what has been long over due and what has recently happened, plus a "vada"

So it has been ages since I have written anything of interest, not to mention update this foul creation known as a blog which commands your very attention every second of every day to send your ideas and thoughts and general curiosities to the masses that would want to ever read such obscurities.
Having been in the city of Gaoua, Burkina Faso, Africa for now 2 months. I have seen and experienced quite a many things. Gaoua (pronounced "Ga-ow-a")is a city in the hills, and being in a flat country the profiles of these "trying to be mountains" really do add some flare to the otherwise boring countryside. But by some miracle of a most bizarre "fetish de terre" things do grow here, adding the color green to the by contrast brown that covers the rest of this third world country.
But here I am, and here I will stay for the time being. At least until my next training session which sends me to the capital city of Ouagadougou for a week, in which I get to eat things like pizza and hamburgers. Which the burgers are actually decent but the pizza is less than to be desired. But being in a 3rd World country. Who can really complain, the idea of cheese here is a whim. So anytime that it is indeed added to the things that pass for food here, it is a time for great celebration. Also the restaurants actually give you condiments, which again is something that is far and few between unless in the capital city, which, being a capital of a country is not as large as one would think.
But here in Gaoua, I have started to teach. I have 13 working computers, and a schedule that enables me to finally teach and have the students have some practice time with the computers. Which is finally a decent way to run a class, considering I am in Africa. But for most of these students, they have never even touched a computer let alone have taken a course about using them. So I have the privilege of not only creating an interesting course for these spongy minds to soak but also be the first to be able to introduce them to the wonders of technology. Though it is a rather bizarre contrast to have so many students actually know some things about computers, and possibly own them. But these cases are 1 in 100, literally.
Some fun short stories:
1) The Vada and I met the other day. And for those not versed in the french names of West African animals, that would be a monitor lizard. I caught a baby one in my class the other day. It came in through the windows and I put it into a sack. I'll post a photo to facebook later. I then took it around to show some people who were actually scared of the little guy. Which for me to watch a 17 year old boy run in terror of a little lizard which was safely tucked into a clear sack was rather exciting.
2) So the other day my neighbor found and killed a snake in our courtyard, now I have the unusual opportunity to live in an apartment like scenario, unlike any of the other peace corps volunteers here. So this keeps me in contact with the local population and provides me with "friends". But as for the snake, him knowing that I like animals placed it near my door for me to see. Which I saw, it was a small type of viper. Deadly, hence why it was now in its present state, dead. But I have a woman who does my laundry, and for anyone who has even attempted to wash their jeans by hand will know this to be very difficult work. I don't like it. So I have it done for me. She is well compensated. But not well enough to deal with a dead snake at my door. Here there is a hand motion for not doing something, it's like clapping your hands in a brushing motion. Similar to ours. But when she saw the snake, she made the motion and walked away. My neighbor then disposed of the soon to be pig food corpse and only then would she continue her work.

For now in my opinion I feel I have bestowed sufficient information. Later

A new beginning in Gaoua.

So I'm in a new city now. My permanent site, it is in the south of the country. It is beautiful here. I know that I owe people a lot of photos. They will be coming soon. I have started my job here by fixing all of the computers in the computer lab, and boy is that a chore, those computers are slow.

I've been trying to get out and meet people. The town now realizes that I live here, and that I am not going anywhere. But they still think I'm a German, which I find hilarious.

I found a little cafe near my house and have become friends with the little old lady who owns the place, she has been feeding me well. It's good food. Like chicken soup with a tomato broth and bread, yum!

Journal 1

Thursday, August 6^th 2009 -

To present information to young minds is quite a task. It takes work; preparing the lesson and developing an overreaching strategy for how you are going to convey the knowledge to the young, but keeping in mind that you not only for to transfer the information but facilitate the understanding of the material. This alone is one of the hardest and most challenging tasks I have come to face here. But I was able to develop a test that was challenging for the students, though maybe it was too challenging for them. This system here is all wrote memorization. I really dislike this approach. I wish that the LCF's would just let me try to teach, other than coddle the students, and tell me that they can't do it. I know they can.

Friday, August 7^th 2009 -

Feeling great. The way that modern medicine can drastically improve ones health is astounding. “Take these pills for 5 days”, and “bam” it is as if I am a new person. I am now really able to wake up in the morning and appreciate the rooster crowing and the donkeys braying. But then I realize it is actually 4am so I then go back to bed for 2 hours. But it is alright, cause I'm not drenched in sweat as normal and I've been keeping busy learning and teaching and adapting.

