Planning my life in Benin is quite a relay race! Always something to do; always another turn to take. I feel like I am in the best shape of my life and out of breath at the same time! I just finished my application process for the Scholarship Girls program. The program consists of paying of tuition, uniform, notebooks, pens, along with anything else is needed for one girl in Lokossa, Benin (my post). The Peace Corps volunteers can choose to do this project and I wanted to, no I needed to do this for a girl. If, I could I would try to get all of the girls in Benin the scholarship, but sadly there are only 20 scholarships for Benin. We (PCVs) work hard every year with GAD (Gender and Development) projects to earn money for the girls and women of Benin. Slowly, but surely, every girl will have the help and support to at least go to school. The girl that succeeded in the application process at my school is a 9th-10th grader. She lost her father due to an illness that included urine in the blood. Her mother just works out the house and earns very little. The girl is named Gisele and she works really hard during the summer vacations just to pay for school for a year. It is only 15,000 cFa which is about 30$ in US dollars. Can you imagine? 30$ is only a couple hours of work for us.  Anyways, she is very happy, her mother was almost in tears. She didn’t speak French, but I could understand everything just from her happiness and facial expressions. I almost cried, but I was strong for my Scholarship Girl-Gisele! I am now going to have the time to work with an English Club at my school. We are going to write letters to America and work on English grammar and such. ALSO!! We are going to take pictures for the “Where’s Matt?” from The Today Show. We are going to make signs that say, “Bonjour America” and “Matt is in Lokossa, Benin!” I give all the props to my mom though. She is the one who sent me the link to “Flat Matt.” I hope we can get on TV or something. I think the kids will just have a good time with the taking of pictures. Just to see them smile makes my service worthwhile. I am still teaching for the UNHCR in Cotonou once in awhile. Teaching the refugees is always a treat! I have been to two days of teaching the beginners, intermediates, and advanced children and adults and one day of conversation hour. Another project that I am GOING to do is a hand-washing station or two at my school. The kids use the WC (latrine), pee, eat, drink water, etc and DO NOT wash their hands. It drives me crazy! And then there is me with my hand sanitizer and the kids going EWWW that stinks! I say OK-but my hands are clean. Another problem or may I say misunderstanding?... is that people say they wash their hands; but it is only with water! NO SOAP! So, I am going to do a sensitization (talking to a group of parents and kids) on how to wash your hands properly with soap and water in both French and English and maybe, just maybe local language from a translator! Haha! I am not that good in local language! ;)

My second year has been going pretty smoothly. I have started my classes with no problems, had a couple of days off due to downpour of rain, All Saints Day, and “Tabaski” holiday for the Muslim religion. But I have seen two rainbows I believe, interesting, yet scary cloud formations, and unbearable sunshine along the way. I keep telling the locals that I am not made of sugar and I will not melt because you know everyone and anyone is afraid of the rain. But, I think they have that right. There was someone who got washed up in the rainstorm-fell off his motorcycle and into a ditch and passed away. We have to think-the roads are sand and dirt. When we mix it with water it is a huge mud pit! Quite dangerous to walk in, drive in, etc. So, normally we just stay indoors and play Skip-Bo, UNO and watch movies! Oh yea and I have read so many books! If you don’t love reading-it is going to be a long service in Peace Corps. I have a book with me when I travel in the taxi, stop at the mechanic for the motorcycle problems, at the radio station, at school meetings that don’t start on-time, when I have insomnia…umm probably could go on and on. It is not that we have free-time, it’s that we work at a slower pace here. I just kind of get used to it. Who knows how my time in the states will be after my two-year service here. But, I always remember, the “turtle won the race!” and that is all that matters.

I am counting down the days until I get to see SNOW!! Who would of ever thought I would say that! Okay, I probably do not have a choice in seeing snow, I can’t wait to see family and friends! It is going to be a great time. We are going to have Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years all in the 19 day period I am going to be home. Is it possible? Oh yes it is! I know I am going to gain a lot of weight from being at home, but so be it! My pants are falling off of me here-maybe because of hand washing or the food and water. Who knows? Cream sticks at the airport, Cracker Barrel right after along with whatever else comes along…I won’t refuse anything…will do my some good. Also, I will be able to see the Steelers vs Browns game on Christmas Eve! Go Steelers! I think a couple of my family and friend members might come to Benin and choke me for saying that! I have been working on getting presents for the family from Benin. Let me tell you how hard it is to find things that people are actually going to use in the USA. The clothes, shoes, everything is different here. The style is so different in the states. But, I have been quite imaginative and creative! You WILL see! It is a secret.

Let me end this blog on a weird malaria medicine dream that I had. Yes, my medication gives me weird dreams-sometime s hallucinations and nightmares, but it is all right. This particular dream that I had was so interesting that I still remember it one week later. There were a lot of PCVs who were losing teeth here in Benin. I was one of them. I lost one of my molars-root and all and I could not find any milk to put it in. So, instead a nurse (old lady) who I do not know took my tooth and put mayonnaise on it and wrapped it in a napkin. So, after this, the PCVs and I were running around everywhere with a certain doctor/dentist-again I don’t know him-to get the teeth put back into our mouths. He had to call in and get the building opened. During this time, my tooth was turning into a moldy carrot because of course it was covered in mayonnaise. I NEEDED MILK! Evidently, this problem was normal for Benin. Anyways, we finally go into the office and I got my tooth back in my mouth. I was showing everyone around that I was finally cured of my missing tooth. There was no mold and such-I think I forgot that part of the dream-anyways-I woke up feeling all my teeth! All were there. Okay, so you ask why I had that dream. I asked myself the same thing and I came up with something. Here in Benin, the water does not have fluoride like it does in the states. So, our teeth do not get proper care and I am always worried. But, we never know why we have the weird dreams. I always blame the malaria medicine. But then I thank the medication for saving me from MALARIA!

See you all soon! Love you!

P.S. Thank you for the post card from Holland! That was very thoughtful of you. It made my day!

Well today I had my first little bout of culture shock in Benin-culture shock like coming back to America shock. I went to the American embassy. We, 2 volunteers, walked into another world-air conditioning, metal detectors, and escorts to wherever we need to go with visitor passes. Yes, there was a health fair there and I heard of a nice cafeteria where I can buy cheeseburgers and good stuff like that. While there, waiting for my food, I was just drinking some warm water-normal-hearing everyone around me speaking great English with accents then all of a sudden I was paying for my meal and three American military men came walking in. I really haven’t noticed how huge our men are-we feed our military service men a lot more I believe. The Beninese military men aren’t even close to the size of our men! They were really nice, tall, and handsome…lol. And you would think I was just wearing a panya and my Mercyhurst green shirt from Carli! I was like I am underdressed but normal for Benin. Yeah I was shell-shocked. I didn't know what to say. I just shook hands with all the men and told them my name. They were interested to know why we were in Benin. I think they are in Benin training other military men. I really have no idea. It was just weird for me. Then when I was leaving…the heat just HIT me-back to normal!

I am at a point in my service where I am constantly thinking “what next?” What am I going to do after service? Am I going to go back to school, get a job…what? It is so hard to think about it-you would not think it would be so hard, but after being in the Benin for so long and living in the slow-paced day to day life, it is hard. But you know what? I think I can handle a little thinking outside of the box for a minute or two out of my French, Cotafon speaking, loud kids, unbearable sun and heat, and farm animals gallivanting about day. Every once in awhile I help a Mama kill little snakes, rangle pregnant goats with papas on motos, and teach kids how to say a new phrase in English on the way home from school. But ya know what? I get more headaches here than I have ever had in life. But, I would not trade my life for the world today. I am having a great time. Life is good, my kids (hundreds) are doing well, and holidays are coming up very soon. Time is going to fly by and I will not know what hit me when the first snow flake hits my nose. No matter how much I complain, I love my job; just do not know if I could do it forever.

