Summer 2010

Hello there! Long time no see. So I've been very busy during the past few months. I'm just going to recap a little bit. During the month of August I taught English in Ouagadougou at the American Language Center. My class consisted of 15 bright Ouagalais students. Teaching in Ouaga was a very different experience than teaching in village. First of all, the class size was much smaller- 15 students as compared to 100 students. We also had supplies, like tv, paper, markers, and glue! In addition to teaching English, we did a lot of American camp-like activities. It was fun, especially to see another aspect of life here in Burkina, however it didn't really feel real, as if I was almost living in a dream world, because it wasn't the Burkina I know.

Me and my class at the American Language Center

On September 5th, I left Ouaga for Po, a city in the south of Burkina, to kick off the bike tour. From the 6th to the 23rd, I, along with other volunteers, pedaled around Burkina on my bike to raise awareness about Peace Corps (and its 50th anniversary) and to raise money for gender and development projects. I had a fantastic time seeing much of Burkina, learning about this country I'm serving in, and becoming closer friends with my fellow volunteers.

After the bike tour, I went back to site, after being away for a long time. It felt so good to be back and everyone was so welcoming. The first night back in Tougs I stayed up until midnight talking with my neighbors, which is very late, considering I'm usually in bed by 8pm in village. School started October 1st, but still some teachers have not arrived yet from vacation. I've already been teaching for a week and it's so much better than last year- in all aspects! I already know what I'm doing this year, have the French down (for the most part...), understand the school system, etc. I have already started planning secondary activities, so this year is looking good!

I hope you're all doing well at home, loving the cooler fall weather!

Enjoy the photos!

Ready to start!

Driving across a flooded barrage

Broken down in the dark, in the middle of nowhere

Who knew there were hills in Burkina?

Cutting a watermelon, of course with a machete

Soccer game in a volunteer's village

Getting the car un-stuck

Welcome to Takeledougou!

Marita riding off into the sunrise