I love it here. Benin is sunny and hot and humid but it feels like home. I already love the other volunteers that I have met, and made great friends with similar interests!
My days are packed full! And I haven't even moved into my host family yet. So far we are all have been living together in a training compound for 10 days and this Saturday I'm moving into my host family in Lakossa.
I don't know too many details about this transition but I know my french will be improving a lot since I will have to speak it to survive. I have to have my own bedroom with a lock and I might have a toilet or a latrine who really knows. I have had constant electricity and Wi-Fi that has been nice, but I honestly haven't gone online too much. I usually just use my phone to read or send a quick update to my family.
Training starts at breakfast which is 7:00 to 8:00 and then I train from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 for lunch where we eat with all of the staff members and speak French which is a great bonding experience. Then we continue lessons from 2:00 until 5:30. After this we are allowed to go out into the town or relax and do whatever we want. All of the staff is so helpful and very kind and patient with me and makes me feel like I am well cared for and I understand now the Benin Peace Corps program is top notch. My training consists of medical information, setting up bank accounts, French practice, and just overall what will expectations be like.
So far in the city I have bought fabric, gone to the tailor, gone to the swimming pool, walked around, ate Street food, went to the bar, and interacted with locals. My french has gotten me by just fine and the city is very nice to walk around in. People try to sell us some stuff and I'm always intrigued to see what they have.
The rainy picture above is actually one of the rainiest days I've ever seen here in Benin it poured buckets. We went to a bookstore and then it started drenching us we waited inside the bookstore for at least 30 minutes and a girl across the street sold me some grilled corn and peanuts for 100 CFA. She was so nice!!!
Now I have been meeting people for almost 10 days now and my introverted energy has kind of been low. Everyone here understands and I'm lucky to have my hammock up to take a break whenever I need. The training center has amazing places to sit and relax. We can all play games in a gazebo or watch a movie on the roof so I really really love it here.
While I am nervous to move into my host family I'm also excited for all the language opportunities that will come. I'm sure the initial uncomfortableness with living in a stranger's house will be outweighed by adrenaline and I will be training everyday still.
Remember to reach out if you want to send me a letter or a text just to keep in touch while I am here! Benin is beautiful!!
À bientôt