I started ranting on another topic which evolved into a topic of money and the world. Some new friends I have made in town suddenly made me feel very awkward around them the other day as they have commenced to ask me for things/money/to pay for things in various ways. And it was a whole bunch of stuff all in one sitting. It was like I was repeatedly being slapped in the face. I want to give them the benefit of the doubt and pretend like I misunderstood. But I don’t think that was the case.
There is a VERY strongly held stereotype held upon white people, especially Americans that we are all wealthy. Little children I see in the street will approach me, sing the yovo song, hold out their little hands and demand money. At first it was kinda cute, a little funny. But now I can’t stand it. How is it that little children, some probably not more than 5 years old, think that white people are rich?
The largest denomination of money here is the 10 mille bill. It sucked during training when we were paid and it consisted of a couple big 10 mille bills. No one likes the big bills. Everyone cherishes the petit money. It was rrreeeeal fun trying to break those. A lot of us ended up buying things we didn’t really need and that were often a little expensive just to get the smaller bills. It didn’t help the stereotype at all. Here we are, naive Americans trying to buy stuff with big bills and demanding lower prices. How does that look? Like we have money, that’s what. But is that reality, no, not really.
Luckily here at post the guys at the bank know the volunteers and give out small bills. I went to the bank yesterday and the cute teller guy gave me all 1 mille bills, and I didn’t even have to ask! Previous volunteers must have said something.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
A Pentecostal Church Experience
Yesterday Augustine asked me if I attend church. I tried to tell her that I usually go to church for the big things…aka Christmas and Easter. Bad, I know. She ended up inviting me to church, today. And I thought, oh what the hey. It couldn’t hurt, what else would I be doing, and it is a good way to show my face in the community. It ended up being an interesting experience at the very least.
First of all, I have never been to a Pentecostal service.
Oh, and this morning I was feeling a little homesick for some reason. And dressing up and going to church reminded me of mom and how she loves it when I go to church with her. So I wore my favorite, new model and put on a headband. But when I got to Augustine’s, she wrapped this scarf thingy around my head. And when I got to church I realized that all the women cover their hair. Interesting and I don’t know the reason why.
So the church is this one little room with sticks for walls and a thatched roof. There are rows of handmade benches. And some little plastic chairs for the little kids, in the front. The men sit on the right and women to the left. And the younger you are the closer you sit to the front. So Augustine and I sat to the left, middle.
The service started with some little boys playing the drums. Picture 8 to 12 year olds drumming away on some marching band drums. And omigosh, they were really good. I was impressed; they had some really good rhythm. Then they sang a song in French. Translated, the lyrics were “My God is good, Our God is good.” And I started to cry a little. I was fighting hard to hold back my tears. It really kinda hit me this morning that I am in literally one of the poorest countries in the world. And it really was a beautiful thing to see these people thanking God and praising him when they literally have next to nothing. And the stuff they do have is often old, dirty, used, etc. but they are still sooooo happy and are so welcoming and host-y (yes, I think I made that up cause I can’t think of the real word, lol). I think I was crying also cause I was homesick , as mentioned above.
Next the pastor had people come up and announce to everyone what they were thankful for. And then they danced around in a circle and people come up to dance with them. This went on for a while, and Augustine somehow got me to go up and greet everyone. And yes I had to dance around too. I think my new philosophy is that I am going to be stared at and feel like everything I do is ridiculous and weird, so I might as well do whatever and be ridiculous. Whatever, I do what I want! (Can you guess who says that? Hint…it comes from my favorite show).
The rest of the service I only really half understood cause I was tired, my back hurt, and half the service was in local language that sounds like jibberish to me. The other half was in French, but the pastor spoke not very clear and not so loud a national phenomena, I swear!
Another thing I was distracted by this cute little girl, who had to has to be about 2ish years old. She wore a cute little blue model and shiny black shoes. She got up and danced around everytime the boys beat the drum and everyone sang. Then during the service she would not stay put. She wanted to sit in her own little chair but kept popping up. Her older sister kept placing her back in it, but then she’d just come right back. Then she was wrapped on her sister’s back (Beninese style) and kept hitting, pulling at, and pinching the little girl next to her. This little girl was hilarious. Quite the character she was, and kept me entertained throughout the service.
