Change gonna come….

Well maybe change won’t come this fast but some things have already changed and some things have not.

The Same
• I still don’t like the dark, though between the hours of 6:00pm and 5:30am it is pitch black in the village. Battery operated lighting comes in handy.
• I still don’t like bugs and creepy crawlers and there is no escaping them. I have learned how to manage my dislike though, sometimes I do scream, but most times I kill them even before I have time for fear. Plus I have developed a strong attachment to my mosquito net- they keep everything out.
• I am still a hypochondriac, which may actually come in handy. We are learning so much about how to stay healthy and safe that my fear of illness may keep me well.
• I am still a know-it-all, but I have altered this trait quite a bit. I really don’t know anything but pay close attention to lessons so I can act like I do.
• People who like me without knowing me well still spook me…. but I am gonna need all of the friends I can get here. Plus I made many good friends in the states that way.
• I still need “ME’ time though it is impossible. My classes are from 8am to 5pm and when I am at home I am always watched because I am the foreigner. I bet when I am alone at my site (Jan 2009 to Dec 2010) I will wish for less alone time.

The Change
• I should probably stay out of mirrors. It’s not that bad but my word I am getting upset at my own non-chalantness towards my image. But this is how it is here, well with us PC trainees and Sissamba villagers. City folks are the ones who try to look nice. You are always dirty (the heat causes sweat, the bikes cause dust, and everything but the MAIN roads are dirt). We only brought so many clothes and its hard doing laundry in the dark (I did skip a day of relaxation to do wash though so I am not that dirty)…. I may be exaggerating a bit though. The outfit I have received the most complements on was a Talbots jumper dress and a top my grandmother bought for herself. I am 25years old! Clearly our standards of fashion have changed since arriving in Burkina Faso.
• I am doing things I would typically consider gross. If you ask about it I probably will not share… can’t embarrass the family anymore.
• I am taking a liking to the bucket baths and my personal latrine (sharing latrines/toilets is still gross).
• I am more open to different people- I think. I am meeting and enjoying people very very different from me- mountain biking enthusiast, lacrosse player, small-towners by choice, etc. Really what it is is there is only one other person of color in my group. When many of us shared photos of friends and loved ones, I noticed a major similarity- they only included people of the same race. I am sure after my experience with Peace Corps that will change, which is a great thing.