I am getting a mole removed tomorrow morning! I guess it grew a little and is super squishy now…hmmm ANYWAYS… I hear the doctor is a pro lol….I have to admit I am kinda scared but people have gone through much worse so I shall not complain or be scared!!! I will let everyone knows how it goes. In other news, I am getting a new puppy. Yes, I am sorry to say I am a puppy woman in Lokossa. I had a hard time liking dogs in the states and now they are my best friends!! Haha funny how life changes and it is interesting how people (ME) get through my days…I get greeted everytime I get home from school or just from throwing the trash out in the big trash can about 100 feet away from my door. I get kisses and we play basketball all the time now! Yes, she bounces the ball with her paw! I laugh so hard. I am sure you can ONLY imagine! Well, that is enough randomness for the day….welcome to my life haha! Love ya! Miss ya! See ya soon! :)

Well today I had my first little bout of culture shock in Benin-culture shock like coming back to America shock. I went to the American embassy. We, 2 volunteers, walked into another world-air conditioning, metal detectors, and escorts to wherever we need to go with visitor passes. Yes, there was a health fair there and I heard of a nice cafeteria where I can buy cheeseburgers and good stuff like that. While there, waiting for my food, I was just drinking some warm water-normal-hearing everyone around me speaking great English with accents then all of a sudden I was paying for my meal and three American military men came walking in. I really haven’t noticed how huge our men are-we feed our military service men a lot more I believe. The Beninese military men aren’t even close to the size of our men! They were really nice, tall, and handsome in the states…lol. And you would think I was just wearing a panya and my Mercyhurst green shirt from Carli! I was like I am underdressed but normal for Benin. Yeah I was shell-shocked. I didn't know what to say. I just shook hands with all the men and told them my name. They were interested to know why we were in Benin. I think they are in Benin training other military men. I really have no idea. It was just weird for me. Then when I was leaving…the heat just HIT me-back to normal!

I am at a point in my service where I am constantly thinking “what next?” What am I going to do after service? Am I going to go back to school, get a job…what? It is so hard to think about it-you would not think it would be so hard, but after being in the Benin for so long and living in the slow-paced day to day life, it is hard. But you know what? I think I can handle a little thinking outside of the box for a minute or two out of my French, Cotafon speaking, loud kids, unbearable sun and heat, and farm animals gallivanting about day. Every once in awhile I help a Mama kill little snakes, rangle pregnant goats with papas on motos, and teach kids how to say a new phrase in English on the way home from school. But ya know what? I get more headaches here than I have ever had in life. But, I would not trade my life for the world today. I am having a great time. Life is good, my kids (hundreds) are doing well, and holidays are coming up very soon. Time is going to fly by and I will not know what hit me when the first snow flake hits my nose. No matter how much I complain, I love my job; just do not know if I could do it forever.

I am getting a mole removed tomorrow morning! I guess it grew a little and is super squishy now…hmmm ANYWAYS… I hear the doctor is a pro lol….I have to admit I am kinda scared but people have gone through much worse so I shall not complain or be scared!!! I will let everyone knows how it goes. In other news, I am getting a new puppy. Yes, I am sorry to say I am a puppy woman in Lokossa. I had a hard time liking dogs in the states and now they are my best friends!! Haha funny how life changes and it is interesting how people (ME) get through my days…I get greeted everytime I get home from school or just from throwing the trash out in the big trash can about 100 feet away from my door. I get kisses and we play basketball all the time now! Yes, she bounces the ball with her paw! I laugh so hard. I am sure you can ONLY imagine! Well, that is enough randomness for the day….welcome to my life haha! Love ya! Miss ya! See ya soon! :)

Well, I just feel like writing today and thought I would talk a little bit about my last couple weeks at post before school starts again. It has been quite the couple weeks, let me tell you. Like I said before, I wanted to start my playground project this Friday. I came the morning of and there were a million bricks in my plot of land. That was a problem. So, I said I will be back on Wednesday (because of mid-service appt) to start the playground. Michel and the kids said that they would have the ground all level and ready to go! Okay, so they promised me. Maybe promises are true. Just maybe. Well, today is Wednesday! Let’s see if the ground is ready. Are the bricks all gone-relocated? Hmm. What do you think? A BIG NO! I stayed with the kids-put bricks on their heads, and they hauled them to another location. I have the scratches and dirty hands to prove it. These kids work like machines! Yes, they carried the bricks on their heads. Two at a time sometimes. Intense. Little baby mice and mommy mice were found. The kids are so determined to kill them as well as any lizards that came pooping out of the bricks. They move like Speedy Gonzalez and get the job done-but then they have to show me. Yea, nice huh? Anyways, we moved bricks in the rain. Okay, now Thursday is here. We have started the playground. The kids surprised me and went out working on the land once again starting at 6:30am. I was so happy! They made it all nice and pretty. The kids and I put 15 tires in the ground-one is actually used as a trampoline. Check the pictures out ;) I have to go to Cotonou once again to see a special doctor. I guess I have a weird looking mole on my side. Better safe than sorry-just do not like traveling back and forth to Cotonou all the time. This will be the 4th time in one month-not cool. Anyways, it feels kind of nice to have a sore back, calves, and battle wounds on my hands and feet. Work hard; it will pay off eventually. Saturday, we are going to start on the balance beam and stairs with the tires and hopefully be done for the time being. Hope it turns out okay. The kids seem to enjoy it this far. It was nice to see them laughing and enjoying themselves. They were being so imaginative-pretending to be driving a car, motorcycle and even tunnel crawling. It is so fun!

September is finally here! The last month of school vacation, but trust me it has not felt like a vacation. This month alone I have been gathering tires and organizing my playground project with the orphanage. I explain and go over the logistics with Michel, the orphanage caretaker. Everything was ready, the spot I was going to use was cleared for flattening out and starting the playground and guess what?! The next day there were three huge piles of sand in the spot! Are you kidding me? Now, I have to get the orphanage to clear that out of the way. I went this morning to get started on clearing the spot and putting the tires; monster truck and tiny tires; under the mango tree at the orphanage. But you guessed it; he is nowhere to be found! He knew I was coming this morning. When he arrives, I have a child coming to get me at my house and am going to be “beeped” on my cell phone. He is a nice guy, but he is hard to get a hold of for sure. So, yeah I have to stay home all day waiting and praying for someone to let me know they are ready. I feel like I am aging quite quickly these days lol. YAY I got word that Michel is at the orphanage. Gotta run! Well, that was a great experience. The kids worked hard, even the babies. They were picking up big rocks and relocating them away from the plot of land we are using. They were very protective of their rocks. Some were stealing rocks just to have the “most” in the bowl. What really touched me is that there were kids with braces on their legs who were working so hard. They were not thinking about their disability; they were there to help Madame Kay. The lesson for me here is: No matter how tired I may be or how much I think no one cares about my playground, just know they care! Every single one of those kids worked hard, in the sun, with the supplies we were able to find. We had one hoe, one rake, a MTN sign, two shovels, and a couple of big bowls and some plastic lids that we used to clear the land. It looks nice and ready for building. Tomorrow, I am going to go back in the morning and show some examples of how we are going to arrange the tires. I have to go to Cotonou Wednesday so I will be coming back Thursday to get the tires out and ready for building. Hopefully, we can get the playground up within these next 2-3 weeks. I told the kids that I would give them gifts for helping me; for working in the heat. I will be giving them notebooks, pencils, pens and whatever else I can find for school supplies. (have tons thanks to MOM!) Yes, it is a big gift for the kids. Every year they have trouble finding the money for notebooks and such. I really hope this project turns out to be a success! God willing everything will work out as planned. Yesterday was September 11, 2011. It marked the 10th year of the terrorism attack on the USA. Here in Benin, the people would ask me if I enjoyed my day, if I partied well, why I was so quiet and calm and I do not think anyone can explain how hard the day is for the world. I had to explain, we do not celebrate this day; we remember the people who lost their lives, the firefighters, the police, the military; anyone who wanted to help. We thank our troops have been fighting for ten years. We will never forget . The second plane hitting the World Trade Center will never leave my head. I was in 8th grade in Advanced English class. I cried. God Bless America. So, I will be traveling to Cotonou three times this month. I already went once to teach UNHCR-the refugees-English. I actually taught with Julia; PCV for the environment. There were refugees from Togo, Burkina Faso, Congo, and the Ivory Coast. I taught Intermediate and Advanced levels. At the Intermediate level, I taught the difference between Simple Present tense and Present Continuous and at the Advanced level I taught/debated global warming. I will be teaching only once every couple months. There are many other PCV’s who will come teach English as well. It is a great program. The refugees were very nice and very interested in learning and speaking English. I will heading to Cotonou again this week for a Volunteer Allegation training. Next week is my mid-service physical. That is going to be an experience in itself I believe. Three mif-kits, blood work, etc. I really hope I do not need to stay there too long. But, you know life goes on. Have to take it one day at a time. We should not sweat the things we can’t control too much here in Benin. But, wish me luck! ;) P.S. I am starting to sweat just looking outside...lol ;)