So that was it. I don’t know how often I will be attending this service. I kinda wanna check out the Catholic cathedral that’s here and maybe some other churches, but we’ll see.
PS
Parmesan cheese. The KRAFT kind. I would love some. It doesn’t exist here.
First of all, I have never been to a Pentecostal service.
Oh, and this morning I was feeling a little homesick for some reason. And dressing up and going to church reminded me of mom and how she loves it when I go to church with her. So I wore my favorite, new model and put on a headband. But when I got to Augustine’s, she wrapped this scarf thingy around my head. And when I got to church I realized that all the women cover their hair. Interesting and I don’t know the reason why.
So the church is this one little room with sticks for walls and a thatched roof. There are rows of handmade benches. And some little plastic chairs for the little kids, in the front. The men sit on the right and women to the left. And the younger you are the closer you sit to the front. So Augustine and I sat to the left, middle.
The service started with some little boys playing the drums. Picture 8 to 12 year olds drumming away on some marching band drums. And omigosh, they were really good. I was impressed; they had some really good rhythm. Then they sang a song in French. Translated, the lyrics were “My God is good, Our God is good.” And I started to cry a little. I was fighting hard to hold back my tears. It really kinda hit me this morning that I am in literally one of the poorest countries in the world. And it really was a beautiful thing to see these people thanking God and praising him when they literally have next to nothing. And the stuff they do have is often old, dirty, used, etc. but they are still sooooo happy and are so welcoming and host-y (yes, I think I made that up cause I can’t think of the real word, lol). I think I was crying also cause I was homesick , as mentioned above.
Next the pastor had people come up and announce to everyone what they were thankful for. And then they danced around in a circle and people come up to dance with them. This went on for a while, and Augustine somehow got me to go up and greet everyone. And yes I had to dance around too. I think my new philosophy is that I am going to be stared at and feel like everything I do is ridiculous and weird, so I might as well do whatever and be ridiculous. Whatever, I do what I want! (Can you guess who says that? Hint…it comes from my favorite show).
The rest of the service I only really half understood cause I was tired, my back hurt, and half the service was in local language that sounds like jibberish to me. The other half was in French, but the pastor spoke not very clear and not so loud a national phenomena, I swear!
Another thing I was distracted by this cute little girl, who had to has to be about 2ish years old. She wore a cute little blue model and shiny black shoes. She got up and danced around everytime the boys beat the drum and everyone sang. Then during the service she would not stay put. She wanted to sit in her own little chair but kept popping up. Her older sister kept placing her back in it, but then she’d just come right back. Then she was wrapped on her sister’s back (Beninese style) and kept hitting, pulling at, and pinching the little girl next to her. This little girl was hilarious. Quite the character she was, and kept me entertained throughout the service.
So that was it. I don’t know how often I will be attending this service. I kinda wanna check out the Catholic cathedral that’s here and maybe some other churches, but we’ll see.
PS
Parmesan cheese. The KRAFT kind. I would love some. It doesn’t exist here.
Friday, September 12, 2008
here and now
well, well, well...i arrived in town on Monday afternoon. When I arrived at my house, I won't lie, I had difficulty unlocking my doors, lol. And I think that the neighbor kids were laughing at me. Oh well. Then when I entered I was astounded at the amount of stuff that the previous volunteers Anastasia and Paul had left me! (if you guys read this, THANKS!) My house is SOOO comfortable, I sometimes forget I am not at home. But then I see big bugs like this nasty thing. I sprayed the s*** out of it throught the screen window.
Ok before I go on anymore about my maison...some pictures from swear in!
here is a group shot...everyone had meme (same) tissue (fabric) except in different colors.
this is a picture of Me and Melissa. For some reason people are ALWAYS switching our names. I'm blaming the fact that we're both short, have dark hair, etc.
John Mark and I giving our speech. There were about a million and one microphones in front of us. I was really nervous, but calmed down a little ways into it.
beginnning of a video that Steve put together. It was a really good video, I think everyone agrees with that; THANKS Steve!
cutting of the cake. it was yummy!
''Corps de la Paix...''
we were trying to get him to smile, lol. this is Kristin, her host sister Nora, my host brother Marcel, and moi.
this is Gloria, my favorite of the host siblings.
group shot of the TEFL group. can you find me?