I gave my first test the other day, and I now have a new found respect for any educator I have ever had in the past. It was a surreal experience to say the least. Watching as 42 students struggled over the questions I had written on the board. Though the questions were repeats of what I had done in class, the way I presented the problems required some amount of critical thinking, which is something that students here have absolutely none of. In Burkina and much of West Africa, the students hold to the rule of wrote memorization and regurgitation. Which I find to be sad.

Today I handed back to them what they had done. I wasn't very happy with the results, but then I remembered that I had promised the students a bonus of +2 points on the next test, which made the results more favorable. Here in this country there is a strange custom that has grown from the culture and the french system here. It's called “reclamation”, and it's annoying. It's where the students have the opportunity to check over there tests and check to see if the teacher has graded their tests fairly and added up all of the points that are due. Well since I gave them a gift of adding the 2 points to there overall score. I decided to skip out on this little practice, and being here in West Africa and being a teacher (where I am basically the law in my classroom) it's up to me. The students on the other hand where quite perplexed. Like dear in headlights, their eyes all grew wide in surprise and as the realization struck them that they could not argue, lie or cheat their way to a better grade, many of the hands in the classroom struck up. I heard the snapping of fingers and the calling of “monsieur”. But I just told them that my grade was final, and that I was more than fair with their answers. And that was that.

This may seem to anyone not here in my shoes to be a harsh reality. You may be asking yourself “why would Kyle be so mean?” But I tell you that it is the students here who were being mean and got everything they deserved. I did give them the answers to the test beforehand, and even told them so. If they didn't believe me or take it seriously enough, then that is actually not my fault. Because here in Africa, it is not on the teachers head if a student passes or fails, it's on the students.

Saturday, August 8^th 2009 -

Actually went well today, my LPI language test. I had french in the morning. But not with my normal LCF. But then I took the language test with the same guy. I was calm and slow, and tried to be as precise as I could with my conversation. I'm hoping that this time that I receive a level that I actually feel that I am at. But I have grown above this silly ranking system (even though a certain level is required before being allowed to teach). I know that I have the ability to communicate at a higher level on paper, but my pronunciation is just not good enough. Even with all of the practice I get daily, I seem to have a hard time with certain sounds and word combinations. I know I will eventually be able to get it. But until then I will just keep trying to do my best, studying and talking with people in french. Maybe someday I will be able to converse with people and have them understand what exactly I am saying.

With the guys in the afternoon, we decided to play poker (there was money involved but only 500 cfa = $1, the equivalent of a pop). This was one of the most entertaining experiences we've had so far. There was a lot of bonding going on, and I realization that I actually knew a little about poker. I say that because I tied for first (well we just split the winnings because everyone else had left for the restaurant and we we're hungry). Needless to say, I won a little money and later had a couple of “brushettes” on the boys (brochettes are basically kabobs of some cheap meat, and they are very tasty). After the restaurant we decided to go dancing at a local night-club. And dancing at a night club with other foreigners in a third world country is quite the experience to be had. The repetitive rhythms of the African music does get under your skin, and the dancing customs are strange, large circles in which people take turns dancing in the center... odd. But here they stay out all night, “yay” for no governmental regulations on the clubs here. Needless to say that was a late night (considering I am usually in bed by around 8:30 or 9:00 oclock.

Sunday, August 9^th 2009 -

My sister did my laundry. Now it's on to discover how someone can teach computer skills to older Burkinabé, that's right I get to teach the adult class. Where they like to hold keys for no apparent reason and the logic of technology does not come easy. But maybe they will be more well behaved then the 5^eme (7^th grade) kids that I have had recently. Hopefully they will be less chatty, I would really hate to have to kick an adult out of a basic computer class for chatting with a friend while I am talking.

I received a present today from my host mom. It is a really cool looking dress shirt that's blue with a predominantly yellow floral design with some red accents (but still the shirt is mostly blue), and it's also accented with white thread patterns in the form of stripes which add another neat dynamic to the shirt, this is something I think I'll wear a lot, it is that cool. Clothes here are quite different than compared to those in the US. There are no colors that are gender oriented. They basically will wear whatever. But seeing men wear hot pink that is mixed with orange and a lime green is still rather odd to see as you walk around the market.

Monday, August 10^th 2009 -

I taught my first computer class today. What to say about this. I really do not know the vocab and there is absolutely no direction to the courses whatsoever. Teaching the adult class was a little different than the 7^th graders I had. Here in the adult class, if you mispronounced their names, they would then proceed to correct you. What a different dynamic, to go from a teacher of a young group, where I am in all intents and purposes the judge, jury, and prosecutor (aka the respected LAW), but here with the adults. They think that I am here to help them, not to really instruct them. It's weird to experience the difference. So what did we do today. Well review of typing of course. Meaning I used this simple practice typing program, but the typing program does this annoying buzzing sound when someone holds a key for too long, and since I have the lowest level adult class. I then get to deal with the constant sound of buzzing throughout the day. It wasn't all bad though. I showed a lot of them proper hand position, and some of them even improved a little, which made me happy. After an hour or so of this, I then decided to introduce them to Word (yes there is Microsoft Office here in Africa (though I don't know if any of these computers have legal copies)). They all typed a short sentence. Then we made it bold, italic, and underlined them. This was all done with me struggling through the class because I was figuring out the vocab as we were going. Which was a little difficult, but as I said, I got through it.