Week 5-6 Training the newbies

Back in Porto-Novo after a very long time. I forgot how much I do not miss it. It is just not my neck of the woods. The little children need to get back to school is all I am saying. One day I will be saying that about my kids. Funny what age and experience with children does to you. Anyways, the reason Porto- Novo and I do not get along is the men always cat-calling me, hissing at me, just annoying men. And the children literally hang all over me as I am just walking down the road. I have to pry them off. It is just really sad, but their parents just laugh and sing the yovo song along with their kids. Also, you might see a little girl or boy and absolutely no one; no parents, no big sister, no one to watch the girl. What if she gets hurt, abducted, lost? Coming from Lokossa, my part of the woods, it can be difficult to handle and accept. Also, there are a lot of so called “fools” here. Most of the time they will not bother you as they really have no idea where they are at in the world. On my ride over to the market to buy some fabric to make some new clothes, I saw a man probably around 20 years old just running around in a big circle in the middle of traffic. What do you do? Mom and I were talking about these kinds of things on the phone the other night and it just shows how much we take advantage of in the states. No matter how much money you make, you can get into see the doctor in the states; people are just not left on the streets with nothing. There are shelters. There are places for the mentally ill. Here in Benin. There is nothing like that. It is super hard to watch that go on here and go about my daily life watching the people. It is something I am used to seeing, but I will never be used to it.

Well, I have hung out with the trainees for one day and they seem pretty outgoing, afraid of the water, eating and getting sick. Sounds normal to me. This week, I am going to be teaching about CBA-Competency Based Approach, Giving and Receiving Feedback, GAD panel questions and answers based on my experiences thus far, teaching a model lesson on greetings and introductions, lesson plan writing, talking about post visit anxiety, and cooking in Benin. Yea, glad I will be with other volunteers because believe it or not…dum dum dum I can’t cook! Haha I think everyone knows that. Anyways, I taught the trainees what CBA was with a power point and an example text comparing effective and ineffective teachers. Here in Benin, they have an old system and new system of teaching. The government is training the teachers to lesson teacher talking time and increase student talking time, include more activities such as group work, pair work, individual work, role play, and write lesson plans which include a warm-up, presentation, practice, evaluation and an assessment for each class period. This proves to be difficult for many teachers as they were taught with just lecture and being talked at all of the time or supplies are expensive or hard to come by or the skills are just not there to teach in that way. So, our volunteers will help a lot of villages to train the teachers and help build the education system up. It is USAID that is helping/providing money to run the program for Benin and other countries around how world. It was a boring session for me last year, so it might have been boring this year as well, but it is good to understand what exactly CBA is and the history behind it. I now see the importance of the CBA session. I believe I was able to make it quick, yet informative.

Victoria and I are staying in a house together for RCH-Health and TEFL-teaching. It is an okay house that I can handle for a week or so. It lacks supplies for living such as bowls, rags for cleaning, etc. I am sure it will all come together soon enough…by next year’s training at least. We went looking for food today and we went to a place where they have schwarma which is a big sandwich with veggies, meat and such inside heated up. They are amazing in Cotonou, but you know what? The waitress was like we do not have those today. We said okay, what do you have? She said we have some eggs. And then she said at 18h (6pm) we will have your food. I said okay, please write that down somewhere on your sign so people know next time. She said it is…I asked where? She said oh right here in this small print at the bottom of the paper. All you can do is laugh and find another solution. Live and learn.

Oh, how I have missed so much in the States this week. For one it is shark week and another, I missed Fatima’s baby shower through webcam. She is going to have her baby very soon. I bet he is going to be a cutie!!  Celebrating my 2nd Independence Day here in Benin. It has been 51 years of Independence for Benin. Good for them. Bon fete!

Finished my first week of training. It was fun being at the front of the room explaining the technical sessions instead of being the one in desks learning. I feel like the MAMA and then next year I will be the GRANDMAMA. Haha To end the week, we had a cooking session where we and the trainees prepared chili with wagashi cheese, tomatoes, onions, peppers, etc. It was super delicious thanks to the other trainers who are excellent cooks unlike me! We also prepared a salad where we had to bleach the veggies and salad dressing was made. (vinegarette I believe!) Everything was eaten. The trainees in TEFL have a two day seminar with their supervisors and then they get to see their posts! Post announcements went well for the most part, I believe. I hope TEFL has a good time as well as a stress-free trip. The northern sites might have to take a two day trip to get to their posts because the roads and such are not up to par. Bonne chance! (Good luck)

The last days of summer vacation for Benin. There are volunteers who are leaving and more who are coming in. Puppies are being born and leaving the house soon. The rain is going away and the sun is coming out slowly then quickly. The cool nights are ending and the sweating nights are coming. The months are quickly passing me by. Four months and I will be home for a three week vacation. Starting new projects for the orphanage and going to work with PSI by handing out free condoms to those in need. Going to try and get every sector in my Peace Corps experience; Education, Health, Environment, and Small Enterprise. I will have a post mate that will help me with the Small Enterprise stuff I hope. People from home often ask me, “How ya doing? “ My answer as of now is, “I am doing great! I am very happy and motivated to do well in my projects.” It is true after the first year, everything seems to come together one way or another. I hope it stays on the positive track. For all those who want to know-Sylvain and I have been together for 5 months now. Doesn’t sound like a long time, but seeing how we come from totally different cultures and share different points of view, it is going great. He is a great guy and would do anything for me. He has helped me with a lot of projects along the way. I can’t wait to get the tire playground set up for the kids. It is a long process. For example, we need tires. Tires are just lying around all over town. We all know this. That is not the problem. The problem is if I go asking for these tires, they are all of a sudden going to cost a fortune! Even though they are free and just lying around! Ugh. So, I have to do some talking and asking around to get this done. Baby steps.

Just sitting here at the radio and enjoying another great book. It is vacation here for me and things can get pretty boring around here. No school, kids are in the fields and I read books. Lots of books and shed a few tears once in awhile because of the books… No worries. Things are going really well for me. Nice and smooth. Cool and calm literally. It is the rainy season. I have now reached my one year mark and have moved up in the ranks of grandma. The new trainees are here and it is now time for me to answer those random questions, share my experiences, and breathe oh so well. Despite the constant air pollution from passing dump trucks, motorcycles, mini scooters. You know the people can buy gas like we do in the USA but most of the time it is better for the pocketbook to buy from the side of the road. Yes, they sell the gas from Nigeria in plastic and glass bottles. Just imagine the giant Kool-Aid plastic containers used as gas holders here in Benin. You know if a little flame comes close to the gas area, everyone around could hurt; there could be an explosion. That is just a little chance people take to save a lot of bucks $$! I have been to village and attended many funerals during my vacation. I really enjoyed CAMP GLOW and the Spelling Bee as I said before. I believe I am going to do more camps next year. We shall see. As the days pass, I find time to reflect on the past school year and how I am going to change it for the better. I have many ideas of using less French in the classroom and more visual aids. I believe that the visual aids can really help the students better understand. It is so hard to believe that I am half way done! Goodness gracious. This coming up weekend, I am going to be travelling to work with the trainees for a couple of weeks. I am going to be teaching a model lesson, lesson planning, and trying to get the trainees through another week of STAGE! Been there done that. Glad it is over. HAHA. Once STAGE is over, I am going to Savalou for the yam festival that happens once a year. I will have to take a taxi and a bus to get there. But it is not too far away, but it will be a traveling day for sure. I mean what day of voyage isn’t? You never know if there is going to be a problem: accident, flat tire, slow driver, lost items, etc. I mean, that may sound rough, but I am really used to it. I laugh at the difficult things a lot of the time because if you don’t, you will cry. In other news, I am going to be handing out tourism brochures at one of the many tables that the PCV’s will have. Other tables will include, but not limited to moringa, shea butter, and health and nutrition. It should be a fun time right before school starts back up. It will be nice to have another activity to put on my resume of Peace Corps Benin 2010-2012! Before school starts, I am going to attend a wedding, get some more clothes made and get my hair done, maybe. I kind of enjoy being able to wash my hair in the shower with some smell good shampoo and conditioner from home and not have an itchy head from the braids. LOL!  By new clothes, I mean MORE BUMBAS! They are easy to put on and absorb a lot of the sweat for the walk to and from school, classroom time, and afternoon sun. Yikes, you guys thought you had a hot July in the states. Just kidding, I am sure you guys wanted to do absolutely nothing but sit and sweat to death. I am really sorry you have to suffer through the heat that I sent from Africa. Hahahaha….just wanted some rain for a few months. Okay, I think I have said all I need to say for now. Thank you for the packages and letters! Very nice, thank you! Love you all! Miss you and see you in a few months. December is a great month for me! I can’t wait to see everyone and see all the babies who are growing up so fast. Bye for now. See you soon.