My lang. teachers. Latiticia and Ines. Without them I would not have sworn in. Merci beaucoup!
picture with the host family. not everyone made it to the ceremony.
Kristin, Lucy, Dennis, me, Nora. Why does Dennis look so creepy? His facial expressions are a surprise in every pic, lol.
me with Sheryl, our country director.
a picture with more of the kids...the morning i left Porto-Novo.
Nathaniel and my taxi, and ALL of our stuff! and it wasn't even that packed, cause it was probably the most comfortable ride i've had yet, lol.and that's it for now folks!
PS
in case i forgot to tell anybody:
if you're thinking about sending me a care package...you might have found out that it's SUPER expensive. however, there is somewhat of a way around it. go to the post office and ask for the FLAT RATE box/package thing. i think it's 37 bucks for the little one and 50 bucks for the bigger one. and you can put a bunch of stuff in it. Hopefully that is more cost effective than using FEDEX or other shipping companies.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Done-zo
Yesterday was the grand swear in ceremony. It was a couple hours long and consisted of people giving speeches and a lot of thank yous and whatnot. John Mark and I were unsure of when we were goning to give our speech, then all of a sudden our names were called out. Of course they butchered my name...and they forgot to put my name in the program. Later on, we were invited back to eat a little food...it was delicious. It's been a while since I've eaten what I consider edible meat, lol. And there were little spring/egg roll thingys that I hope to make at some point. I just gotta get my hands on some ground meat...or soy mince. Soy mince is this dehydrated soy/tofu stuff that has the texture of ground meat. I had some mixed in with spaghetti sauce. Oh, and the regional director for PC Africa was flown in from Washington, D.C. and was there for the ceremony and dinner thingy. He was real nice, encouraging, and supportive of us. He didn't have a big head at all.
When we returned to St Jean-Eudes we ALL went to the little bar, and celebrated. It was a great time, and I am sad we are all departing from one another within the next two days. However, I think we are all ready to move on out of Porto-Novo and commence our volunteer service...that is afterall, why we signed up! I think bittersweet may be the correct mot--word.
As usual, I will post up pics later!
Wish me luck :)
OH, and I won't lie...I am a little upset at the number of emails (very few) and letters (none) I have received...I want to stay in touch people! And, I am in Africa! Give me a break :)
When we returned to St Jean-Eudes we ALL went to the little bar, and celebrated. It was a great time, and I am sad we are all departing from one another within the next two days. However, I think we are all ready to move on out of Porto-Novo and commence our volunteer service...that is afterall, why we signed up! I think bittersweet may be the correct mot--word.
As usual, I will post up pics later!
Wish me luck :)
OH, and I won't lie...I am a little upset at the number of emails (very few) and letters (none) I have received...I want to stay in touch people! And, I am in Africa! Give me a break :)
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Pineapple, handball, and pictures!
I don’t know if I have had the chance to write about the amazing pineapples there are in Benin. They. Are. Delicious. I eat at least 2 or 3 a day. They are cheap! They cost about 75 francs (I think there is about 420 to 450 francs to a dollar these days). The are nice and sweet, perfect. You can eat the core thingy in them too, not like the ones at home where you have to cut it out. Mmmmmmmmmm, pineapple.
Perfect
Indescribable
Natural
Exotic
Amazing
Palatable
P--i can't think of another word that starts with p :(
Lovable
Edible
Last weekend I had the opportunity to play handball. It is a cross between soccer and basketball. There is a cement court, like a soccer field. The goal is to pass the ball between players and have someone throw in the ball in the your goal thingy. There was a lot of running up and down the court, no one really passed me the ball, but it was a great workout! We played early enough in the day so that it was not too hot. Oh and I played on an all girl’s team. It was great! I am hoping to pick up the game at post. Perhaps the local team will let me play, and I can get a workout in a few times a week. If not, I think I will be happy taking a nice jog around the park that is close to my house. Actually it’s probably the perfect place to “run” because no one really hangs out at the park apparently, and therefore there will be no one to point out the little fat white girl who runs for no reason around the park, lol.
