Happy Birthday, America (all the way from Africa)!

To whoever thought a little July 4th fun couldn’t be brought to Burkina Faso was dead wrong!

Us GEE/village folk biked to Ouahigouya for the weekend to celebrate with the other SE people. We had two straight blocks of language class first…I think I mentioned this in my last blog entry, but I’ve switched to French temporarily with Marita (until we find out our site placement). In any case, I’m having so much fun in language class because: 1) I’m really improving my conversational French; 2) Saliou (our Language and Culture Facilitator [LCF]) is so hilarious; and 3) Marita and I laugh about everything and you all know how much I love to laugh!

Anyway, later that night, we all celebrated July 4th at the training center. Lots of delicious American(-style) food and drink to go around – burgers (mini baguettes with beef, lettuce, ketchup), fries, brochettes, pasta salad, mango and banana salad, and beer (Brakina, the national beer of Burkina Faso which is actually a play on words -- Brasserie [brewery] + Burkina). Lots of music and then we got to the games. Apparently we have some really talented people in our training group, and one volunteer can draw like no other. So we did “pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey” type games like “Pin the Peace Corps heart on Obama.”

Peace Corps Burkina Faso 2009 trainees showing some love to our President!

Word on the street is that Obama is coming to Ghana next week (just below Burkina Faso!) so if any of his staffers see this, tell Obama to swing on over to Ouahigouya and visit his Peace Corps trainees up here!!

We also had a lot of music playing and of course, we all ended up dancing! When Coleman put on The Roots and that one old song by Biz Markie…”Just A Friend”…Coleman, Devin, Marita, and I broke it down on the dance floor. So. Much. Fun. Despite the unusually humid night, it was such a blast and a definite break from training. Happy Birthday, America…all the way from Africa!

It's official with the Peace Corps -- Africa, here I come (again)!

What seems like forever is now finally here. Last Saturday, I received my invitation in the mail, informing me of my placement in the French-speaking country of Burkina Faso in West Africa! On Thursday, after reading most of what the Peace Corps sent me (a lot of information!), I called to finally accept and now more than ever, the reality of living in another country for two years and three months is actually sinking in.

Burkina Faso.

Here are some of the basic details:

• Country of Service: Burkina Faso


• Program Title: Girls Education and Empowerment


• Job Title: Community Education and Development Outreach Agent

[the following dates are tentative and not set in stone as of yet...]

• Orientation Date: June 8th 2009 (probably in Philadelphia)


• Pre-Service Training: June 10th to August 29th 2009 in Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso


• Dates of Service: August 29th 2009 to August 28th 2011

Why 'Girls Education and Empowerment'? Apparently, boys outnumber girls in school (2 to 1). What more, Burkina Faso ranks second lowest on the Human Development Index and is considered one of the most illiterate countries in the world. On top of that, Burkinabé society fosters this mentality that boys are to attend school while girls are to stay at home -- something that, especially now, needs to be shattered!

From what I know so far, I'll be working with villages, community leaders, parents, female and male students, and teachers to understand the importance of education and gender equity. From starting after-school programs for girls to working with parents associations to creating life-skills and health training sessions (and much more), I definitely have my work cut out for me -- but I'm super excited for this!

And what's better...with Barack Obama as our new President, Americans in foreign countries will once again be a welcomed presence. Holla!

In Africa, Summer 2007. Bungee jumping at Victoria Falls, Zambia.

Let's make it happen, baby!



P.S.: Plans for a bomb-ass pre-departure weekend in the Bay filled with food, DRINKS (!!), and good times + airport farewell are in the works. Even though the dates are set up, it's not completely set in stone. I won't know the actual departure date (which will probably move only a couple days before or after the said date) until early May. So yeah. =)

P.P.S.: I've decided to keep this blog for my travels abroad in Burkina Faso. I was going to create a new one, but I might as well stick to one to make it less confusing. Holla!