o while I have been on standfast and not been teaching, I have been thinking about my life and the things that I want to do with it. Here are my two Ideas.
1. I come back to the United States and go to grad school for Mental Health Counseling and become a mental health counselor. I like listening to peoples problems and the whole subject of counseling and psychology really appeal to me. I would be able to help youth with thier problems, drug addicts, alchoholics, GLBT issues, and so much more. I really think that this is what I should do with my life. Downfalls would be that I would have to go back to school, which while I was pretty good at school; I do not know how I would deal in a learning environment again. That and I have to find a grad school that takes the approach to counseling that I agree with, and I have to figure out how I am going to pay for the thing.
2. I come back to the United states and become a trophy wife. Now this is a position I think for which I am well qualified. I can cook, plan parties, join committees, clean the house, decorate the house, go shopping, and just wait until you see my bedroom skills... pillow fluffing and bed making I mean. Keep your mind out of the gutter. The only downsides are that I would have to workout and who knows if this means that I would have to raise a litter of brats. OH that and finding someone who is rich enough and deserving of my services.
ok, so as you can see; I have a wide variety of options for my future in July of 2012. But for the not so distant future, I applied to be on PSDN, which is the Peer Support and Diversity Network here in Burkina Faso. You listen to volunteers problems and help them make decisions. Almost like a counselor. This would be great to have on my resume and I think it would be a good experience to see if this is something that I really want to do. Kinda like, now I know that under no circumstances in my life would I really want to be a teacher. I leave that to my father, who has had 24 years in putting up with my ridiculousness and is thus a very patient man. I have not yet developed this patience or love of children. So if I get on PSDN then I have a training for that in May.
SO everything above this line of text was written the night before I got consolidated. It was written and I was just doing my final touches when the guns started. So yay!! Its a little late to be update, but I have changed the parts that have changed and deleted some stuff.
Now I want to talk about my life since I have been back to site. So I get back to site and I decide to go back to school on thursday. I open my lab and talk with students and am feeling good about my new system of opening the lab on certian days and having people come in and help them with stuff. This is a system I am much more comfortable with than teaching. Although, I have already had a teacher ask me to open the lab on saturday (aka today) so he could do some research on Encarta. I told him about lab hours and he complained worse than the students. I'm writing this at 945 on friday night. He wants me to be there at 8am If he does not show up, I will cut him. That would be very Burkinabe of him. So on thursday some of the professers ask me if I will play in a soccer game. It is students versus professers. I politely tell them that I am a fat American and I don't play football. They generally accepted this. I get told by my homologue, Natalie, that there is a traditional clothing contest tomorrow and that I need to dress up. I don't have any traditional Burkinabe clothes yet, so I go out to buy a boo boo. A boo boo is a long shirt that goes down to your knees, pants that match, and a matching hat. You where this with white leather shoes. If you can't wait to see it, just wait. I plan to wear it in the states to give a few speeches about Burkina Faso. It will be magical. I go out to buy my boo boo and I can't find where I can buy them at. So I keep looking and finally I find a shop, but the boo boos are ugly and I don't want them. So the guy says he will take me to a traditional fabric booth. I show up and there is one adult boo boo and it is nice, but it is black and white. It is just boring. I needed something flashier. Soooo.... the bring me a bright green boo boo with gold stiching and intricate embroidery. NOW WE ARE TALKING!~!! I buy it and then buy my leather shoes. All in all it ran me about 50 American dollars. I looked at it as an investment.
So I get a call from Natalie and she tells me to come to the lycee (school) because the game is starting. This is of course 1 hour late. I make my way there and they are just starting as I arrive. It is fun to watch the kids play soccer and more fun to watch the professers. The professers score the first goal about 30 mins into the game. Maybe less. Two minutes later, the referree calls the game and the professers win. The kids say it isn't fair. lol. The important thing is that the professers won. lol. I leave and go and visit my friends Biba and David a little ways from my house and show them my boo boo. They tell me how pretty it is and that I am a real Burkinabe now. They were loving it. Biba is definitely my mother in this country. She tries to feed me, but I tell her I need to cook because I have meat in my bag, so she makes me promise to come over on Sunday and spend some time with her and David. I tell her I will and I go home and get some rest for my big day the next day.
I get up and make it to the lycee by 9 and the contest and dancing is supposed to start at nine. I find out Emma P. is visiting and she comes and to see me and the traditional garb. The APE (parent leader, think of it kinda like the leader of the parents committee in the states; except they are really active and respected here) sees me and grabs my wrist and starts showing me around to everyone. The APE loves me and I like him. He is really nice and loves the fact that I am here. One thing though, he is really grabby with me and likes to show me off. Its like I am his white man prize. His school is better because they have a white teacher. Its funny, but literally today he would not let me go until I met with everyone he wanted me to meet with. So after that was done Emma came and about had a heart attack at how ridiculous I looked. I am hoping to get a picture of myself from someone. I had enough pictures of me taken today and the Burkinabe love to give you pictures they get printed of you. So we go over to sit down to start the ceremony at 1045. It was supposed to start at 9. Its that West African International Time... or WAIT. So during the ceremony they brought out all the professers that dressed up, we got to see dancers from 3 different lycees come and do traditional dances. It was alot of fun, but really hot. There was a prize competition for best dressed and in the male category... I got 3rd. Hear that!! I am a winner!!! or the second loser depending on how you look at it. But it was nice to be put into it. I had alot of kids stop me and ask for pictures. Then when everything was over I turn around and there was Biba!! She said she wanted to come see me in my boo boo and that I looked really pretty!! It is nice to have people here at site who care. I almost didn't want to come back because I didn't think anyone would care, but I have had literally 1/4 of the town ask me where I was and they missed me. It is a good feeling, maybe I am more integre than I thought...
Love,
Trent
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Trent is back in Kaya; and is ready for peace!!!
