably already seen them).  Sorry! The photo uploading feature and internet here has been more weird than usual. 

I’m back in Dapaong for the 2^nd weekend in a row because we are getting free Moba lessons today and tomorrow! Apparently we have a local language test during our next PC formation.  I know how to say, “stop, I will beat you,” now, so I think I will pass (we say this to my 1yr old sis, Marie A LOT).  In case you are wondering, it’s: “Duh-Ti, Mm-Pwaah” (the spelling may be off). 

This past week has been just another week in Togo.  Sometimes I have to recite to myself (and yes I do indeed talk to myself, thank you), “You chose this, so stick it out and like it!” It’s really not all that bad here, just some days are harder than others.  In general, coming from such a diverse nation, it’s hard to be such a SORE THUMB.  Keeping busy and finding new projects and ideas, usually helps pass time faster.  As they told us upon arriving here, “as long as you DO SOMETHING you will feel better.”  Going for a walk, reading, writing, dancing with only a panye cloth on, painting your toes…  anything! The other day I made a physical list of everything negative and positive in my life, and I felt a little less burdened.  It just gets kind of lonely (even in a room full of Togolese people) and hard sometimes, but no worries Larba is tough guys!

So, Monday was “Greve day”, and we didn’t have classes.  Some teachers at my school went and gave notes but Larba was still sour about Thursdays class (with little boy who told me in “tu” form that I was in his way of taking notes& Ms. Larba had a hoe in his little hands quicker than his fresh mouth uttered the words again) and so she stayed home and was productive there.  Also went for a run and fetched some [home gym] water. 

Tuesday, I had another headache.  I think it’s the changing of the season’s—hot/dry season is approaching (goodbye dear friend, Harmaton!).  So, I pretty much went over homework from the weekend, gave them some notes and new homework and left.  I then biked to Naki-Ouest for a meeting with Emannuel and Neipak.  They are helping guide me through my new women’s group and micro-finance project.  What we are doing is giving a small loan to 4 women, but making a group of 10 women for support.  After the meeting, we did a round of the Naki Marché, had a beer and food, and then I crashed at Emannuel’s (took a nap).  He was so sweet and set up a little “bed” area for Rocko and me to repose.  The bike trip back is always easier.

Wednesday I don’t have any classes and usually have a club (but not this week).  I was doing some house chores when the EPP (elementary) school director showed up at my door and let me know about the soccer (football) match happening at that moment.  I strolled up on my bicycle with Rocko by my side, and there was a chair waiting for me, front and center.  I was concerned that instead of having classes they were playing a sport, but I had a good time.  Well except for the moment when the ball got a little [more than usual] deflated and the director said that the Batooli (Whitey) can find us one (JERK!).  SUPER AWKWARD.  But I knew the kids in my house had one that the old PCV gave them, so I volunteered Pakiyendou to go get it.  So maybe I fit the stereotype of white person= money bags? Dangit!  Tami won the match and will be playing Naki-Ouest next.  And one could here the kids chanting, “Tami a gagné” (Tami has won) throughout the whole village.  This was an especially pleasant victory after Cote D’Ivoire won Togo in the last African Cup match. 

Thursday… Odd-day.  Had class, and then waited an hour for this meeting that started another 45 minutes late because two professors got into this huge argument.  It was embarrassing and annoying.  The director tried to stop it but ended up joining in the yelling match himself and it just elevated until both the teachers left (one came back for the meeting but just sat there glumly).  And not to sound sexest, but it was a total testosterone match.  The meeting went pretty well (for Togolese standards) and it ended with the conclusion that our students’ grades aren’t up to par and we aren’t sure what to do.  After I stuffed my face with some “wache” (rice and beans) I had meeting with my newest project: Tami Women’s Group.  It was in Moba, so I was literally lost in translation, but it seemed to go well.  I found out that the village was a little stand-offish to me because they were a little afraid and curious of me.  The women didn’t really understand my purpose, but now they are happy to be a part of the first ever Women’s Group in Tami and they promise to say hi to me more.