E-mail from Abidjan...
Dear Ones - I think I haven't sent an update in about two weeks, so I'll try to cover what has been going on recently.
Where Do I Live?
I've been meaning to take photos of my house (duplex) but right now the back
yard is being fixed up. When that's done, I'll send photos for the
website. You will be surprised at the "luxury" I live in!!
I'm "Propre!"
My neighbors come into my house every so often, and have deemed me
"clean" ("propre"). They survey my kitchen, with clean
dishes, swept floor, and organized pantry, and nod approvingly, saying
"Kate est propre." I hope my mother is proud of me!
Finally my anal-retentiveness has paid off!!
Donations
Many people ask me if I need money. So far, I don't. However, if
you want to contribute to a worthwhile Peace Corps project going on in Cote
d'Ivoire, check out www.icbrightfutures.org,
and look at the scholarship section. This is an ongoing scholarship for
financially needy girls in Cote d'Ivoire to pay all costs associated with high
school. As long as the girl maintains good grades and doesn't get
pregnant, the scholarship renews for each of the six years of high school.
It's a worthwhile cause, and you'll be surprised at how much "free
education" costs here. Given that many families earn about $5 per
day, education is expensive!
Things I "Need"
Anyone wanting to send a care package can include:
...A large barrette for my thick hair, which is finally long enough for a pony
tail.
...A little bottle of hairspray - if you wrap it well, it should make the mail
trip OK.
...A floating ring for a swimming pool - adult size. Did I mention there's
a swimming pool in Taabo?
...Things I can always use include - sample sizes of US shampoo and toothpaste,
current books (Oprah books!), photos of you and your kids, prayers for
health/patience/fortitude, wet-ones, candy, gum, other fun stuff.
...Current music or a mix of favorite music. I'm getting tired of the 40 CDs I
brought with me! CD or cassette is fine.
...I have a cassette player now, so if you would rather record a letter and send
it, that's great too!!
Interesting Tidbit
My neighbor had beautiful painted toenails the other day. I commented,
and she told me they were fake toenails! Who knew?? I have never
seen acrylic toenails offered in the US. Then again, when you wear sandals
24/7, having beautiful toenails is important!
Work Stuff
I'm starting work on trash collection in Taabo. The last two
volunteers had started the project, and fortunately for me, the mayor agrees the
project is important and should be done. I have a project plan showing a
December 1 start date. Given what I know about Africa, I'll be happy if it
starts before next summer! You who have worked with me will appreciate
this. My mentor and I were talking about the earliest steps of the
project, and I was explaining how I wouldn't check off a task as complete until
I saw it complete with my own eyes... his word wasn't good enough,
basically. He laughed and asked me if I'm always this difficult. Oh
yes, I assured him... I'm always this difficult!
Blonde Man Sightings
I met three THREE blonde men at a recent training session. Two
are over 30! Hmmm... will keep you posted!
9/11 Attack Response
The Ivorians have been very kind and concerned as they talk to me about the
9/11 attack in the US. Christians and Muslims alike are as shocked and
distressed as I am that such a thing could happen. I have had some interesting
conversations about the way different peoples and religions are viewed by the
Ivorians. Please don't worry about me. I feel completely safe here in a little
African village!
Love to all.
Kate