It is so hard to believe that it has been almost 2 months since the Crew of 2011 boarded the plane for Niger. It has been amazing for our household as we know it must be for yours to hear our children speak of bucket showers, no flush toilets, bush taxis, and breakfast from the street. How we all must applaud their courage and their adaptability. We imagine this last 10 days on the compound to be a mix of emotions....some anxiety as they split up from their nuclear 2011 family, but also some great anticipatory excitement as they look forward to establishing their home in their village or city. Will shares that there will be wonderful parties and then formal introductions for each of them into their post locations. We feel blessed...that our sons and daughters have been together...that they have been expertly trained and that they anticipate doing the good work on their post. Tonight John and I went to see YOUSSOU NDOUR: I BRING WHAT I LOVE, the story of the journey of a Muslim singer, much of which is filmed in Africa. It is a beautiful story, that should not be missed, if an opportunity exists, by a family with a son or daughter serving in Africa. Finally it is cool enough to dine outside so after the movie to honor all who serve...we visited the neighborhood Irish pub( Will's favorite) and lifted a glass of Harp to the Crew of 2011.
Do you have a story to share this week?
Warmest regards.
Patty and John
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We had a great conversation with Emily today that focused a lot on her host family. Although she is ready to get to her post and begin to spread her wings, she said it is a bit sad that she will be leaving her host family just as she has finally figured out who everyone is and can carry on thoughtful conversations.
ReplyDeleteHer host family has begun to remind her that her post is not that far from them and that she can come visit. As if to make the point, we heard a little one come in her hut and call out "Fofo Fatima".
Their host families were given an extra stipend last night to have a special dinner she called the "host family party". She was served pasta with a meat sauce and brought them sodas from the center.
The millet was ankle high when they arrived in July and it is now over their heads but not ready for harvest yet as the rain came late this year. Apparently it is a standard joke among the trainees "Millet and sauce, what a surprise" but they are also aware that this is the hungry season and by housing pcv trainees many of the host families are able to not only take good care of their trainee but feed their families.
After their feast they wanted Em to teach them an American dance, she taught them "the chicken dance". For some reason I have never been able to grasp this ridiculous dance is a big part of Cincinnati's annual Octoberfest. I had no idea she knew it! Who knew that the chicken dance would transcend cultural boundaries! By morning the entire village knew they had danced.
Our first envelope, mailed in July finally made it through! In it we had included a thank you letter to her host family. Her host father was quite excited to get it and has sent us back his thanks and prayers that Allah will bless us.
Pictures of her dad's small garden in the backyard were also a topic of conversation and Emily had to ask one of the language teachers for a word for cabbage. That envelope also included memory cards for her camera so she is sending pictures of her host family for us.
Tomorrow she is hoping to go to Niamey and select some gifts to give her family before heading to the training center for the last leg of training.
Its so wonderful that they have all had the opportunity to form this relationship with an entire family in country and have an emotional touchstone. Its not easy sharing a home for three months with strangers but its an experience they will never forget.
stacy
I wrote too long and forgot:
ReplyDeleteFor Charlene and her mom!
Charlene's package finally arrived. It was described as bountiful. The trainees voted and decided to put the contents up for auction at an auction that is planned next week when they are at the center. The auction will benefit the Gender and Diversity fund which is used by the volunteers to fund projects. So not only will Charlene's goodies make some of her fellow trainees very happy, their purchase will go to fund good works!
They send their many thanks!
stacy
hello ?
ReplyDeletehow is everyone doing ?
email from emily today, she passed her language test today... i believe the festivities are beginning!
stacy