Ok, so I apologize profously for my lack of blogs. There are just alot of things going on that I was not allowed to talk about. But now, Trent spills the beans. Well for the most part. Ok so rewind two weeks ago. Two weeks ago, no one knows what is going on. There are people burning stuff (a certian group of people that I am not allowed to name) and breaking into places in Ouaga. So I am sitting peacefully in my home writing a blog entry to post when I hear fireworks outside. I go outside and look, but don't see any. Then I listen again and realize its gunfire. They (again, a certain group of people who I am not allowed to name) were shooting into the air in Kaya. For what reason, to show support for the group in Ouaga. So I call my site mate and make sure that she is hearing it as well. She says that she does and while I am on the phone with her, my stupid neighbor comes outside and starts shooting right outside my courtyard. So I hurry into my house. He quits and I hear him laughing. He is an idiot. He decides to shoot off another much bigger gun at about 1 in the morning. Right outside of my house in the courtyard. So needless to say, I did not get much sleep that night.
The next morning I am supposed to go to a village near me so that I can get out of Kaya. So I ride my bike with my site mate to the village only to be told to continue on to another site. They wanted us to keep riding my bike in 120 degree temps for about 30 miles. Needless to say, we said no and searched for a car to take us. I tried a taxi but he kept changing the price and I finally yelled and called him a faux type. So we wait and see a car that happens to be going to the site that I am supposed to be going to. Well it turns out that one of the guys in the car is the prince of that site and is going to be the new chief soon. So he buys us drinks along the way and talks with us. He was really nice. So we finally get to the site and relax. We wait until a couple more people arrive and we sit down to eat. We recieve a call that tells us that we need to continue traveling again tomorrow. So basically, in two days, I traveled across the country of Burkina on bike, in car, and finally by bus and bush taxi. We were on official consolidation. So while on consolidation in a site that I cannot name, many people took safaris because there are some there. I did not. For many reasons, one is that I do not like the zoo. All that a safari seems like to me is a moving zoo in heat and humidity. Second, literally animals can attack you. There are no gates or anything and elephants charge you and even the lucky groups that got to see the lion, doesn't mean they could not be mauled by them. I think we know my luck. I would come back having been scratched by a lion or worse our car flipped by an angry elephant.
So I just decided to stay at the hotel and play cards and watch movies.
We did have an easter celebration, but it was Burkinabe. In Burkina, easter is celebrated by going out and eating food, then drinking and dancing at a bar. I really think that this is something that I could bring back to the states. We played some American music and danced at a local bar with the people. It was alot of fun. We also ate Macaroni and cheese (vache qui ri not real cheese) and ate pork and chicken.
One of the wierdest things about being on consolidation was that we were in Gourmache speaking area. This is difficult because I am in a Moore speaking area. So if the people did not speak French, we had a problem. There were children who hung out at the hotel everyday and we started calling them Ewoks. We called them that, because we had not clue what they were saying, they were kinda squeaking when they talked, they all carried around sticks and would point them at as as they would speak, they would gather mangoes from the trees and give them to us, and they were just kinda funny to watch. That was one of the biggest entertainments for me on consolidation.
So the day after easter, everyone can go back to site... ok not everyone. All the major cities can't. So I decide to go and stay with Becky and Tim in Boulsa. They are somewhat near me and they have electricity. It was alot of fun staying with them. They cooked good meals including chicken pot pies and soups. They have an oven that they are gifting to me when they leave. I am very excited. I got to play with thier dog, surreal. She is funny and also very needy. She acts like an american dog. I went to work with Tim two days and got to see his computer lab and what he is doing at school. It gave me some ideas. Also Tim reformatted my computer now so that it works faster. He got rid of Vista and just put XP on it. My computer works so much faster. I also got to watch alot of newer shows that I haven't been able to catch up on. I haven't seen Glee since regionals, its kinda killing me.
During all of this, I also had some time to do some deep thinking. I, among others, were thinking of going home. I haven't been able to do much work and morale has really taken a hit in the country. I have decided to stay and now that I am back at site, I am actually much happier than I thought I would be. I was really exhausted and wanted to leave, but now I am a little less. I still think that I am going to have to a take a tiny vacation even before I come home, but I am back to wanting to stay again. I had about a week or two where that was not the situation. There have been alot of stressors here and I definitely have been pushed farther than I ever thought that I would, but here I am. I am surviving. I am living and with everything that happens to me, is just another story that I can share later in life.
So good news!!! I come home in 10 weeks. That is only 70 days away!!! I will officially been in this country 11 months on the 9th. Too bad my official one year as a volunteer isn't until August. I am now back in Kaya which means that internet is officially my friend and available everyday. Now I have a homework assignment for you!!!!
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT-
Write a 1 paragraph email about what has been going on in your life and email it to trentonmtaylor@gmail.com.
I bleed my stories for you, you can at least drop me a line and tell me about your Americaland stories.
Also if you are in a Newcoming stage in May/June. BONNE CHANCE!!!! I can't wait to meet you!!! I am not working your stage, but I am sure that I will be at your swear in and you will hear stories about me. lol. Don't worry, we are fixing the country and getting it ready for you.
Trent
The next morning I am supposed to go to a village near me so that I can get out of Kaya. So I ride my bike with my site mate to the village only to be told to continue on to another site. They wanted us to keep riding my bike in 120 degree temps for about 30 miles. Needless to say, we said no and searched for a car to take us. I tried a taxi but he kept changing the price and I finally yelled and called him a faux type. So we wait and see a car that happens to be going to the site that I am supposed to be going to. Well it turns out that one of the guys in the car is the prince of that site and is going to be the new chief soon. So he buys us drinks along the way and talks with us. He was really nice. So we finally get to the site and relax. We wait until a couple more people arrive and we sit down to eat. We recieve a call that tells us that we need to continue traveling again tomorrow. So basically, in two days, I traveled across the country of Burkina on bike, in car, and finally by bus and bush taxi. We were on official consolidation. So while on consolidation in a site that I cannot name, many people took safaris because there are some there. I did not. For many reasons, one is that I do not like the zoo. All that a safari seems like to me is a moving zoo in heat and humidity. Second, literally animals can attack you. There are no gates or anything and elephants charge you and even the lucky groups that got to see the lion, doesn't mean they could not be mauled by them. I think we know my luck. I would come back having been scratched by a lion or worse our car flipped by an angry elephant.
So I just decided to stay at the hotel and play cards and watch movies.
