Christmas in Benin

Well, we did it. the volunteer class of 2006 made it through our first Christmas. AND we had a great time! Christmas Eve, we helped give a party for about 120 orphans through an NGO called Victory Way in Parakou. We gave presents that had been donated throughout the year and the staff cooked a fabulous meal of goat and rice. As I said in the pictures, this was probably one of the only times these kids will get a piece of meat for the year. Though it did feel good to be involved and give just a little something to these kids, I do not think I would do it again. The surface message being sent was not something I agree with. We are here to teach and promote self-sustainable skills and mass giving, though an amazing quick-fix does not mesh with the long term plan. Christmas day was nice with the other volunteers. We started with a pancake breakfast and went to a hotel pool. After a relaxing day we ended by treating ourselves to the nicest dinner I've had in country. I had salad and pizza with a glass of wine followed by a beer. This whole meal cost about $16 USD. I remember in the states when I used to drop that with no problem at a burger king. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and will have a great new year. Christmas is pretty widely practiced here but teh huge party comes in January. It's called Tabaski and it's a Muslim tradition. So far the only thing I can get out of people about it is that LOTS of goats are killed and eaten. Whoo-Hoo, meat!