So I think that I should share some of my experiences. I have actually written out several pages of possible blog posts, but I of course have none of that with me.
Here goes.
(Disclaimer: Nothing described here is intended to show Burkina or the Burkinabe in a negative light.)
1. Having sit in on my first live birth (not actually part of my job, i just happened to be in the right place at the wrong time), I am awed by the strength of the Burkinabe Women. Besides having biceps that put most American men to shame, these women give birth to 8-10 babies and do so without drugs. I literally saw a women squat down in the maternity room, pop the baby out, lay down on the ground so the nurse can reach in and pull the placenta out, and then get up and clean up the body fluids all over the floor. She then walks out in order to go lay down for a while. THAT is strength. To do what needs to be done, clean up the mess, and THEN rest/relax. All without painkillers. Truly remarkable.
Oh, I then got to name the baby since the mom wanted a French name and did not know any. There is now a baby "Maurice" in my village. (Yea i thought of naming him after me or my father, but Maurice just felt right)
2. I've now sat in on a couple of simple surgeries and I think that the most interesting by far was the circumcision of a small boy. I felt that boys pain with every prick of the needle (3times), each pinch (2times), and each snip snip(2.5times). The ear splitting screams coming from that child could only come from a boy having half of his penis cut off. My heart goes out to him and i wish him a speedy recovery.
3. A word on International Development. A French NGO visited my site right before I arrived and they brought with them a box of medicine and medical tools that they gave to my staff. They then left.... without teaching anyone how to use any of the stuff. So of course, my staff has been asking me, the medical professional that i am, how to use a lot of this stuff and what exactly it even is. I think that if we are going to give people stuff, we should at least teach them how to use it. Even telling them what it is would be useful. I think that all too often, NGOs and aid organizations get so wrapped up in giving stuff away that they forget the more important thing; Can the people we're giving this "stuff" to actually use it.
4. Another word on International Development. A French organization came to my church this past Sunday to announce that they are building a middle school in my village, which actually already has a middle school. The funny thing about this story was that I had literally just returned from speaking with village elders in neighboring villages and they literally said that the only thing they want is a new middle school/high school because right now everyone has to come to my village, which is too far. But now, my village will have two schools, both of which are too far for my satellite villages. I think that before we build things, we should talk to people, government officials and villagers alike.
On the bright side, the visiting group of Frenchmen had a doctor and nurse with them so I asked them to come to my CSPS, clinic, to explain the box of mystery tools/medicines that the other French group had left. VOILA. Good things happened and my CSPS staff had about 3 hours of class and learning thanks to the more than gracious Frenchmen who helped out.
5. Food makes me happy. In the past two weeks I have prepared (all from scratch) french fries, mac and cheese, fried egg plant, fried chicken, rice, peanut sautees, brushetta, sardine & onion sautee, omelettes, fried rice, and a lot of oatmeal. Life is good. Also a special shout out to everyone who has sent me care packages with food stuffs. I LOVE YOU! Hot chocolate, candy bars, and granola bars are my new best friends here.
6. It continues to be really hard to explain to Burkinabe that Americans can be black and that I am indeed American, not Burkinabe. This is a big challenge because I tend to blend in a lot more here than I would if I was Caucasian or another race. There is no foreigner privilege for me. Other volunteers have locals staring at them, offering to do things for them, or going out of their way to listen to what the foreigner is saying. Me on the other hand receive no such privilege. I am viewed as an African in a lot of situations and thus act accordingly. It is also more difficult to explain why I am here and to then hold people's attention. Especially when compared to the other "le blanc" who are perceived as wise, rich, and/or powerful. I think that I will have to go the extra mile in a lot of situations if I hope to accomplish anything.
7. Baby Weighing/screening babies for malnutrition is pretty depressing at times. Some of these children have absolutely no muscle or fat on their body. With there protruding belly buttons (a sign of malnutrition), swollen feet, and twig like arms I fear that the majority of the children will die this coming spring and summer when food shortages and poverty are most severe. This year will be especially tough since the rainy season and harvest was so bad. We are absolutely going to have a problem with malnutrition in the coming months; there simply will not be enough food for everyone. The elderly and youth are most at risk in this case.
8. I do a lot of biking at site. Up and over mountains and down into valleys. My legs are jacked! So much so that my pants all site a lot more snug in the thigh regions. It feels as if im wearing tights at times.
9. The burkinabe love family! So much so that i constantly get marriage proposals and people constantly ask about my children and wife. This love of family also leads to a very tight and welcoming community. Everyone looks out for each other and treats others with civility as if the other was a brother or sister. It is great. The burkinabe are truly the upright people.
10. I miss all of you at home and wish everyday that I could get the chance to talk with you and catch up. Thank you to everyone who has sent me packages, letters, and postcards. I love it all. I am planning on posting reply letters on here when I get more reliable internet and power opportunities. But really and truly, THANK YOU!
My Loving parents, my church family, My grand parents, The OTHER WILLIAMS, Renetta, My Brothers in LFS, and anyone whos packages are on the way. THANK YOU! Your love and support will soon be covering the walls of my new house.
Best Wishes to all of you.