We did have an easter celebration, but it was Burkinabe. In Burkina, easter is celebrated by going out and eating food, then drinking and dancing at a bar. I really think that this is something that I could bring back to the states. We played some American music and danced at a local bar with the people. It was alot of fun. We also ate Macaroni and cheese (vache qui ri not real cheese) and ate pork and chicken.
One of the wierdest things about being on consolidation was that we were in Gourmache speaking area. This is difficult because I am in a Moore speaking area. So if the people did not speak French, we had a problem. There were children who hung out at the hotel everyday and we started calling them Ewoks. We called them that, because we had not clue what they were saying, they were kinda squeaking when they talked, they all carried around sticks and would point them at as as they would speak, they would gather mangoes from the trees and give them to us, and they were just kinda funny to watch. That was one of the biggest entertainments for me on consolidation.
So the day after easter, everyone can go back to site... ok not everyone. All the major cities can't. So I decide to go and stay with Becky and Tim in Boulsa. They are somewhat near me and they have electricity. It was alot of fun staying with them. They cooked good meals including chicken pot pies and soups. They have an oven that they are gifting to me when they leave. I am very excited. I got to play with thier dog, surreal. She is funny and also very needy. She acts like an american dog. I went to work with Tim two days and got to see his computer lab and what he is doing at school. It gave me some ideas. Also Tim reformatted my computer now so that it works faster. He got rid of Vista and just put XP on it. My computer works so much faster. I also got to watch alot of newer shows that I haven't been able to catch up on. I haven't seen Glee since regionals, its kinda killing me.
During all of this, I also had some time to do some deep thinking. I, among others, were thinking of going home. I haven't been able to do much work and morale has really taken a hit in the country. I have decided to stay and now that I am back at site, I am actually much happier than I thought I would be. I was really exhausted and wanted to leave, but now I am a little less. I still think that I am going to have to a take a tiny vacation even before I come home, but I am back to wanting to stay again. I had about a week or two where that was not the situation. There have been alot of stressors here and I definitely have been pushed farther than I ever thought that I would, but here I am. I am surviving. I am living and with everything that happens to me, is just another story that I can share later in life.
So good news!!! I come home in 10 weeks. That is only 70 days away!!! I will officially been in this country 11 months on the 9th. Too bad my official one year as a volunteer isn't until August. I am now back in Kaya which means that internet is officially my friend and available everyday. Now I have a homework assignment for you!!!!
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT-
Write a 1 paragraph email about what has been going on in your life and email it to trentonmtaylor@gmail.com.
I bleed my stories for you, you can at least drop me a line and tell me about your Americaland stories.
Also if you are in a Newcoming stage in May/June. BONNE CHANCE!!!! I can't wait to meet you!!! I am not working your stage, but I am sure that I will be at your swear in and you will hear stories about me. lol. Don't worry, we are fixing the country and getting it ready for you.
Trent
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Trent plans a party and will never do it again... probably.
So I am not really allowed to talk about everything that has been going on here, so that is why I have not been blogging. I apologize to everyone. I want everyone to know that I am safe and sound. I have spent the last two weeks in Ouaga trying to plan this party that is the COS party. This is a party for all the Close of Service volunteers. Everyone in the country gets together to have a party and talk and have a night to show thier appreciation for all the volunteers who are ending thier service.
So I will give you a wrap up of my two weeks, without too much detail. But enough that you will get the idea...
So two weeks ago I come in to start getting things ready and unfortunately some events happened in Ouagadougou that prevented me from going out and getting things organized. So I did not get them accomplished. So on Friday I was told that I need to get a back up site near the bureau so in case anything happened we were close by. That and the old location was near a building of people that we did not want to be around at this time... So I found a back up location in a wooded area. It was good. Soooo...
The next monday, more stuff happened in other parts of the country. Then this continued on to tuesday. This is the point where we moved the party again and I was calling people in the country and making sure where people were and who was coming in and who was stuck at site. I also find out the location of my party has been moved again...
So at this point I find out that one of my girl friend's girlfriend. (sorry sounds wierd but can't use names. plttt) Anyway, the girlfriend snuck into the country and I went to the airport with my friend Suniata who had helped arrange the whole thing. We picked her up at the airport and took her to the hotel where her girlfriend was staying. My friend's face was priceless. She was confused, shocked, and excited. I thought she was going to faint. It was so sweet and romantic. I found out later that she asked her to marry her. SO they are officially engaged!!! Amazing.
So then it was back to party planning. I had thursday to get all the drinks ordered and I was supposed to be at warden training, but luckily they are going to be doing another warden training at a later date and I was told I could just go to that one. So I spent all day getting drinks organized, getting food organized, and making sure all the accomadations were met. I was running around like crazy, but it was worth it. I especially have to thank the Peace Corps Bureau for helping me get things organized. They were a vital part of making sure that this party happened and making sure the COSing volunteers had a party to remember. The Country Director and her assistant even organized for Floby, (Who is the most famous Burkinabe singer here... equivilent of Lady Gaga in the states) come to the party and sing a little bit for us. He sang a little bit and as he left he shook my hand. My students are going to be so jealous when I tell them.
The party went off mostly without a hitch. Everyone was in high spirits and some said that it was the best COS party they had been too. So I was glad that I could get it organized and everyone was happy with the results. However, I do not think that I will be organizing another one of those anytime soon. I have decided that I am glad to have a mother who knows how to event plan. If I do become a party planner, it is going to be of the skills she and my father have passed down to me. Mother in organization, and father out of making something amazing out of nothing. You should see what he can do with some pcv pipe and electricity. ;)
Ok, I am now back in Kaya, and I am glad to be back. I am hopefully going to have students come to my class tomorrow morning. Afterwards, I am going to go into town and tomorrow afternoon... LAUNDRY and CLEANING!! I have already swept and replaced my water filter and cleaned my kitchen, but now I need to take on my bedroom, which is more like a closet for me anymore sinch I sleep in my living room, but still. I need to clean clean. Two weeks away and the dust builds up. That and I have people coming and staying with me next week!!!
I will try to keep you updated and if you have any specific questions, you can email me,
trentonmtaylor@gmail.com
Sorry for the discreetness, but I can tell you all about stuff that happened when I get home... Thats right, Im visiting home.. Its 14 weeks away!! Be excited. I am!!!
