Three Little Birds

I don't know if its the change in season from hot to less hot or what but recently there's been a lot more dust and I've noticed that I've been getting dirtier than usual, if possible. So lately, I've been wondering exactly how dirty is dirty? I mean, if you sweat profusely throughout the day does that really mean that your shirt is too dirty to wear again? If it dries overnight and it doesnt smell the next day then its not dirty - right? What in the world has become of my life?

This morning as I was taking my bucket bath, I found myself singing "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley which seems to play on the radio no fewer than 5x day. "Dont worry about a thing; every little thing's gonna be alright..." Its funny to me that this should be the song that is played repeatedly in a country where there is so much need. Its got to be coincidence, right? Afterall, Celine Dion is played pretty frequently as well and while it makes for a great sing-along amongst us Americans, I dont think that there is a hidden meaning in "My Heart Will Go On".

With Thanksgiving just 2 days away, I've been thinking about all of the many things that I'm thankful for, especially now that I'm sometimes painfully aware of those things that are missing. Which got me thinking--how is it that deodorant, trash cans, toilet paper, toothbrushes, tables, clean water and screens are only scarely available (if at all) while other non essential things seem to be in an overabundance? There is no shortage of things like tomato paste, peanut butter, MSG, yams, fried balls of dough and oil. Huh? I guess its just one of those things that I'll have to chalk up to living in Burkina.

The last 2 weeks have been busy with wrapping up projects and assignments and me learning my third language. Yesterday I gave my first presentation on marketing in French to my host father who is a tailor. He was very gracious and patient as I stumbled along in my broken Frenglish and actually seemed to even enjoy what I had to say. My teacher/translator only had to jump in once to help clarify so I consider that to have been a small victory. Armed with my elementary drawings and my french/english dictionary, one might say that I am even dangerous. (Through this I also have a new found respect for elementary school teachers. Who knew that teaching required an artistic ability? Laura, you would have been proud.)

Not much else to really share as I wrap up month two. The PC trainings continue to go well and now that I know what to do in the event that I'm stung by a scorpion or I should find myself in the middle of a military coup d'etat, I'm in good shape. Nothing that my medical kit or my trusty evacuation plan can't handle.

Wishing you all a happy Turkey Day - have a second helping for me!