Independence Day Benin

Blog post
Hi Everyone,
Happy August! I hear the weather has been pretty good in New England, and I hope you are all doing well. It's weird to remember that this time last year I was already in Benin, preparing to visit my post for the first time. I have learned and grown so much, but it still doesn't seem like that could be a year ago!
One of those bench marks that helps me remember was August 1st - Benin's Independence Day! Last year I celebrated by taking a language proficiency test and watching the festivities on TV. This year there was no TV watching option, but I am happy to say I got to participate a little more in the festivities.
In the morning I got dressed up in my newest boumba, and took a zem motorcycle taxi into Baikoara. I got there just in time to catch the end of a parade! Aparently it had started at 9am, which was a surprise. I quickly met up with Vincent, a friend from church, Daniel, my supervisor, and Saka, one of the vice principals at the secondary school in Founougo. After the parade we went out for a beer (a 'Beninoise' of course!) and then some of us went to a soccer match. It was so cool to see and participate in community organized events. Sitting in the concrete bleachers watching Banikoara fight it out against neighboring Kerou, felt like being in America. After the game Daniel, Vincent and I went to dinner at a restaurant 'Under the Nime Trees'. The woman who owns it was close friends with some peace corps volunteers 2006-2010 and she loves to say hi and share her photos. The food is also some of the best around. It was fun to talk and joke together.
On Sunday I got to attend my 'home church' in Founougo, which is always a good thing. I had talked with the pastor the week before because, theologically, I didn't really agree with the way the church was talking about raising money. That can certainly be an awkward situation, wth me being the only westerner in the church and certainly having a different background and perspective. However, I thought out what I wanted to say, and the pastor was very open and attentive. That was very gratifying and encouragig. I think we all really do want to make our little church the best we can.
Sunday afternoon my cat Jack and I took a trip into town to get him neutered. I had always planned to do that, especially since I really want him to be an indoor cat and plan on bringing him back to the US. I had heard from other volunteers and it sounds like my experience was pretty typical. While the veterinarian was trained and competent, it was an 'out back under the mango tree' kind of proceedure. There were no problems and Jack seems to be recovering very well. It was a stressful day all the same. It didn't help that shortly after the proceedure it started to rain! Besides not wanting a wet cat, I was really worried about the dirt road back to Founougo. In the end I was more worried about getting my little guy home to recover in the comfort and safety (and kitten food) of his own home. After the rain stopped I got a zem who was willing to brave the mud. It was one of the most stressful rides I've done so far. But, thank God, we all made it to Founougo just fine, and Jack slept on the bed like a little rock.
This week I am traveling with a farmer who raises pogs as part of a Tech Exchange, so he can see other pig raising operations in our region. I am excited to travel and get to do some helpful work. Hopefully the guy will pick up some useful information, he seems excited. This morning we had a meeting in which he kept trying to tell me that he'd love to go, but didn't have the money to travel. It took me a couple tries to make it clear that his travel costs were included in the exchange, that it's free for him!
After I get back from that, it's straight back out the door for Environment in Parakou. I am really excited forthat, but not as excited as the students I'm taking! One of them has been coming by my house asking for environemental materials 'just to review' in advance of the camp. I hope it lives up to his expectations.
I look forward to keeping you posted on how it all pans out. Thanks so much for reading, it's great to tet to share these events with you!
With love,
Lauren