Love and miss you all!
So I will give you a wrap up of my two weeks, without too much detail. But enough that you will get the idea...
So two weeks ago I come in to start getting things ready and unfortunately some events happened in Ouagadougou that prevented me from going out and getting things organized. So I did not get them accomplished. So on Friday I was told that I need to get a back up site near the bureau so in case anything happened we were close by. That and the old location was near a building of people that we did not want to be around at this time... So I found a back up location in a wooded area. It was good. Soooo...
The next monday, more stuff happened in other parts of the country. Then this continued on to tuesday. This is the point where we moved the party again and I was calling people in the country and making sure where people were and who was coming in and who was stuck at site. I also find out the location of my party has been moved again...
So at this point I find out that one of my girl friend's girlfriend. (sorry sounds wierd but can't use names. plttt) Anyway, the girlfriend snuck into the country and I went to the airport with my friend Suniata who had helped arrange the whole thing. We picked her up at the airport and took her to the hotel where her girlfriend was staying. My friend's face was priceless. She was confused, shocked, and excited. I thought she was going to faint. It was so sweet and romantic. I found out later that she asked her to marry her. SO they are officially engaged!!! Amazing.
So then it was back to party planning. I had thursday to get all the drinks ordered and I was supposed to be at warden training, but luckily they are going to be doing another warden training at a later date and I was told I could just go to that one. So I spent all day getting drinks organized, getting food organized, and making sure all the accomadations were met. I was running around like crazy, but it was worth it. I especially have to thank the Peace Corps Bureau for helping me get things organized. They were a vital part of making sure that this party happened and making sure the COSing volunteers had a party to remember. The Country Director and her assistant even organized for Floby, (Who is the most famous Burkinabe singer here... equivilent of Lady Gaga in the states) come to the party and sing a little bit for us. He sang a little bit and as he left he shook my hand. My students are going to be so jealous when I tell them.
The party went off mostly without a hitch. Everyone was in high spirits and some said that it was the best COS party they had been too. So I was glad that I could get it organized and everyone was happy with the results. However, I do not think that I will be organizing another one of those anytime soon. I have decided that I am glad to have a mother who knows how to event plan. If I do become a party planner, it is going to be of the skills she and my father have passed down to me. Mother in organization, and father out of making something amazing out of nothing. You should see what he can do with some pcv pipe and electricity. ;)
Ok, I am now back in Kaya, and I am glad to be back. I am hopefully going to have students come to my class tomorrow morning. Afterwards, I am going to go into town and tomorrow afternoon... LAUNDRY and CLEANING!! I have already swept and replaced my water filter and cleaned my kitchen, but now I need to take on my bedroom, which is more like a closet for me anymore sinch I sleep in my living room, but still. I need to clean clean. Two weeks away and the dust builds up. That and I have people coming and staying with me next week!!!
I will try to keep you updated and if you have any specific questions, you can email me,
trentonmtaylor@gmail.com
Sorry for the discreetness, but I can tell you all about stuff that happened when I get home... Thats right, Im visiting home.. Its 14 weeks away!! Be excited. I am!!!
Love and miss you all!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Trent celebrates Saint Patricks day!!!
So on the Weds before saint patricks day; I decided to have a couple of Gin and Orange mix and watch some of my favorite episodes of Glee. It gave me a chance to catch up on what music I had been missing and see some old favorites. However; I also have been taking Benedryl so I could sleep at night. I wasn't thinking about it and took my Benedryl and after I took it I was drinking and thought; Uh oh. Probably should not have mixed those two. To quote Justin's mom on QAF; "Who do I look like; Judy Garland?" But I did it and I fell asleep and had the most knocked out sleep of my life. I woke up to Hailey calling me telling me at 8 that they were going to throw a ST. Patricks day party. I was like, gimme 2 hours. lol.
I met them at the Marche and am still slightly drowsy from the Benedryl and then they said the magic words. Trent we need you really to carry stuff and do stuff for us. Basically like my dad says; A strong back and a weak mind. That was my mindset for the day and I was more than happy not to think.
We get back to Grace's house and the work begins. Hailey gets to work on cutting vegetables; Grace is getting decorations; I am popping popcorn and Shrimp crackers. Grace not only gets burned by oil in the process; but also cuts her finger while cutting garlic. Poor thing. About this time we realize we should have invited people around us. The only one who could reach us was maybe Emma; so we call and invite her. She says; no; she can't make it. We are sad but understand. At this point Hailey starts cooking the food; and it smells and tastes amazing. Its a stew of Beef; Cabbage; Potatoes; Carrots; Onions; Garlic; Black Peppercorns. IT is amazing and semi-irish. We get the place decorated and I go get two other volunteers who are staying here for a little while and when I get back the party is ready. We had food; we had cold drinks; and all we had to do was wait for the people. The people did come! To our surprise; Emma came!!! She had found a late bus and made it into Kaya!! After that Burkinabe started to arrive. One of them was supposed to bring the beers; but of course he didn't get it set up so the beers didnt arrive until about 9ish. You know it isnt St. Patricks without beer. Even though; I don't really like beer.
We fed the Burkinabe the stew and they loved it. They drank beers; we played a milange of African and American music and danced. The funny thing is trying to explain St. Patricks Day. Someone asked about why we wear green and Hailey said it is because Snakes are greena and St. Patrick chased out all the snakes. None of us knew exactly why; so we let it go. It was alot of fun and we were able to share a St. Patricks Day party with Burkinabe and explain a little bit of cross culture. It was a great time and I can only hope my future partys can go as well.
Speaking of which; I still cannot go to Ouaga... So I am right now about 2 weeks away from my party... FANTASTIC!! Not freaking out yet; but next week; I see a mental breakdown occuring. We'll see!!
Also I had to take down a couple of blogs because of political commentary with stuff happening. If you missed it; just talk to someone who reads it. Or I can give you what you missed over the phone. lol.
NOW one more Shout out!!
One of my Best Friends Katie Fouts is tying the knot tomorrow to an amazing Man Zach Holt. I want to wish her the best wedding day that anyone could ever have and I know that they are going to be happy together for years and years to come.
