I'm in Cotonou right now for my second and final All-Vol conference. Lots of things swimming around in my head, none made clearer by the soggy air and big city grit I tend to pick up when I'm down here. I can't believe things are winding down as far as my service timeline is concerned. In reality, I've really hit my stride and will certainly be sprinting at the end, probably signing project papers the same day I leave Benin. I'll spare you all my touchy feely thoughts about the country I've come to know in the best way a foreigner can, for now.
Among other projects, I think it's safe to say, this library is the most taxing but by far the most rewarding for all parties involved. When this animal of an idea began to grow, I realized this could really happen...but I couldn't do it alone. People in Guinagourou could not keep their mouths shut, least of all my work partner David; and now the pressure is on. Even though the money is still in the process of coming, he can't help but go clear a little piece of the land every now and then. My friend, Tailor (because he's a tailor)has put his army of kids on it and we've got the space almost ready. This man gets it! He just bought a bike for his boy Gros, who is one of the most intelligent kids I have encountered, not just in Benin. This man sometimes has to borrow $10 to start a soy crop but he saved enough money so his son can bike the 2k to 7th grade everyday. One of the most frightening things I've seen in this country is the man who chainsaw-ed the big trees in flip flops and had to repeatedly have his apprentice jump on the trunk to unstick the blade. But we all got new yam-pounding mortars and pestles from the wood so it paid off!
I could not possibly begin to quantify the amount of support we have received from across the big pond in the states. My mom has evolved into a 100% full time volunteer and deserves all the perks we get...apart from the parasites. The Mugs for Rachael project has raised over $2,000 to date, and still counting. It has also prompted very generous donations of clay and a list of book donors have come out of the woodwork. Cheers to librarians and school teachers! On a more personal level, this project has brought people back into our lives who were never forgotten but hey, life kind of passes by when you're living it. The News Herald just ran an article by a journalist who really heard what my mom and I are saying. Had it been culturally appropriate for me to cry I would have...but it's not. Here's the link but apparently the actual paper has some great photos.
http://www.news-herald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19427775&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21849&rfi=6
So finally, thanks to all who are making this happen. What more can I say than that? "Thanks" can only be typed in so large a font and in so many colors. The people who are truly thankful can say it in a million languages, but I only understand 2. I feel the true sign of appreciation and accomplishment will show in time with the dedication of the student librarian staff and upkeep by the community. Sustainable projects do not happen in a week, month, or even the length of a Peace Corps volunteer's service. I feel incredibly lucky to have been placed at a post where communication can and will continue after I leave.
I'm coming home to see my sister graduate from Harvey High in May and hope to share many cups of coffee with anyone interested. Today I'm off to sell moringa to a health center in a town called Come for people living with HIV/AIDS. Hope all is well!

passing the torch

I have the pleasure of announcing that Benin now has an official government recognized volunteer corps. They are the first registered group with NGO status in Benin. It’s called Corps des Volontaires Beninoise or C.V.B. and is headed up by a student named Ibrahim. Saturday morning a handful of Peace Corps volunteers had to opportunity to go to the opening ceremony, a necessary official act of all organizations here in Benin (it’s called a lancement). This is quite possibly the best demonstration of the actual goal of Peace Corps in the host countries we inhabit; showing how an organization like ours would work and someone tailoring the idea to his own community. Ibrahim was an instrumental part of our 2007 AIDS education bike tour and has proved time and again that he is committed to the idea of selfless service in the name of nothing except good old fashioned humanity. It is so refreshing to see a student as busy and privileged as he to take the initiative to grow his own project from an idea he got from outsiders. Projects they’re doing include typhoid and cholera awareness campaigns at the grand market in Parakou, organizing blood drives, and general youth awareness of pressing issues affecting emerging adults here in Benin. There ceremony was a few hours long with the usual important people giving their blessing, there was even a group represented called “Les Sages”, literally the Wise-men. No idea what these guys do but it’d be pretty cool to be in the “sage” group! Spliced into the program were songs and dances. We all wished him much success and I really can’t wait to see what this kid does with his future!
In other news, the salad in our garden is done and I’ve switched back to akassa. I still hold a special place in my heart for that meal but it just can’t compare to actual vitamins. Proposals for the library and this year’s Camp GLOW are in so we’re waiting for the paperwork to filter through…ohhh bureaucracy. Chaleur (the hot season) is definitely here. Heat rash is in full force and it seems to rile the kids up even more than normal. Oddly, I have welcomed the season this year. It feels familiar the second time around and it just means the mangos are coming! Not much else to write as of now, day to day is moving right along.