I have made it to the 11 month mark and I can’t seem to believe it. I have finished my first year of teaching in Benin and boy let me tell ya I kind of like the whole being a teacher thing and getting my summers off. But, really I do not get a break. I am taking two kids to Nati for the National Spelling Bee June 24th-26th and then taking three girls to CAMP GLOW in Porto-Novo for a week. Should be a lot of fun! I, personally, have not been further than Parakou so I am pumped as well. I am going to meet with the parents today and Monday before taking their kids all the way north. I went to Cotonou and got the money for travel to Nati. And I struggled to get the money from the mayor for CAMP GLOW travel for the girls. Everyone/thing moves so slowly here or is it that we move way too fast in the states? Hmm good question. Anyways, got all the money I need for the kids and we are off and running to catch the taxi, the bus and maybe a moto here and there. It is so funny, Benin is the size of PA and we have to take so many means of travel just to get up north. The roads can be atrocious, but I guess it would not be quite the voyage otherwise. Thank you to all those who made the trip possible and donated!!! The kids really appreciate it! 

Saw a lunar eclipse here in Africa the other night. It was so neat. I guess the villagers chant and scream at the sun to leave the moon alone for hours and hours until the sun moves away from the moon. Haha I think that is so interesting, but I can’t see myself doing that….all in the name of culture/village life. I have been super busy…tried to get some new chalkboards up in my school because the others were falling down on teachers, including me, hard to read/write on, and teeny tiny. BUT you know what they were like how about in October and you will pay for it-it will be a present from you and we will put your name on it and everything…and maybe throw in some English books for the kids. You know why I am here—to help the school to organize ways to make their school better so when I leave they can DO IT on their own…so no I am not paying for it. It will cost maybe 40$. They said yea yea we will get around to it..the amount it costs is not enough to get a grant from Peace Corps and it is such an easy project….I will keep on them because they promised me that the chalkboards will be up by October. I just want the kids to have a decent/safe learning environment for goodness sake. Sorry for the rant. The Directrice is not longer at our school anymore due to a strike during Cultural Days at CEG3. Now, the Censaur is the Director and we have a Philosophy teacher from CEG1 who is the Censaur. I am going to have to get used to him now for my last year teaching here in Benin. When I went to do the averages and report card, he was being very pushy and asking me/over my shoulder to make sure I was doing everything right. I have only done it a million times, no one else had a problem with what I was doing. I spent 4 hours on a Friday to finish all the grades..had a headache. C’est la vie ici au Benin! Tomorrow is always a new day….keep looking ahead-never look back!

I attended two GAD (Gender and Development) dinners. They were very successful. Because of GAD and its supporters, the girls of Benin are able to attend school and learn how to be successful women in the future. The girls got to go to work with a MAMA and learn about her job and how she makes a difference in the world. The girls said they would like to be nurses, doctors, lawyers, and even teachers. I was very proud of them. I can’t wait until CAMP GLOW when we get to hang out with tons of girls for a week! It is going to be so much fun. We are going to talk about health, play games, independence, technology, etc…yay! Thanks to all those who have donated! 

Life in Lokossa has been great. The day I have to leave is going to be a hard one for sure. I have suffered through one hot season and now I am loving the rainy season. But, sometimes it can still be unbearably hot here for me. The sun just takes over. The cockroaches tend to come out more at night, so I have my cockroach sandal that I use and kill them. Then of course the giant ants come and eat them up and leave no trace…maybe a wing or two but that is it. Gives me hope to never see them again, then night comes. Since school is done for a few months, I find myself super borrreeeed!!! I read books, clean my house, listen to music, go for walks, went and took pics of Lokossa the other day so everyone can see a little bit of my town, and play with Kea, my dog. She is expecting to have some babies soon. I feed her and then she gets sick…prego for sure! Now, that should be interesting with a bunch of puppies around. Yikes! Haven’t been sick like before—seem to be used to the food and water or something. Who knows—just count my blessings. I still get the normal weirdo rash on my body—right now it is on my lower back and left forearm..weirdo for sure. Don’t worry, I have powder coming out my you know what, medicine for the itch…etc.

Well I just came from CEG3 because I had parents come to me and say they talked to the administration guy who deals with the money for the school and he has no idea/clue about CAMP GLOW and what I am doing with the girls….why didn’t I come to the admin first etc with my ideas…that is absolutely crazy-everyone knows about it. I talked to the Directrice a million years ago/Director, Surveillant, Secretaries…everyone…so I do not know what he is talking about and he was not available to talk to me today…he is never available…just wanted to clear the whole “situation” up. He doesn’t have a say in the situation anyways since Peace Corps family and friends have donated and the mayor has paid for transportation. OMG! I have done everything to get these girls interested, money from the mayor, and permission from the parents-tout-. The parents are fine with them going and it’s all paid for so….no one communicates here-erks me to no end. Anyways, everything is fine. I just can’t stand the communication issue here. I communicate with everyone-everyone says wow that is a cool idea—thanks Kayla that is nice of you. Whatever. We are going to have a great time and that is it! So enough of my jabbering/anger talk. LOL :P

I named a baby Jayden. It means “thankful.” He is super cute and his is very light skinned for an African baby. They called him Yovo at first. Now, he wakes up about every hour to eat. I hear him cry. Yea, Mama Mayo wakes up every hour to feed him. Here, sometimes the babies are force fed/when they breast feed sometimes it is not long enough. Water is also given to the baby…not good. I try to talk to the Mamas around Lokossa and in village that it is good to breast feed until about 2 years old for the nutrition factor and water should not be given…etc. I have also talked to families to try to get them to put Moringa in the foods that they give their children for added vitamins. We can put moringa in the sauce, boille (bwee), grind it to make a powder. The idea has made a lot of eyes open a little wider because it is not difficult to find moringa. They can just pick it off a tree. Some people can even use it for income if they have moringa trees close to their homes. People will come buy it. Also, peanuts are very important for protein that we can eat with boille (bwee) or tapica which btw is amazing here. Never thought I would say that. The secretary just had a baby boy on Tuesday. She now has four boys. Boys, boys, boys, we need some baby girls around here.

List of things I miss from the states:

1. Pizza

2. Chicken Wings

3. Cream Sticks

4. Washer/Dryer

5. Snow

6. My car/any vehicle

7. Hair Straightener

8. Fast internet

9. Sleeping in on Sundays (too many drums!!!!)

10. YMCA/GYM

11. Margaritas

12. Wii

13. Applebees

14. Apple Pie/any pie

15. My bed

16. Vacuum

17. No bugs in the winter

18. Holidays

19. English language

20. Reeses/Candy Bars-so expensive in Cotonou

21. Traffic Laws

22. Watching Basketball on TV

23. Eyebrow Waxing at Wal-Mart every couple of weeks

24. Wal-Mart

25. Save-a-lot

26. Walgreens

27. Shaving my legs regularly

Could probably go on and on….respect from men…etc….

