Ouahigouya
Updates by Michael Lavoie
1. Convergence in Ouahigouya. 6 current pcv's and 4 rpcv's converged in Ouahigouya today, fittingly at the Caiman (crocodile restaurant). RPCV Anne Knight flew in from Germany on Thursday, along with telephone connects with RPCV's Nancy Weis-Sanfo and Beverly Heisterberg.
Pcv's were mostly fairly new and welcomed being part of the larger history of pc in Burkina Faso. Jen was nearing the end of 3 years of service. New pcv's were Bridget, Alicia, David, Jessica, and Emily. Many good ideas and questions and advise. Nancy's parting telephone conference words: no matter how tough things may be--and they will be tough--keep going out to the market or wherever to integrate with the people.
Ann Knight's thoughtfulness and encouragement were terrific--she brought a USA soccer ball to go to the non-school soccer team in Namtenga and several bags of books, magazines and candy for the pcv's. In the small world department, Ann now works for former top flight US Ambassador Tony Holmes.
And my Burkina friend Christophe offered advice for pcv's stepping in for departing pcv's.
Stay tuned for more updates!