Wednesday, August 12^th 2009 -

I taught in the morning, but then I received a package (thank you so much mom and dad, it was amazing). It contained some of the most awesome ingredients. Beef jerky, Skittles, cheese sauces and spices.... yum. It was just amazing. I put myself into a sugar coma in around 30 minutes, it was wonderful.

Thursday, August 13^th 2009 -

This was an amazing day. Today after I taught, my group (all of the trainees were split into groups) cooked a delicious meal with an american twist. We made tuna melt sandwiches, and they were to die for. Using the tools here, which was difficult, we were able to make some fantastic food.For a side we made cheesy garlic mashed potatoes. And for dessert, one of the girls in my group made a mango tarte (which again was to die for). This was seriously an awesome meal.

Not to mention from my package (again thank you so much mom and dad for this, I'm so happy about it, I am not even able to tell you how much I love it), the kool-aid.... ahhh the kool-aid. And the beef-jerky and turkey-jerky (man this stuff didn't really last long... yeah it's all gone already (the candy and the food not the kool-aid)).

I have also been happy about all of the PCVF (which are Peace Corps Volunteer Facilitators), who have helping us throughout our training. I haven't really been talking about them through my blog or in my journal, but they have definatley played a large part in my growth here. I would definatley want to one day be one of them. I feel as though it would be a cool job, teaching the next generation of teachers, here in Burkina Faso.

I have been hanging out with the PCVF's lately, because well, I am going to be a PCV soon, and be one of them. So I am hanging out with my future peers. They are all pretty cool in their own sense. Quirky or cool, they are all nice and so happy about us (the new PCVs) being here. I can't wait to be labled a PCV.

Friday, August 14^th 2009 -

Today I am so thankful for “Kool-aid”. But beyond that I am thankful for technology. As I was looking through my folders I found some music that I had forgot about and thanks to modern technology I am able to acquire a whole bunch of music (new for me) from all my friends. Trading files has definatley become a hobby, whether it be movie files, TV shows, or music. These files get passed around a lot.

We've been taking a lot of exit tests lately. Only one more week of model school. This is rediculous to think that this is almost over. I'm about to go from constant contact with people who have become my friends to complete isolation. That is going to be hard and I'm not really looking forward to it. But I am able to handle isolation. Heck I was that way in high school. So I think I can handle it until I make some new friends.

Bacterial Entinitis. It's fun!

So as anyone would surely notice. I have not made any recent posts. Well there are some reasons for that. The first one being; I haven't really done anything lately other than curl up into a little ball and pray to God that this was all a bad dream. I don't know why I became sick. But alas. I did. This is africa, and so being, there is sickness everywhere, bad hygiene with every child who wants to come shake your hand, and I can not forget about the massive amounts of flies that as you know spread disease. So that being said, I feel a little better now. I know that this must worry some of you. But I'm actually doing alright. It's been quite the experience so far. The things I've seen and the things I've done (or have eaten) is quite a list. The second reason is because I have to pay to come use the internet at one of the cyber cafes around Ouahigoya. Which isn't awful, but it means that you have to then walk or bike somewhere. And I don't want to lie, I've been kind of lazy lately. Just wanting nothing more than to sleep (prolly cause I was sick). But regardless. I'll try to be more vigilent in the future about making new posts. And I'll try for pictures sometime this week.

Language Training

Torrential rains have become my one longing while sitting here in West Africa. I can remember just not too long ago sitting at home in Michigan and almost freezing. Now I think thqt I'll never feel that way again. The temperature here ranges (lately) from high 80s to over 103. It's just rediculous. But that is just something that I will get used to I guess, like the whole living while being drenched in sweat.

But lately all I worry about is my language training. It's extremely difficult. And though my host mother constantly reassures me that I am getting better and am doing fine. It's still hard to believe her when I go to language class and don't understand him. All we have been doing lately is translations. But oh well I'm getting better I guess. lol.

My host family is great

I have a large family who take great care of me. Aminata, my psedo mom, is very patient with me as I'm learning french. (these french keyboards all need to go away though, they're awful). I've been sick for a while. I just now got better finally eating solids. The rainy season has started which is awesome, 100+ degree temps were torture. Now it's 80 and it actually feels cold.

