Hanging with the Village people (Sulan's title; not Sommer's ... she is not that lame)

Well I'm back in Zinder after one month in my village, and I have been here for about a week. I go back tomorrow, and I am actually more excited than nervous which I take as a good sign. My village was wonderful. The first two weeks were pretty challenging, but after many rounds of greeting everyone and finding a friend or two, everyone warmed up. Much of my time was spent trying to establish some sort of routine. It's a chore just to put away my bed in the mornings, get dressed, cook breakfast, go for a run, visit people, etc. It's great though because it all fills up my day nicely and gives me something to do while I'm struggling to learn the language. Everyone I've talked to in the states has asked me what kind of work I've been doing, so I'm just going to say to all of you that the first 6 months are pretty much dedicated to getting to know my community and learning the language. I can't really get anything done until I can communicate and know what it is they need help with. But let me tell you, the learning the language part is definitely work! Anyhow, I will keep everyone updated on work stuff when I actually start a project. Also, people have also been asking what my village is like and what the culture is like. It's kind of hard to explain but I will try my best. Islam plays a really big role in the country so it kind of mandates that people (mostly just the men as the women are constantly working at home) pray five times a day (which is announced by a town caller) and that they dress modestly...so sleeves and long skirts for the women, as well as covering their heads, and then pants and sleeves for the men as well. The men keep there hair short too. I am really luck in that, as a foreigner, I can get away with not covering my head adn wearing pants as a woman. However, I do try to dress modestly out of respect. Also, I do not cover my head which is okay with them as well. With that said, the people are incredibly nice and always smiling. It's actually quite suprising seeing as how they are constantly struggling for food and health. But virtually no one complains about the work. One thing I was really surprised about was that I got asked for gifts constantly. This is actually a part of the culture and people ask eachother for gifts all the time (but they especially ask me because they think since I am from America, I am automatically rich). However, I've gotten used to it, and now I simply turn the tables and ask them for gifts..which they usually get a good laugh out of. Also, I have a family that cooks me dinner every night which is nice...and I'll usually bring them back something from market. Anyhow, it has been good to have a break, but I'm ready to go back. I will be coming back to Zinder for Thanksgiving and will have cell service then. If anyone wants to call around that time, I would love to hear from you. Hope all is well in the states and shoot me an email if you have questions or if you simply want to tell me what's going on in the states adn with you. Take care all!