Also; she cannot get knocked up til I come back. ;)
LOVE
Trent
I met them at the Marche and am still slightly drowsy from the Benedryl and then they said the magic words. Trent we need you really to carry stuff and do stuff for us. Basically like my dad says; A strong back and a weak mind. That was my mindset for the day and I was more than happy not to think.
We get back to Grace's house and the work begins. Hailey gets to work on cutting vegetables; Grace is getting decorations; I am popping popcorn and Shrimp crackers. Grace not only gets burned by oil in the process; but also cuts her finger while cutting garlic. Poor thing. About this time we realize we should have invited people around us. The only one who could reach us was maybe Emma; so we call and invite her. She says; no; she can't make it. We are sad but understand. At this point Hailey starts cooking the food; and it smells and tastes amazing. Its a stew of Beef; Cabbage; Potatoes; Carrots; Onions; Garlic; Black Peppercorns. IT is amazing and semi-irish. We get the place decorated and I go get two other volunteers who are staying here for a little while and when I get back the party is ready. We had food; we had cold drinks; and all we had to do was wait for the people. The people did come! To our surprise; Emma came!!! She had found a late bus and made it into Kaya!! After that Burkinabe started to arrive. One of them was supposed to bring the beers; but of course he didn't get it set up so the beers didnt arrive until about 9ish. You know it isnt St. Patricks without beer. Even though; I don't really like beer.
We fed the Burkinabe the stew and they loved it. They drank beers; we played a milange of African and American music and danced. The funny thing is trying to explain St. Patricks Day. Someone asked about why we wear green and Hailey said it is because Snakes are greena and St. Patrick chased out all the snakes. None of us knew exactly why; so we let it go. It was alot of fun and we were able to share a St. Patricks Day party with Burkinabe and explain a little bit of cross culture. It was a great time and I can only hope my future partys can go as well.
Speaking of which; I still cannot go to Ouaga... So I am right now about 2 weeks away from my party... FANTASTIC!! Not freaking out yet; but next week; I see a mental breakdown occuring. We'll see!!
Also I had to take down a couple of blogs because of political commentary with stuff happening. If you missed it; just talk to someone who reads it. Or I can give you what you missed over the phone. lol.
NOW one more Shout out!!
One of my Best Friends Katie Fouts is tying the knot tomorrow to an amazing Man Zach Holt. I want to wish her the best wedding day that anyone could ever have and I know that they are going to be happy together for years and years to come.
Also; she cannot get knocked up til I come back. ;)
LOVE
Trent
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Trent plays softball, visits a village; and has ameoba friends!!
So I am having problems with my stomach when I eat, so I get brought into Ouagadougou so we can see what is going on. When I come in, I get blood drawn, poop in a cup, and get a sonogram. That's right, I get the goo on my stomach and have them move around and look at my organs, for the second time in nine months. Its like I'm having a baby, only babies of disease. Well it turns out that I have an amoeba. This amoeba decides to eat my stomach. So when i eat, it eats my stomach, or something of the sort. So I am now given medicine to kill the amoeba farm. I should be back to normal in about ten days. So excited. To be able to drink or eat without feeling like I am being stabbed. The little things that you look forward to in Burkina Faso...
I come back to site on tuesday night (aka 6pm) and I go to a restaurant and meet some of my favorites *Hailley, Grace, and Emma* and do not return to my house. I go to Grace's house and stay the night and watch the new Glee's and introduce them to Queer as folk, to which they are now addicted. We will probably watch them later. I stayed because the next day we took a trip to Nemtenga...
Nemtenga is a little village in BFBF (Think BFE but instead of the Egypt replace Burkina Faso). There was a grand fete there where I saw traditional masks and traditional dances and helped Mike from friends of Burkina. I played the game sharks and minnows from when I was in Gym class back in Elementary School. Having one shark attack the minnows, then they become sharks, until everyone gets tagged or you get down to about 10. I was playing with over fifty students and it was a little intimidating. I'm explaining the rules and telling them not to cheat in French it was alot of fun.
So also they brought out thier tribal masks to greet us. They look like big cousin IT's with faces. The masks are spirits and they have different personalities and they really are cool to watch dance. You can't touch the masks, but they will bow and touch your hand if you hold it up... and your white. lol. They speak, but its like a series of bird chirps and it is kinda creepy. one of the masks had a stick and it was swinging it at people and hitting them. So the children ran from it. It was really cool
Also I got to see a weaving guild and a ladies group get together and dance. When the ladies dance its a circle of women and usually one lady is singing loud and the others sing a following chorus. It is so cool because two women go out and they spin and then they booty bump each other and then another women enters as another one leaves and they just keep going. The ladies here carry babies on thier back in a pagne and I was about to die when one of the ladies went out spun and booty bumped with a baby on her back. The baby was like, I don't like this ride. lol. It was really fun and I got to see the women create some cloth that was really pretty!
They also had a big ceremony where they thanked us for coming and they gave us gifts. I recieved a hat that farmers wear, I think my grandpa taylor may have just recieved an African Hat he can work in. lol. Its a cone hat with a couple of African designed things on it. It is pretty cool and traditional, but I will never wear it. Most likely.
After the way therey we had to go back. I must mention that the trip to nemtenga was off road and at night took about 40 mins on the off road part. I don't get car sick, but by the end of the off roading expedition I was glad that we were on paved road again. I don't know how the drivers even found the place, it was like, take a left at that one rock... lol.
The next morning was the all important community meeting in Kaya. In order for us to recieve any funding for a project we need a 25% community contribution. So in order for us to recieve this, we were going to need the lodging in Kaya to be paid for. We didn't know where we were going to stay or what is going to happen. So we go to the meeting with some of the most important people in Kaya and good news, we recieved the lodging. So that is a relief off of Emma's mind and we can start getting our funding from SPA grants and also money from friends of Peace Corps people. More to come on that later...