Perfect
Indescribable
Natural
Exotic
Amazing
Palatable
P--i can't think of another word that starts with p :(
Lovable
Edible
Last weekend I had the opportunity to play handball. It is a cross between soccer and basketball. There is a cement court, like a soccer field. The goal is to pass the ball between players and have someone throw in the ball in the your goal thingy. There was a lot of running up and down the court, no one really passed me the ball, but it was a great workout! We played early enough in the day so that it was not too hot. Oh and I played on an all girl’s team. It was great! I am hoping to pick up the game at post. Perhaps the local team will let me play, and I can get a workout in a few times a week. If not, I think I will be happy taking a nice jog around the park that is close to my house. Actually it’s probably the perfect place to “run” because no one really hangs out at the park apparently, and therefore there will be no one to point out the little fat white girl who runs for no reason around the park, lol.
Monday, September 1, 2008
almost done!
so we are in the final week of stage...we swear in on friday! the TEFL group has bright magenta/pink fabric...it's great. i went to the tailor last week to get my dress made, hopefully i get it by wednesday, and hopefully it will fit, lol.
i had my final language interview/test on friday. i think i mentioned before how i needed to move up four levels by the end of training...and i did! i am a advanced-low speaker of french. John Mark and I moved up the most number of levels in French a,d therefore will be giving a speech in French on Friday! Yikes!
And then on Monday i am sharing a taxi with another volunteer (who's like 10 min away) and i am on my own! omg...i cannot believe we are at the end...or is it the begnning? hehe.
we went as a big group to a plave called Grand Popo this weekend. it was a beautiful beach resort type place. we got to lounge around and relax...it was a much needed break from all the craziness and learning that has been going on. pictures to come later.
hope everyone is well and that summer has treated them well!
xoxo
michelle
i had my final language interview/test on friday. i think i mentioned before how i needed to move up four levels by the end of training...and i did! i am a advanced-low speaker of french. John Mark and I moved up the most number of levels in French a,d therefore will be giving a speech in French on Friday! Yikes!
And then on Monday i am sharing a taxi with another volunteer (who's like 10 min away) and i am on my own! omg...i cannot believe we are at the end...or is it the begnning? hehe.
we went as a big group to a plave called Grand Popo this weekend. it was a beautiful beach resort type place. we got to lounge around and relax...it was a much needed break from all the craziness and learning that has been going on. pictures to come later.
hope everyone is well and that summer has treated them well!
xoxo
michelle
Friday, August 8, 2008
long awaited pictures
so here is a good sample of pictures i have taken..enjoy, cause it may be a while before i can put up more...it just takes WWWWAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY too long!
xoxo
michelle
sorry about it being sideways...but this is my host family. it's a picture of a picture.
when it rains it pours! well not all the time but this was madness. look under the tree to the left and you will see two chickens under a bench :)
a typical Beninese gas station.
me in front of a gi-normous, gorgeous tree in the sacred forest!
this is The Point of No Return...the port where slaves were loaded up on ships headed to the Americas. sad.
we were all so happy to be at the beach. it was beautiful and the water was warm...don't worry, no one went swimming ;)
this is what a typical bush taxi looks like. we were loading up to go out on our post visit!
we had to filler' up before we went!
front of my house.
this was taken from my bedroom, at the back of the house. the room in front is my living room aka-salon, and the area in front of that is my covered patio area. behind us is my kitchen and bathroom...with a toilet!! and shower!
a view from my school--CEG3.
they balance all sorts of stuff on their heads.
a taxi full of tomatoes and a taxi-moto with jugs of gas...
xoxo
michelle
sorry about it being sideways...but this is my host family. it's a picture of a picture.when it rains it pours! well not all the time but this was madness. look under the tree to the left and you will see two chickens under a bench :)a typical Beninese gas station.me in front of a gi-normous, gorgeous tree in the sacred forest!this is The Point of No Return...the port where slaves were loaded up on ships headed to the Americas. sad.we were all so happy to be at the beach. it was beautiful and the water was warm...don't worry, no one went swimming ;)this is what a typical bush taxi looks like. we were loading up to go out on our post visit!we had to filler' up before we went!front of my house.this was taken from my bedroom, at the back of the house. the room in front is my living room aka-salon, and the area in front of that is my covered patio area. behind us is my kitchen and bathroom...with a toilet!! and shower!a view from my school--CEG3.they balance all sorts of stuff on their heads.a taxi full of tomatoes and a taxi-moto with jugs of gas...
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