I will be home in 6 months for a couple of weeks. How exciting! Can’t wait to spend Christmas and New Years with the familia! Yes, I miss speaking Spanish sooo sooo much! Well that is all for now! Everything is going as good as it can go! I am going to be quite busy with Spelling Bee, Camp GLOW and training with the new volunteers. I can’t wait to meet everyone! Bon voyage!

Miss and love you all! See you soon!!! Check facebook out for pics...

Life in Benin is coming along after a few potholes in the red, sandy paths. I am presently watching “Bambi” 1942 edition! Yes, please believe it! I have actually been watching quite a few movies lately. They help me fall asleep. I think the meds I take to prevent malaria give me insomnia or something. Have weird dreams, I can tell ya that! Anyways, I had the local Spelling Bee in Lokossa and have my two winners. That was def. a struggle because most of my kids got stage fright or something. One of my girls actually was shaking so much, I had to hold her hand. The more ya think about it, the more you see the kids are all the same in 7th and 8th grade all over the world. Kids will be kids. I remember being that young, now I feel like I am getting old, but always young at heart. We are going to travel to Nati in June for the National Spelling Bee. Should be interesting. Now, I am going to pick my girls for Camp GLOW. I plan to get some good chalkboards for my outside classrooms soon. Just having trouble talking with my director. She wants a new classroom and she will not let up. I tell her all the time, that is not what my first priorities are. The kids need chalkboards in the classrooms they do have now. They need lights that actually work, FIRST. She is constantly comparing me to previous volunteers; that sometimes erks me. But hey, everything happens for a reason. I am going to do the best I can and hopefully I can help many people; especially my kids! So, things are coming along as good as “good” can be here. Love it. The food is really loving me for the most part…we eat a lot of things with peppers…the kind of peppers that make your lips numb and your bum…well ya know. Haha I eat a special sauce with la pate called “Kling Kling” which is slimy, yet satisfying…Hakuna Matata! On another note---OMGoodness it is SOOO HOT HERE! Showers don’t help much either as my pipes usually make the water warm!!!! NEED cold WATER!! And maybe a towel to wipe the sweat off my face, neck and back during the walk to school and during class time! Never will say I am hot again in the USA haha! It has a rained a few times, but that doesn’t last very long…but I sure do sleep well when it falls. Actually had to go to school one day and it was pouring..but I was loving every minute of it. I had my poncho and I was set to go. All the zems refused to take me to school, but I got lucky and found one on his way. Yes, he went through the biggest mud puddle on the huge road and yes, he laughed the whole time. I was like BE CAREFUL- but I laughed all the way to school! And get this! I get there and my vice principal was like why didn’t you stay home? HUH!!!!!! Learning my share of local language--love greeting and talking a little here and there. I cant stress how nice people are here. They keep saying that I should live here forever and have at least 6 kids…oh boy not 6 kids! This year is the election year and boy has it been a roller coaster ride for the Beninese people here. The Presidential election date was changed several times and many people are not happy. But, life goes on. There is a lot of fighting going on in the countries surrounding Benin, such as Burkina Faso, Niger, Cote de Ivore. Libya, and in Egypyt before. But do not worry, Benin is actually pretty calm for the time being. I feel safe and sound in Lokossa, so please don’t worry. I would come home the first second there was danger! ;) Great news, I am coming home in December for a couple of weeks! I am going to spend Christmas and New Years in the STATES!!! I am so happy! It will def. be a good break to come back and finish off my service in Benin in Aug. or Sept. 2012 (at the latest). I spend a lot of my nights watching the shooting stars up in the sky! They are just so beautiful. I believe I also see the bright satelites that are up in space. It is a fun game to try and count all the stars…that will def. get you a little tired! I wish I could share the same experience of the stars here with my whole family and all my friends! It is so amazing! Miss and love you all! I appreciate all the support from family, friends, and teachers from home! Xoxoxoxoxoxo See ya in 8 months or so! Haha J Bisou Bisou!

My roller coaster ride is still going strong at full speed ahead. I have been through a lot since my last blog post and I would just like to tell you a little about my journey. People are really nice here, but you have to be careful. Always be cautious; pick your friends wisely. Keep your ATM card hidden away from any other eyes or sticky fingers! That is all I am going to say on that! Trust me--fingers are like glue around here. But then again, that is def. everywhere in the world. There are good, trustworthy people and then there are the bad, sneaky people. Period. As far as school is going, the kids are driving me clear up a mountain side (rather than the wall). We are coming up on our 3rd test out of 4 for the year. Time is really flying by! I am pretty much at the same level as the other teachers…just a little ahead…and classes go pretty smooth otherwise. Imagine one day at school with me: Good morning Madame, give me 25 cfa, Madame, Good afternoon, I am thirsty….I am hungry….Do we have class today? Are we going to have a quiz? Madame! I am sick, I want to go home. Madame!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How are you? In a whisper from the girls? Speak up I say…you are intelligent…Madame Kay--He stole my pen, he hit me..she hit me..I need to poop…please Madame…etc…etc…etc…you are beautiful madame! Madame…I am coming over to your house and we are going to prepare la pate….what are you going to prepare for me? Here is some chalk…a present for you! Please do not leave us…stay in Benin! If you cant follow my mummble jumble….welcome to my life! It is a giant mummmmbbbllleee jummmble! Hahaha I go to bed and wake up with a headache…there are times where I dream my kids came over and I wake up and there is noone there. They are def. stuck to me like glue. I am never alone…and they see everything…when I have a pimple…they are like don’t you sleep with a mosquito net?! I was like yea…the sun and sweat does this to my face! That is so funny…the idea of a pimple is not normal around here….just everything is from the mosquito…hmmm. Now, to the life in the USA. Is everyone having a baby or what? My neighbor here is actually going to have a baby soon! Tis the season for babies, I guess. It is super hot here right now! Heat rash on the hands does not seem to want to go away…but sometimes I do think it gets better…it has rained here a couple of times like Noah should bring his Arc for me to float on! My puppy is no longer a puppy anymore…someone cut off her tail….she loves to chase the chickens and goats around…she is my little shadow, but she does like to travel around the neighborhood a lot…she is probably Prego or going to be soon! So, she will join the club of babies--yikes! Coming on 8 months now in Benin…going to be busy with Spelling Bee, BESA which is a test for the top students from each school district around here, Camp Glow, GAD Dinner (Gender and Development) tutoring, and English Club (where I have to explain that Antartica and North and South America are all continents). They are taught that North and South America are just America (one continent) and where is Antartica? Huh? What? Oh south…end of the world…down there…la bas?! When do I sleep? On Wednesday mornings until about 10am. I have been eating pretty well…noone will let me even be a little hungry…I am always about to EXPLODE with constipation sometimes! Too many carbs! Very thankful for great friends around here. Got some more clothes made! I love wearing the traditional clothes here…but then there are days where I just need to wear my good jeans and a nice shirt! I miss everything from the USA….but I know it will be there when I come home! I will be coming home December for three weeks! Yes!!!!!! Oh one last thing…if you have a store or an outside bar (buvet) then you should always include God in the title! Ex: “God is good.” “God is here with us.” “Thank you God.” “God will do it.” They use these names rather than “WalMart, “7/11”, “Sheetz” etc….haha and one of the gas stations I saw was called “Bonjour!” Miss and love you all….still hangin in there…doing the best I can..that is all anyone can ask for…until next time! xoxoxo