So we are at Friday morning, this is the the day where I am able to start eating full meals almost without dieing. The pain has subsided and I am in Ouagadougou. It turns out that our softball game isn't until Friday, which works out great, because I need to meet with the owner of Pandora about the COS party. (Close of Service). The COS Party is for volunteers who are leaving Burkina and going back to America, because they are finishing their service. However, every volunteer in the country is invited. I volunteered to get the event organized, because I'm a glutton for punishment. I decided to have the party at Pandora, a bowling alley in Burkina Faso. I know a bowling alley, tres classy! So I needed to get the venue for the night. The starting price for the venue was 375000 CFA or 700 and some dollars. I talked it down to 225,000. or 475 dollars. Thats right, I haggle. I did agree to buy drinks from them, which is going to be a little more expensive, but I was just happy to have the place. And all I need is 7 more people to come outside of the people who are leaving the country to come and I have the venue paid off. That is amazing. It is a Viva ouaga Vegas Party and there is going to be bowling, dancing, music, drinking, Slot machines, pool, and some other games. Talk about an amazing time. If only I had a musical chairs with a twist game. Jk Mom, don't actually make and send one.
SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
So saturday morning came around and it was time for me to play. Our first game we were using to try to see how we played together and was not that competetive, but everyone was surprised when I was telling people where to play and batting orders and base coaching. They were surprised that I even knew the rules. I never realized I grew up in a sports family until I came here and realized that just by knowing the rules to sports, I was ahead of the curve of even some of the guys. lol.
The first game we lost, but only by a few points. It was a good game, we just had a bad first inning. This followed us as a trait... we had a bad first inning in all three of our games that most of the time cost us the game. That and our spirits broke a little bit in the third game. But we were upset that we lost the second game because we were up against JICA. Now I know you have no clue what JICA is, but think of Peace Corps, but the Japanese version. So literally we got beat in Baseball by our Japanese counterparts. Although we technically go beat by some Nigerians and some americans as well. I liked what Dan Rooney said, you know we developed a country we they can beat us at our own sports. lol.
So I know it wouldn't be a blog entry without me having some injury, so we are playing in the third game and I am the catcher. I let a girl who was much faster and better than me take that position. I liked being the catcher. Surprise surprise... I am on home base covering it and the ball is right behind the third baseman and a guy rounds second and goes to third and rounds third. He should have stayed. The ball was right behind him. So I jump on the plate and get it thrown to me by the short stop. The ball hits my mit and he threw it really freaking hard so it comes up and hits my other hand and bounces out. I grab the ball and throw it to the pitcher before anyone else runs. I look down and my middle finger is swollen up twice the size it should be. I'm like, well shit. So I just decide to finish the inning, which didn't last long and luckily that was all I needed to finish. It turns out that blood had just made it swell or something, but I was bruised all down my finger and it was blue for about a day and half. I two other bruises on my arm and shoulder where I dove for a ball in the outfield. I stopped the balls, but didn't catch them. lol. When it comes to sports, I am glad that I only play them for fun and am not competive. Lets leave that for the Bingo, poker, and board games.
Needless to say we lost the tournament, but we came in 5th out of 6th. Who cares if everyone on the team that lost overall was probably under the age of 16... I don't.
So one of the weirdest things though about the tournament was that it was the International School of Ouagadougou, where they teach in English. The whole time that I was there, almost everyone was speaking English. The kids spoke English and had American mannerisms. I bought 4 snowcones to help the school prom at one concession stand. I had pizza at anothe concession stand. Then I bought sprites to help the Arts club go to Paris. It was like I was at a high school function. The most awkward thing was that, everyone was ignoring me. They acted like I was not important and didn't yell at me and didn't stare. I didn't realize how used to that I was until it wasn't happening. I'm used to being observed doing everything like I'm a celebrity, so it was kinda awkward going back. I think I am going to be one of those people, WHY AREN'T You Staring AT ME!!!.
Finally, last paragraph, I swear. I went to Chez Simone with a bunch of people including two volunteers who live in Benin. They were on vacation and on thier way back. Thier names were Eric and Elise and they were awesome. It was fun talking to them and just hanging out with everyone. I also got to get some good stuff in Ouaga, including new Modern Family, Glee, and Black Swan. If you get the chance to watch Black Swan, its a really cool film. If you like to see ballerinas going crazy. Oooh and Burlesque, but that is if you like musical films with Cher and Christina. Which I think we all know.. I do.
Love you all. and there are photos of me apparently on facebook playing softball.
Trent
One last p.s. I just found out that I am going to be getting a visitor in Dec-Jan time. One of my adventourous friends. More to come later.
I come back to site on tuesday night (aka 6pm) and I go to a restaurant and meet some of my favorites *Hailley, Grace, and Emma* and do not return to my house. I go to Grace's house and stay the night and watch the new Glee's and introduce them to Queer as folk, to which they are now addicted. We will probably watch them later. I stayed because the next day we took a trip to Nemtenga...
Nemtenga is a little village in BFBF (Think BFE but instead of the Egypt replace Burkina Faso). There was a grand fete there where I saw traditional masks and traditional dances and helped Mike from friends of Burkina. I played the game sharks and minnows from when I was in Gym class back in Elementary School. Having one shark attack the minnows, then they become sharks, until everyone gets tagged or you get down to about 10. I was playing with over fifty students and it was a little intimidating. I'm explaining the rules and telling them not to cheat in French it was alot of fun.
So also they brought out thier tribal masks to greet us. They look like big cousin IT's with faces. The masks are spirits and they have different personalities and they really are cool to watch dance. You can't touch the masks, but they will bow and touch your hand if you hold it up... and your white. lol. They speak, but its like a series of bird chirps and it is kinda creepy. one of the masks had a stick and it was swinging it at people and hitting them. So the children ran from it. It was really cool
Also I got to see a weaving guild and a ladies group get together and dance. When the ladies dance its a circle of women and usually one lady is singing loud and the others sing a following chorus. It is so cool because two women go out and they spin and then they booty bump each other and then another women enters as another one leaves and they just keep going. The ladies here carry babies on thier back in a pagne and I was about to die when one of the ladies went out spun and booty bumped with a baby on her back. The baby was like, I don't like this ride. lol. It was really fun and I got to see the women create some cloth that was really pretty!
They also had a big ceremony where they thanked us for coming and they gave us gifts. I recieved a hat that farmers wear, I think my grandpa taylor may have just recieved an African Hat he can work in. lol. Its a cone hat with a couple of African designed things on it. It is pretty cool and traditional, but I will never wear it. Most likely.
