Third Year

Dear Friends and Family,

I am officially doing a third year here in Burkina Faso. I am working with the NGO Save the Children Canada. Everything happened in a whirlwind a few weeks ago, with me finishing school, then getting this job with Save the Children, then starting my new job, then moving all of my belongings to my new house. Needless to say, I haven't had much time to update/be on the internet. But I'm here now!

I am now working at Save the Children. I am still a Peace Corps Volunteer, so I still get all the perks of PC (the best healthcare, a whole bureau to support us, a way out if the country blows up, etc) but I am working for an NGO. Save the Children here in Burkina has three main offices: Ouaga, Banfora, and Kaya. I am at the Kaya office working in the mobile team to help end childhood malnutrition in the centre-nord region of Burkina. Being in the mobile team, every morning we go to a different village to diagnosis and treat children who are malnourished. It is fantastic work, everyday is different, and I actually feel like I'm making a difference.

Living in Kaya will be very different than living in Tougouri. First of all, my house is amazing. I have a salon, two bedrooms, one of which I have turned into a kitchen, and an inside bathroom, yes with running water and even a toilet! Although I have to admit, I still use the latrine more often than not. A toilet just uses too much water. But the shower is wonderful!! Annnddddd I have electricity! This is a big change for me. Electricty means that I now have fans! So I sleep in my bed, with real sheets on it (I've been missing that for two years) under a large ceiling fan. Being able to charge my cellphone and computer is definitely nice too.

Another difference about living in Kaya is that there are two other PC volunteers. I really like this, but I don't want it to turn into me only hanging out with them. I enjoy (and now miss) my village friends. But good news, Kaya is only 70km from Tougouri, so I am sure to see my Tougouri friends all the time. In fact, one of them has already come down to visit me for a night!

Oh another difference: I have a new puppy! His name is Denzel and he is black with a white stomach and white front paws and loves to chew on toes!

Well, I've got to run, but hope everyone is well and it's not as hot there as it is here!!