There’s a saying in French here “Ca va aller.” It basically means, “It’ll be fine” or “Don’t worry about it.” It’s a very useful saying here. It works when I’m frustrated about something, when I’m stressed out about something, or when I don’t know what’s going on. It also works when I don’t understand what people are saying to me in French. I say it and people seem to just laugh. I have a feeling that “Ca va aller” may be a theme throughout my next two years here…

Sunday, March 6, 2011

March 6, 2011

Just a quick post to let you all know what I've been up to. I'm in Ouaga for the weekend because I had a meeting at the office and then for Fespaco, the big film festival. So apparently it's a big deal, it only happens every two years, so it's my only chance to be here. Figured I should go. I feel asleep during the two films I saw. In my defense, I took the 5 am bush taxi, so I was really tired and French subtitles are hard to read, especially when they don't change the font color to the scene - white font doesn't work on clouds. It was nice to relax for a weekend though. I definitely needed it.

Village has been exciting the past week. Saturday was a random bike race, which was really fun to watch. It kinda felt like a block party - everyone hanging out. This coming up Tuesday is International Women's Day, so there's a huge celebration for that. The regional celebration is actually in my village, which is a huge deal. There's going to be a parade and another bike race (I'm participating in this one). The women have been practicing all week (and of course everyone goes out to watch, so that's been fun too).

Still working on the malnutrition program and hygiene and latrines. Talked to the school director about doing health classes, so should be starting that soon. Also started planning a training with my neighboring volunteer for the CREN, the center for the rehabilitation of severely malnourished kids. The CREN is at the district level, which is one above the community. All severe cases are suppose to go to the CREN, rather than be treated at the community level because they require more medical attention. I'm really excited about this project, but because we're applying for funding, it doesn't look like this will happen until July. But we're really excited about this project.

On other note - I've been doing some informal English classes with some of the students and the nurses. I have a few friends in village who really want to learn English and have requested that I find them a pen pal back in the US. Let me know if you are interested. you can either snail mail letters to me or e-mail them, have the same access to both, only kinda sometimes. :)

Okay, sorry so short. Will have internet next maybe at the end of March, definitely mid-April. Miss you all so much and would love to hear from you!!!!
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