After the way therey we had to go back. I must mention that the trip to nemtenga was off road and at night took about 40 mins on the off road part. I don't get car sick, but by the end of the off roading expedition I was glad that we were on paved road again. I don't know how the drivers even found the place, it was like, take a left at that one rock... lol.
The next morning was the all important community meeting in Kaya. In order for us to recieve any funding for a project we need a 25% community contribution. So in order for us to recieve this, we were going to need the lodging in Kaya to be paid for. We didn't know where we were going to stay or what is going to happen. So we go to the meeting with some of the most important people in Kaya and good news, we recieved the lodging. So that is a relief off of Emma's mind and we can start getting our funding from SPA grants and also money from friends of Peace Corps people. More to come on that later...
So we are at Friday morning, this is the the day where I am able to start eating full meals almost without dieing. The pain has subsided and I am in Ouagadougou. It turns out that our softball game isn't until Friday, which works out great, because I need to meet with the owner of Pandora about the COS party. (Close of Service). The COS Party is for volunteers who are leaving Burkina and going back to America, because they are finishing their service. However, every volunteer in the country is invited. I volunteered to get the event organized, because I'm a glutton for punishment. I decided to have the party at Pandora, a bowling alley in Burkina Faso. I know a bowling alley, tres classy! So I needed to get the venue for the night. The starting price for the venue was 375000 CFA or 700 and some dollars. I talked it down to 225,000. or 475 dollars. Thats right, I haggle. I did agree to buy drinks from them, which is going to be a little more expensive, but I was just happy to have the place. And all I need is 7 more people to come outside of the people who are leaving the country to come and I have the venue paid off. That is amazing. It is a Viva ouaga Vegas Party and there is going to be bowling, dancing, music, drinking, Slot machines, pool, and some other games. Talk about an amazing time. If only I had a musical chairs with a twist game. Jk Mom, don't actually make and send one.
SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
So saturday morning came around and it was time for me to play. Our first game we were using to try to see how we played together and was not that competetive, but everyone was surprised when I was telling people where to play and batting orders and base coaching. They were surprised that I even knew the rules. I never realized I grew up in a sports family until I came here and realized that just by knowing the rules to sports, I was ahead of the curve of even some of the guys. lol.
The first game we lost, but only by a few points. It was a good game, we just had a bad first inning. This followed us as a trait... we had a bad first inning in all three of our games that most of the time cost us the game. That and our spirits broke a little bit in the third game. But we were upset that we lost the second game because we were up against JICA. Now I know you have no clue what JICA is, but think of Peace Corps, but the Japanese version. So literally we got beat in Baseball by our Japanese counterparts. Although we technically go beat by some Nigerians and some americans as well. I liked what Dan Rooney said, you know we developed a country we they can beat us at our own sports. lol.
So I know it wouldn't be a blog entry without me having some injury, so we are playing in the third game and I am the catcher. I let a girl who was much faster and better than me take that position. I liked being the catcher. Surprise surprise... I am on home base covering it and the ball is right behind the third baseman and a guy rounds second and goes to third and rounds third. He should have stayed. The ball was right behind him. So I jump on the plate and get it thrown to me by the short stop. The ball hits my mit and he threw it really freaking hard so it comes up and hits my other hand and bounces out. I grab the ball and throw it to the pitcher before anyone else runs. I look down and my middle finger is swollen up twice the size it should be. I'm like, well shit. So I just decide to finish the inning, which didn't last long and luckily that was all I needed to finish. It turns out that blood had just made it swell or something, but I was bruised all down my finger and it was blue for about a day and half. I two other bruises on my arm and shoulder where I dove for a ball in the outfield. I stopped the balls, but didn't catch them. lol. When it comes to sports, I am glad that I only play them for fun and am not competive. Lets leave that for the Bingo, poker, and board games.
Needless to say we lost the tournament, but we came in 5th out of 6th. Who cares if everyone on the team that lost overall was probably under the age of 16... I don't.
So one of the weirdest things though about the tournament was that it was the International School of Ouagadougou, where they teach in English. The whole time that I was there, almost everyone was speaking English. The kids spoke English and had American mannerisms. I bought 4 snowcones to help the school prom at one concession stand. I had pizza at anothe concession stand. Then I bought sprites to help the Arts club go to Paris. It was like I was at a high school function. The most awkward thing was that, everyone was ignoring me. They acted like I was not important and didn't yell at me and didn't stare. I didn't realize how used to that I was until it wasn't happening. I'm used to being observed doing everything like I'm a celebrity, so it was kinda awkward going back. I think I am going to be one of those people, WHY AREN'T You Staring AT ME!!!.
Finally, last paragraph, I swear. I went to Chez Simone with a bunch of people including two volunteers who live in Benin. They were on vacation and on thier way back. Thier names were Eric and Elise and they were awesome. It was fun talking to them and just hanging out with everyone. I also got to get some good stuff in Ouaga, including new Modern Family, Glee, and Black Swan. If you get the chance to watch Black Swan, its a really cool film. If you like to see ballerinas going crazy. Oooh and Burlesque, but that is if you like musical films with Cher and Christina. Which I think we all know.. I do.
Love you all. and there are photos of me apparently on facebook playing softball.
Trent
One last p.s. I just found out that I am going to be getting a visitor in Dec-Jan time. One of my adventourous friends. More to come later.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Trent gets another stomach inflammation, a new address, and a very busy schedule.
So I have another inflammation of my stomach; Most likely caused by piment or as you americans know it; peppers. I try to avoig all but the green; but I have been cooking with piment powder and making some awesome chicken noodle soup; but alas; now it hurts everytime I swallow food. not that it is keeping me from eating; because I think we all know I would have to lose my stomach for that to happen. Im trying antacids and going to try to find a glass of milk for tonight. YAY!!
Some of you may have noticed that I changed my address. Look Here----->>>
If you send things to the old address; I will still recieve them at the bureau. This address is my new one in my town, so a little easier access to me. Thank you for this brief announcement.