Hello, readers!! Everyday is different here in Benin. I learn a new local language word almost everyday. I practice with the Mama's that live around me. It is fun to be able to meet and greet with another language besides French. Monday-Thursday I walk to school down a dirt path where I meet up with a bunch of my students...even though they arent in my class, they are still my students. The kids are from the ages of 11-23. Yes, very different from the states. Anyways, they are very nice. Some kids actually buy me "bien glace" water and some snacks sometimes. I havent braided my hair in awhile so on the walk, I hear about how the girls want my hair and how we can switch for a day. They can have it...it's so hot on my neck! We also talk about when we are going to go to the market and get the ingredients to make a very popular meal here in Benin (LA PATE) I actually went to the market last Wednesday and bought corn, peppers, salt, klin klin (plant leaves), and a cube of something.....it was delicious. But, you know it's a ton of work. Had to go pay 100cfa to grind the corn and then had to cook the klin klin sauce...then have enough muscle to stir the PATE! Once we were finished cooking it, we ate it up with our right hand! Never the left---dirty hand---. Anyways, it has been kind of chilly on our walks to school and chilly I mean around 65 or so. I love the chilly weather...I am able to sleep well without sweating to death...but I have to take a cold shower in the morning and the shower is in the outside part of my house.....a bit chilly if you know what I mean...haha 6 months later I can finally enjoy it! The warm weather will be coming back in Feb/March....by warm I mean unbearable sunshine! This is Africa! But, back to today...I have my first cold...cant stop coughing...breathing the dry air from the desert...it is getting better no worries.With the "cold temps" there have been quite a few BIG spiders and scorpions...BIG ONES...just have to have shoes on and be prepared to take your shoe off REAL QUICK...I MEAN REAL QUICK and smash him up! The kids come and check on me every once in awhile...they love just to stop by and say hey! I am tutoring a student Weds and Thurs and a brother and sister on Sunday evenings. I am doing the Spelling Bee at my school this year (CEG Lokossa). I will have one girl and one boy winner and we will travel to Natti (north) for the National Spelling Bee! I hope the kids work hard...everyone wants to travel up north! It's beautiful up there! I havent been there yet, so I am looking forward to it as well :) We just had a strike at my school...the week before exams...ugh! The kids will not be prepared for the test....I pray they do okay....I still taught all my classes..."work hard, fly right!" The BIG 23 is coming up! Going to spend my birthday here in Lokossa with some friends! My neighbor is going to make salad and maybe find a choc. cake for me! Cross your fingers for me!! I need some chocolate cake! Yes, Yes I do! haha Well, I think that is all for now...things are going great...getting to know a lot of people, having fun, getting over this cough cold thing I have, and teaching some English here and there...lol English is my life...who would of thought...I can hardly speak English well and here I am teaching it in Africa! Okay, love and miss you all!!!

So, I have officially survived two of the biggest holidays, yet hardest holidays to be away from home! :( They were very interesting though....I stayed in Lokossa for Christmas; ate rice, salad, drank Sprite, and one can of beer at the park. I ate with my neighors and friends of that family....really anyone who was hungry stopped their moto or car and joined in on the feast! After we ate we were greeted by a photographer who by the way was taking pictures of me eating or for better words "filling my face!" Haha We took lots of pictures around the park; I took pictures of some kids, got some smiles out becuase here "Benin" they do not like to smile in pictures because it will "ruin" the pictures! ummmm Idk...I showed them the pictures and they were like wow! You didnt ruin the pic with your smile! Yes, I know thanks! haha After the big meal and a lot of guys hitting on me: "Tu sais: tu est belle...give me your phone number!" Umm no sirrreeee!!! haha welcome to my life!!!! Everyday! Doesnt bother me so much unless the guy is old and drunk and annoying! That is when I get a little upset and threaten to smack in local language even though I would never!!! I was super full! Then there was New Years in Porto-Novo. I was hoping to spend some time with the BF but he had to leave quite unexpectily to Parakou...boy was he mad...mais ca va alle! It is going to be okay....so I spent the couple days with his family....they fed me and talked to me....I had a great time...took some pictures..updated the pics on facebook for my readers...haha and then got to come back to Lokossa with the BF's brother and father...his father works in Lokossa and his brother goes to school where I teach...weird how things work out like that! :))) Trying to plan a trip to safari ASAP and of course to Parakou

Well, I have been surviving my days here in Benin. I am beginning to like to a lot! I go on strolls with my little friend every once in awhile…she is two and I love her! People ask me if she is my daughter…I say yea, of course!!! Haha Just a little joke we have going here! I am eating lots and lots, but sometimes I just cant find to the appetite…just so dang hot hot hot! I actually was sick with a bacteria for about 2 weeks, but I took some GOOD medicine and I was fine within three days! Christmas is just around the corner and I have my decorations up in the house…battery operated lights that flash on and off, a Santa and Snowman stocking, candy canes and flameless snowman candles…thanks to the family I can see Christmas even though it’s so bloody hot here! I cant stress it enough! But, you know what, I can get my hair done for cheap here and it looks bomb!!!! (not to be like yea my hair looks good--just saying the truth) haha Oh I often go for walks and there tends to be bushes everywhere so you have to be careful because a chicken, goat, lizard or even a COW will come running out….no lions, tigers, or elephants in my part of the country…just gotta watch out for those chickens…we will never run out of eggs here…my main source of protein besides eating the chicken or buying peanut butter in Cotonou or Porto-Novo! These months are really flying by…my kids just completed the first round of exams…now I have to grade them!! Ugh and a half! Spending hours and hours…they just don’t appreciate me enough! Haha Was going to go on safari but plans changed…maybe another time! I really wanna go riding around looking at lions, elephants, giraffes and such…even though I might pee my pants a few times…yikes…life is full of what if’s! Thanks for the packages I have been getting….love them! It’s a great day when packages get to Cotonou and then into my hands….it’s a struggle, but so worth it!

Been super busy these last two months on my own at post. I now have four classes Monday-Thursday…some may say that is not a lot, but believe me it is a lot…It’s almost time for the end of the year test and then Christmas break. I am thinking about going on safari during my time off. That is my top priority for vacations besides coming home X-mas 2011!!!!! Yep, I said it! Believe it! Woop woop! Days have been super hot for me these past couple weeks. It’s hard to sleep even with the fan on. Inside my house is like 20 degrees hotter than outside…no wonder people sleep outside. Sticky, icky, and hot hot hot! Three or more showers a day does the trick! Thank God for my shower…I am blessed.I drink so much water, I pee about every 20 minutes. Cant keep the water in me long enough. Have been able to start cooking on my own-yams, kick butt sauce, rice, beans, plantains….etc…have lots of variety-cant complain because I have an unlimited supply of Sangria! Made the trip to Parakou for PSW training with all the other TEFLers. Going to be here until Friday early morning. Have to take the 8 hour bus ride back to Cotonou then back HOME to Lokossa! Miss it so much there! J We are going to cook some Thanksgiving dinner Thursday at the workstation. I am going to make deviled eggs because I am not able to cook very well. Plus, I would not want anyone getting sick on Kayla’s meal. Hahahahaha I am learning slowly but surely…I can cook spaghetti with mayo, rice, sauce, yams, plantains, and some beans…and of course oatmeal! Yay me! Ha It’s nice to be around the other teachers for the week. We can catch up on all the crazy stories and teaching experiences we have had. Parakou is very beautiful and it is located in the middle of Benin. It’s hilly, green, and there are huge boulders randomly chilling around the town. I believe you can find anything you want in this town, you just have to be patient and know just where to go…lots of fresh air here! It is very dry though and my lips and nose are super dried up! Cant keep chapstick on…pretty much reapply every 30 minutes. C’est la vie! So, I am going to say it--holidays away from home really stinks…but all the way in Africa really is hard. But, I have the support of my family and friends here. Going to have lots of fun being creative with meals, presents, and celebrating! I know I am going to dance a lot! J Makes me happy what can I say? The change in season just does not happen here for me….just a temp of hot and hotter. I cant see the change like the change of leaf color, snow, blizzard, ice, flowers….etc…cant see the change in seasons in the stores…like you see Halloween costumes in your local Wal-Mart, then Christmas ornaments, and fall scarecrows…here we have the same thing everyday…kind of hard, but you know what we can do this! I know I can! When I set my mind to something--I will do it…no matter how hard! Once in a lifetime experience right here, right now! Cant believe how fast time is flying--pretty soon we will be welcoming PSL 24 and saying good-bye to PSL 22 L Wow. Everything is going well, ,have internet, post is great, traveling to where I got to go safe and sound, making friends everywhere I go---must be my great personality--ha--enjoying everyday as much as possible! Love you.

