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! :)
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