My First Experience in an Internet Cafe

I was taken to a new fantastic place here in Ouahigoya, Burkina Faso. As I sweat over my keyboard (because I can plug in my computer which is amazing, and not have to use the AZERTY keyboard). Anyway, I have gotten used to sweating, we all have. It's hot, and it's the rainy season. But there isn't a lot of rain. It's a rather odd thing to think about. The sun isn't too brutal, though I am getting a little darker. But for now I've just been trying to learn, even though my head feels like it is going to explode with the amount of information I am having to learn.


By the way my address here in Burkina Faso is:

Kyle Hawk, PCT
01 BP 6031
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Niamey, Niger.

I am currently in a hotel in Niamey, Niger... and the reason being... well that is today's post:

I got into the Philadelphia last night at around midnight. In the morning I got up early. Ate breakfast and slowly began to become acquainted to the other volunteers that I am here with. Of which ALL ARE COMPLETELY AMAZING. I then finished some paperwork, got a yellow fever shot, and explored Philadelphia for a while, snapping some pictures of the Liberty Bell. We then went to the airport to jump a flight to Paris (which was delayed by an hour). After getting to Paris we then re-went through security and went to our gate. Where we waited some more. But that flight actually left on time. Where we then headed to Niamey, Niger to "make a quick stop to drop off some people" then on to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. But alas with my luck (or by some unbeknown curse) one of the engines on the plane had some trouble. So we waited on the plane for 3 hours to find out that we were stuck in Niger. This at first was awful, it was HOT and they took our passports because we didn't have visas. But we ended up in a nice hotel on Air France's dime. So everything is all better and tomorrow we'll be on our way to Ouaga!

So I'm sitting here at the nice Pittsburgh airport waiting on a flight to Philadelphia. Total time today that has been spent not traveling to Philly is at 7 hours and counting (Neil and I have estimated 8.5 total will be spent delayed). By the way, Neil Lepsetz, is another Burkina bound Peace Corps member (who is also going to teach math as well, woot!) who by chance was on my flight to Philly that was delayed, and we by happen chance found each other in the hussle and bussle of trying to figure out "What was actually going to happen to us."

Today's Journey:
6:40 - Arrive at Kalamazoo International Airport.
8:13 - Left Kalamazoo for Detroit.
9:30 - Arrived at Detroit.
...
Where I then spent an hour delay. That then turned into a two hour delay.
12:00 (ish) - Finally took off from Detroit to Philadelphia.
Then our pilot proceeded to fly aimlessly around Philly for 30 minutes. Running out of fuel decided to land in Pittsburgh. Neil and I became aquainted and then proceeded to probe SATO (our Peace Corps travel agency for an hour). Having then the option to fly back to Detroit or take a Coach Bus. Both options leaving us very late in the evening. And frankly neither of us enjoying the service of the Delta Airline (though the stewardesses were very nice, and one let me use her cell phone, but overall helpful and I appreciated it.)

Finally though we came to the conclusion that Delta Airline is not the most friendly airline (as per our situation). So now we are both sitting here waiting for our new flight through U.S. Airlines which (was delayed as well, but still actually going), and is to be departing soon at 6:45PM.

So. I'm at the airport posting this. So that everyone at home can know. The moral to the story is: As Peace Corps volunteers. One must be very flexible.

Update: I finally made it to Philadelpia to the Hampton Inn downtown. Though it was 12 hours behind schedule, missing all of the beginning introductions and group activities. Missed the opportunity to finish paperwork (Bummer). But now it's the early morning, the morning before the "long" flights.

Getting Ready

Please bear with me as this is my first attempt at a blog. I am no expert. But I will learn how to most effieciently present information for you, the people who will be following my "Adventure in Burkina Faso". Thank you and enjoy.

I have been invited to serve in Burkina Faso through the Peace Corps. My mission that I have accepted is to teach mathematics (and being a french speaking country, teaching in french as well). At the bottom I have written what I receieved. So you don't have to do the math, that is 27 months total. 3 months of training, and 24 months (2 years) of service. I am very excited as of this moment to be able to serve in this fashion. I am nervous as well.

My Assignment

Country: Burkina Faso

(Burkina Faso is a combination of the two main African languages of Burkina Faso, Morré and Doula. Burkina is Morré for "Honorable Men" and Faso is Doula for "Land", so it is translated as "Land of Honorable Men" in English)

Program: Secondary Education

(High School, grades 6th to 12th)

Job Title: Math Teacher

(to teach all subjects, so far as I know; Algebra, Geometry, etc. And also class sizes that could range anywhere from 40 to 150 students, with nothing more than a chalkboard to teach with)

Dates of Service: August 28th, 2009 - August 27th, 2011

Orientation Dates: June 9th, 2009

Pre-Service Training: June 11th, 2009 - August 28th, 2009