Well, it has been a long time since I have blogged….super sorry!!! Been dealing with life in Benin! It has its ups and down, but hey I am still here and going strong. I would just like to tell ya about my daily life in Lokossa and my trips to Cotonou…..I teach Monday thru Thursday to 7th and 8th graders. The students are very happy to have my as their teacher, but they can really get me going sometimes. The patience level is def. on a low level some days, but then I think, I can do this! Most of the kids are great though! I can always see their brains thinking super hard and I love those AHHH HAAAA moments!! The kids always like to say “here, ici, Madame, teacher, snap snap…” all for attention because they know the answer. There is no nice hand raising in the schools here, but guess what the students learn quick in Madame Kay’s class because I will not answer them. Haha They are like oh crap Madame Kay sorrry!!! Love it! Actually had a moment where a student was just vomiting under his desk for about 10 minutes…..guess how the students cleaned it up!!! Come on you can do it!!!! They threw some dirt on it and sweeped it up with some sticks! Eww, I had no idea what to do except give stickers to the helpers and pat the boy on the back and say Ca va alle!!!! It’s going to be okay!!!! J My voyages to Cotonou and back…oh well that is a story in itself!! The driver stops and pees on the side of the road about three times a trip one way…vendors shove fish, water, bread….etc in your face until you need to vomit and then there are random traffic jams where men are chasing taxis, ripping doors open and beating the driver….witnessed this…no worries…I just thank God that I always have my helmet…may need it to catch a Zemi or hit someone with it haha But the zemi drivers arent very nice at times either….they like to haggle me for money! ummm yea cause I am American…..go figure lol My day to day walks to school consist of a lot of Good mornings or good afternoons, people are really getting to know who I am through the 5-6 min conversations we have…have to leave 30 minutes early just to make sure I do not offend anyone haha. I find myself taking lots of naps at around 1-2pm everyday…much needed repose…NAP! The French is coming along and the English is slowly flying far away…lol cant speak any language correctly anymore, the animals are reproducing like mad and the stars are beautiful! Actually saw a shooting star two nights ago……….I think….it was super fast….;) Just got a package from Sept and it is not Nov. so yes, I wait and wait…..could be worse….I could get the package a year later even though it was stamped 10 months ago…haha Well, I hope everything is going well at home in the US of A! Miss and love everyone!! Keep me posted on the latest gossip…oh how I ache to hear about life in Ashtabula…BAHAHAHABAHAHAHA ilu xoxoxo Oh, and even if you stay on the path, there is always pooop to be stepped on!!! ewww I know!!! So, that just shows no matter how hard you try to stick to the normal day to day life…you will not be able to find the fun in life! Be adventurous, see the world, explore, find your way! I am def. trying my best!!! Thank you to all those who have stayed in contact and support my throughout my crazy and exciting journeys around the world!

Well, I worked all day to get my house organized!! It is big so I have lots of room to be creative!! It rained this morning but then just got really hot! It's a little overcast, but dont try to do anything or you will just sweat to death!!! Uploading pictures as we speak and feeling like I have accomplished so much! It is hard to work with the people around here sometimes as time is slow, things matter but they matter "maybe later." Having internet in my house is really keeping me sane and allowing me to have a life outside of this crazy life I am living now! It is great here though! The people are nice and I seem to have a lot of connections now! For example, I got my locks changed in the new house, my bumba finished (very cute outfit) and got some food and going to get a shower soon! It is funny how your life changes and what is really important in life when all there is here is food, little kids running around in underwear or not, goats, pigs, cows, dogs, etc...and random church ceremonies, people singing and dancing and the occasional rain drop that people run from here! Rain is like snow! DANGER! hahaha I just go out and walk in the rain and enjoy the relaxation! The crazy American! lol Need to do webcam times with the family and friends asap! Just let me know a time and I will see if it works for me! You guys are busier than I am!!!! Miss and love you all!!!! Thanks for the letters and goodies! Oh how I love them!! A taste of America is always good on a rainy day! But beware they take forever to get here! I will pray and pray that all of my packages make it safe and sound, but you know those pesky mice get in them sometimes and even the occasional thief! Sorry! Thanks for thinking of me!

Wow, what a long couple of weeks it has been! I have def. been on an emotional roller coaster, but yet, I am still hanging in there! I refuse to give up and once I get through this training which by the way is coming up really quickly, I will feel a lot better. I will have my own house, worry about what I want to worry about and live life to the fullest! I will be an official volunteer Sept. 17th!! Oh, it is bittersweet….I will miss a lot of my friends because they are going to be posted kind of far away, but hey that will call for a taxi trip up to see them that is all! We are in our last week of model school! I am about ready to be done for sure!! The kids are great, just is super tough to teach, learn French for a million hours a day, then lesson plan for the next day….AND….come home to my host family. This cultural exchange thing is difficult here sometimes because you never know you are offending someone or doing something that is making another Beninese person mad. I have def. learned a lot and will continue to learn more about the Beninese people so I can get through day to day life a little easier. The teachers traveled to Grand Popo--the BEST day in Benin thus far!! I got to run around in the sand, take jumping pictures with friends, and enjoy the crashing waves and breeze that surrounded the beach! We were not allowed to swim in the water because of the strong under toe but hey Kayla is not swimming in the ocean! No, no, and no! There are big sharks out there waiting for me I know it!! Hahaha!!! Next weekend, we are going to travel to Oidah, a slave port from many years ago. Oh FYI the beach and Oidah are really close to my post!!! I have a place to relax every once in awhile! The beach is my relaxation, just wish I could have the family with me to enjoy the beauty! Miss and love you all!!! P.S. I love the letters and packages I am getting!! They are really helping me survive!!! And of course, they make me smile!!! It’s love from America!!! J

I sit here in my room and I try to come to reality that I am really, truly in Benin, Africa. I look back at my last couple of years and I just cant believe how far I come; I mean I have traveled to Africa for goodness sake! Everyday I learn something new about the culture over here. It is way different than what I expected, I mean I knew it was going to be different, but jeez. The number one thing that I am learning on top of French of course is PATIENCE!! You cant have enough patience here; it is always welcome. I am super happy to be at my post, even though it’s not truly my house….moving into another one someday…supposed to be soon…but hey…we shall see. It’s nice to be done with training. I didn’t think it was ever going to end. I achieved Intermediate High, which by the way is a miracle because I continuously speak Spanish, French and English together…it’s a big cluster in my brain for sure..hahahaha! I am def. ready to get to know my town, the kids, families, and get to know my way around town. I have to get the best deals at the markets and know where the best place to buy American food! lol You never know when you will get those cravings!! I miss the USA and my FAMILY a ton, but I will continue to say I am ready for this; I can do it!! It is only going to be a little less than 2 years now!! I have made it a long way thus far!!! I appreciate all of the support and love I am getting from the US of A! Love you all! xoxoxoxoxoxo Oh and p.s. packages take forever to get here, but I will be sure to check all of the time!!!! && I hope to get an internet key so I can have wi-fi at my house….but that also is still in the process….Oh boy, I have two years! Going to be great! It has changed me into a different person already, but def. for the better!!!!

Wow, what a long couple of weeks it has been! I have def. been on an emotional roller coaster, but yet, I am still hanging in there! I refuse to give up and once I get through this training which by the way is coming up really quickly, I will feel a lot better. I will have my own house, worry about what I want to worry about and live life to the fullest! I will be an official volunteer Sept. 17th!! Oh, it is bittersweet….I will miss a lot of my friends because they are going to be posted kind of far away, but hey that will call for a taxi trip up to see them that is all! We are in our last week of model school! I am about ready to be done for sure!! The kids are great, just is super tough to teach, learn French for a million hours a day, then lesson plan for the next day….AND….come home to my host family. This cultural exchange thing is difficult here sometimes because you never know you are offending someone or doing something that is making another Beninese person mad. I have def. learned a lot and will continue to learn more about the Beninese people so I can get through day to day life a little easier. The teachers traveled to Grand Popo--the BEST day in Benin thus far!! I got to run around in the sand, take jumping pictures with friends, and enjoy the crashing waves and breeze that surrounded the beach! We were not allowed to swim in the water because of the strong under toe but hey Kayla is not swimming in the ocean! No, no, and no! There are big sharks out there waiting for me I know it!! Hahaha!!! Next weekend, we are going to travel to Oidah, a slave port from many years ago. Oh FYI the beach and Oidah are really close to my post!!! I have a place to relax every once in awhile! The beach is my relaxation, just wish I could have the family with me to enjoy the beauty! Miss and love you all!!! P.S. I love the letters and packages I am getting!! They are really helping me survive!!! And of course, they make me smile!!! It’s love from America!!!