I have a really busy schedule coming up. I am going to Nemtenga to visit someone with Friends of Burkina. His name is Mike and he served in Peace Corps over 30 years ago!! He returns and brings letters and speaks fluent Moorê. Talk about an amazing man. After that I have a community meeting on Thursday morning and teach thursday night. I am leaving for Ouaga at 6 in the morning on Friday and have an LPI (maybe a medical appt if my stomach isnt better), then softball tournament weekend. I am so excited!!
Well its been a boring week; but those of you who have questions about joining the peace corps and what peace corps service can really be like; wath this,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-wDq17zyN0
It is really funny and alot of it is in good fun. It is not a completly accurate display of service; but definitly hits home in alot of places. Aka the whole gardening section and local foods. LOL.
Love an misses!!
Trent
Some of you may have noticed that I changed my address. Look Here----->>>
If you send things to the old address; I will still recieve them at the bureau. This address is my new one in my town, so a little easier access to me. Thank you for this brief announcement.
I have a really busy schedule coming up. I am going to Nemtenga to visit someone with Friends of Burkina. His name is Mike and he served in Peace Corps over 30 years ago!! He returns and brings letters and speaks fluent Moorê. Talk about an amazing man. After that I have a community meeting on Thursday morning and teach thursday night. I am leaving for Ouaga at 6 in the morning on Friday and have an LPI (maybe a medical appt if my stomach isnt better), then softball tournament weekend. I am so excited!!
Well its been a boring week; but those of you who have questions about joining the peace corps and what peace corps service can really be like; wath this,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-wDq17zyN0
It is really funny and alot of it is in good fun. It is not a completly accurate display of service; but definitly hits home in alot of places. Aka the whole gardening section and local foods. LOL.
Love an misses!!
Trent
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Trent meets le serpent, and kills it... kinda.
So for you that haven't figured it out, serpent in french means snake. So I am watching Parks and Recreation (A fabulous show that everyone should watch) when I hear someone banging on a metal door. At first I ignore it, but then I'm like what the hell...
So I go outside and I walk down two houses in my courtyard and hear my gendarm (army) neighbor banging on his door. I am confused until I look down and see a snake on his stoop. Now my first thought is really, its a one foot long snake. Its skinny and is maybe a gardner snake or the african equivelent. My second thought is but what if its not...
So I go back to my house and throw on some jeans and my black shoes and grab my half a broom... I will describe why I have half of a broom in a moment.
So I walk down to his house and walk up on his stoop and just kinda brush the snake off of the porch and into the courtyard. I tell the gendarm that its ok to come out and he says very panicky, ou est le serpent!! Ou est le serpent!! (where is the snake! Where is the Snake!). I tell him in the courtyard. He comes out and sees it and I ask him what we do now. I was thinking maybe he had some serpent knowledge, but then I remembered Burkinabe are scared to death of snakes and there is only one answer. Kill it.
So I walk to my house and grab my big kitchen knife that is a little dull, but I figure with enough force the head should come off pretty easily. I walk back and ask the gendarm if he killed it yet and he said no, then throws a big rock at it... That is the system for him to kill a snake... throw rocks at it. I am thinking about walking up and just chopping its head off real quick and this man won't get within a 3 foot distance of the snake. After we did some substantial damage with the rock, he crushed its head with a big stick over and over and we swept it outside. I just always love situations where I can play the butch male figure. Not only was I the one who had to sweep the snake away, but I also was going to be the one to just chop its head off. Thats right, when you think of men, think of me.
Ok, so now about the broken broom, so earlier this week I was burning trash and sweeping up my courtyard and I had a couple of big piles of like gravel dust mixture. I am moving these over to a mini-burn pile that I am make and while I an sweeping, my broom breaks and half and the top part of the broom and my fist hit me in the face. It almost knocks my jaw off. Needless to say I was alright, but my pride took a hit. Oh who are we kidding, how much pride do I have left to lose?
I am posting this entry from Ouagadougou, I am going to be enjoying a relaxing day away from site. Wish me well, I'm wishing you well.
Love, peace, and chicken grease,
Trent
P.s. That makes the count.. 4 scorpions, 1 scorpion carrier, and 1 snake for those playing the game at home.
So I go outside and I walk down two houses in my courtyard and hear my gendarm (army) neighbor banging on his door. I am confused until I look down and see a snake on his stoop. Now my first thought is really, its a one foot long snake. Its skinny and is maybe a gardner snake or the african equivelent. My second thought is but what if its not...
So I go back to my house and throw on some jeans and my black shoes and grab my half a broom... I will describe why I have half of a broom in a moment.
So I walk down to his house and walk up on his stoop and just kinda brush the snake off of the porch and into the courtyard. I tell the gendarm that its ok to come out and he says very panicky, ou est le serpent!! Ou est le serpent!! (where is the snake! Where is the Snake!). I tell him in the courtyard. He comes out and sees it and I ask him what we do now. I was thinking maybe he had some serpent knowledge, but then I remembered Burkinabe are scared to death of snakes and there is only one answer. Kill it.
So I walk to my house and grab my big kitchen knife that is a little dull, but I figure with enough force the head should come off pretty easily. I walk back and ask the gendarm if he killed it yet and he said no, then throws a big rock at it... That is the system for him to kill a snake... throw rocks at it. I am thinking about walking up and just chopping its head off real quick and this man won't get within a 3 foot distance of the snake. After we did some substantial damage with the rock, he crushed its head with a big stick over and over and we swept it outside. I just always love situations where I can play the butch male figure. Not only was I the one who had to sweep the snake away, but I also was going to be the one to just chop its head off. Thats right, when you think of men, think of me.
Ok, so now about the broken broom, so earlier this week I was burning trash and sweeping up my courtyard and I had a couple of big piles of like gravel dust mixture. I am moving these over to a mini-burn pile that I am make and while I an sweeping, my broom breaks and half and the top part of the broom and my fist hit me in the face. It almost knocks my jaw off. Needless to say I was alright, but my pride took a hit. Oh who are we kidding, how much pride do I have left to lose?
I am posting this entry from Ouagadougou, I am going to be enjoying a relaxing day away from site. Wish me well, I'm wishing you well.
Love, peace, and chicken grease,
Trent
P.s. That makes the count.. 4 scorpions, 1 scorpion carrier, and 1 snake for those playing the game at home.
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