Today was so good (so far fingers crossed) *it was a great day*. I presented completely in French a project with PACA. This is an activity where 8 community members came to school and my collegue and I split into groups of men and women. I took the women and we made a map of Lokossa and picked the most important places, the frequency they use them, and discussed why and what Lokossa needs and has. I used french skills and came across well! I presented for about 30 min and this truly gave me confidence to do more and more work and especially in french. I can't beleive how much I have improved. It almost flows naturally (when I am with people that I am comfortable with) with strangers it's harder but I'm sure il work on it. All of the ladies were so kind to me and patient. I'm just so proud.
I have received my site announcement inam located in the northern area of the Oueme department of Benin! For me this is amazing because my good friend Charlie is near by and the capitol city is about an hour away. I truly lucked out. I'm visiting my site next Saturday for a week and I'm so excited to see what it will be like.
Recently I have been super exhausted and I think it's the one month of going going going non stop that keeps me fatigued. I have two months of training left.
I adore my friends and I know feel like I have a tight knit group in Benin to have fun and walk home with and get food. I have Katie and Xochil as my best friends ever. They both keep me sane and joke with me a lot. Today xochil told a group of strangers I was married with 6 kids and I could not stop laughing. Charlie, Caleb, and Will all make me laugh and feel comfortable to talk to. I think each person helps me in a different way especially since times are hard sometimes.
I finally feel bonded with my host family! I do have to say I would be lying if I said it was easy. Some days I am to tired to understand french and some days I can have amazing conversations. At first I was struggling with getting my sister's to have fun with me but also respect me and my things. I can say now that I have worked enough and feel comfortable with them and tell them no when I need to. I still really really need a break but ça marche !
Merci pour votre attention
A toute a l'heure