My days in Benin get more and more interesting everyday!!!! Throughout my days, I go to school, learn a ton of French even though it is so tough with this Spanish accent of mine, ride my bike and sweat to death even though it is the rainy season....I go out to get a Coca Cola once in awhile but have to ride a Zem moto...have the burn on my leg to prove it...lol its healing ok...life would not be so much fun without a little craziness hahahaha ANDDDDDDDDD I GOT MY POST!! I will be living in Lokossa in the southwest part of Benin!!!!! It is located in the dept. called MONO! I am two hours from my work station Cotonou..and I believe I am replacing the best volunteer!!! She is amazing because she is leaving me tons of stuff!!!! Such things as school supplies, household things, a fridge, and movies! Thank you Michele!! I am pretty close to the best beach--Gran POPO as well!!! Come visit me you are more than welcome...miss and love you all!!! xoxoxo

Well I have survived my first couple of days at the my host family! Benin is nothing like I expected! Nudity is not a problem when in the house, there is trash everywhere and motos are going every which way without a problem for the most part. People are all talking in French all around me…Yovo..yovo is all I hear on the streets. It is quite the experience to be here. I am learning more and more French everyday. Hope I get the hang of it before long. My host family is very helpful; they do not let me really do anything around the house though. My sisters and mama do the work. It is hard because I like to help out and clean all of the time! Haha I am doing okay with the food. Eating a lot of bread, rice, water with Special K drink mix that I brought from home. Protein is hard to come by around here. I have to make sure I ask for some fruit and vegetables. I got my water filter going and my stove put up for boiling the water. I got to go to a Fashion Show one night and hang out with two friends of my sister. Had to ride a moto so guess what? I had to lugg my moto helmet around!!! It is attached to me already. I have limited internet time here. Hopefully when I get to post, it will be better!! One can only hope!! Miss and love you all! Call me if you can! I always have my phone on…xoxoxox

Well, things are going better everyday. I am learning the language slowly but surely and meeting new people all of the time. I am def. living in another world here in Benin. I have to watch my every step just in case I might step in a hole in the sidewalk or even come across the occasional boulder that is resting in the way. I have travelled to many different ATM’s and they are either not in service or do not accept the USA cards. Through the days, I have learned to bathe from buckets, use the restroom without sitting on a seat or in a latrine…a BIG hole in the ground…you have to really watch your aim! Some people miss all the time….I will just let your imagination wonder….GROSS!!! My host family is great. I live with a mama and two sisters. I actually was riding to school with my mama on a moto and she proceeded to go a bit too fast up a pile of sand and we had a little accident….we will be laughing about it for awhile….all is well—she just had to get her plastic cover fixed because it was cracked. I just sit outside sometimes and I hear the occasional trumpet sound, motos in the streets, children singing the YOVO YOVO song, and the different churches praying…it’s a whole new world and I am def. coming home a whole new person….if it hasn’t happened to you…it WILL happen to me…it’s like I cant live a calm life..there is always some kind of crazy thing happening to me…I love every minute of it! XOXOXO

Today is August 1, 2010—The 50th Anniversary/Independence Day of Benin. I wanted to go to the parade and to see the President arrive to speak, but instead I watched it on television. My sisters stay at home and prepare food and clean the house all day and my mama is not feeling very good. So, I have used my time wisely and uploaded pictures on my computer and charged up all of my electronics. I am kind of bored here at my house. We just eat, clean, and sleep, but my weeks go by pretty fast because I have school all day everyday Monday-Saturday. Well Saturdays are only until 12 but it is better than nothing. I am tired a lot because my brain is taking in so much. While in class on Saturday (July 31st) the voodoo parade went by a couple of times. It is just a bunch of music and a man in a BIG BLUE trash bag like dancing around. I thank God for the technology of today. Without it, I would probably go crazy lol!!  I have about 7 more weeks here in Porto Novo. I get to see my post at the end of this week I believe. I am super pumped!!!!! I really hope I am replacing someone, but hey I am just happy to be here and do my part for the Peace Corps. Time is flying by…I forget what feeling cold is…haha soooo hot here and it’s the rainy season….until next time!!! Miss everyone! XOXOX

I am having a great time here in Cotonu, Benin. All of the people are very nice and helpful no matter what I need. I changed my money at the Western Union today--bring $100 bills and you can get the best exchange!!!! I take malaria pills everyday and shots such as typhoid on Wednesday! I had my first tutoring session today with my teacher--he is very nice---I am in the Novice Low level but am very determined to learn as fast as I can. The staff here is great and I have 100% confidence in them! :) I am going to have training tomorrow for the motos!! (main transportation here in Cotonu! I also had my interview discussing my post-I have really no idea where I will be posted though. We shall see! Also, I do not know how I am going to get all of my stuff into a taxi to get to my post! I have now a moto helmet, bike, bike helmet, french books from my teacher and staff, and my 80 pounds of things I brought from the USA! If there is a will there is a way!! Haha I am having a great time and will try to keep my blog updated. Can't wait to meet my host family so I can get some clothes made for me!

Arrived in Benin, do not have much time! Having a great time! Everyone is so nice and I am going to start learning French tomorrow! Oh, I am so excited!!! I will be getting a phone soon! Have to change my dollars into FRANKS!! Ok, dont worry!! I will try to keep in contact more when I am at my host family and post!!

Leaving in the morning to go to Philly then we have a not so wonderful bus trip to JFK airport to fly to Benin, Africa! Had a wonderful weekend with the family even though it started to rain!! I practiced some French in the car, but I might of practiced the wrong pronunciation!! Haha Oh well, I am very excited to meet some new people and start learning FRENCH from a teacher! I am all packed up; hope I have everything I need! It is going to be hard to leave the family for a couple years, but I know I will see them again! We will keep in contact all of the time! Thank goodness for technology!!! I will try to keep the blogs coming! Training might take up a lot of my time! But hey, it will be great!! Thank you to all my supporters out there! It really helps me feel a little more comfortable!! Love you all!!

...from arriving in Benin...packing is almost done and I am going on my final vacation with the family to Letchworth State Park in New York. I am going to spend my last couple of days relaxing around a campfire and hiking...The family and I are going to enjoy every second!!! It is going to be really hard to leave everyone for so long, but I know I can get through! I cant wait to meet all of the wonderful Peace Corps volunteers already over in Benin patiently waiting for the new arrivals!!! :) I have some requests as well that I will be bringing to Benin from the United States! Hahaha. See everyone soon!!! Can't wait!!!

The weekend was amazing. My friend from Maryland came to stay with me for a couple of days...we had a great time! Even got to go to breakfast at Cracker Barrel (our favorite place) with my dad on the way back from the airport...that was nice and yummy!!! My parents planned a very fun going away party for me as well! Love you guys! Went shopping for some comfortable sandals that I will need for riding my mountain bike and hiking all around Benin!! I also found a cute, yet appropriate skirt below my knees...it is important to look respectful so the people are not offended in Benin....it's ok with me...I am going to learn and become acquainted with a brand new culture...I can't wait! :) I am getting a little nervous though as the days are moving faster and faster! Learning French and getting used to the pace of life there is going to be the hardest part for me...but who knows, maybe I will learn French pretty quick...oh boy my fingers are crossed! I THINK I CAN...I THINK I CAN!

15 days until I leave for Benin, Africa!!! Words can't express how excited I am! Packing in just two suitcases and a carry-on is really difficult for me!!! I seem to pack more than I need...what girl doesn't? Hahaha Time seems to be moving super fast...the family is having a going away party for me this Saturday from 4pm-ALL NIGHT!! That is going to be a great night! Can't wait!! I have a great family and a wonderful group of friends!!! :) I will make sure I get everyone my mailing address so I can get some care packages and letters...hint hint!! I am going to enjoy these last couple weeks in the United States and prepare my mind for the next 27 months in Benin!