As a child I "finger painted" with popsicle sticks. I had no qualms about getting dirty, but preferred to be clean. And while I spent many a summer on my Uncle's farm, I can't say that cleaning up after animals was ever my forte.
But I have grown up. And two days ago I not only played in the dirt for four hours, but I also played in cow poop! That's progress, right?!
Meg and I recently lead 80 elementary age kids in preparing 900 tree sacks which will be outplanted in 2-3 months providing shade, nutrition and asthetic value to the school and health poste as they mature. The first step in this process... pounding, crumbling and for all intensive purposes, touching cow poop before you mix it with equal parts soil. This gives the trees a good home to germinate, and I was up to my elbows in it. I even have pics to prove it.
In four hours we filled all 900 sacks, seeded and watered them, and with any luck they will be ready to go in the ground just as the rains pick up. I've never done this before, but speaking as a resident from the Home of Arbor Day, I feel pretty good about our project, and chalk this one up to yet another character building exercise. Let me tell you - I am coming home with an awful lot of character (and really clean nails)!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The Witch Is Dead!
Ding dong, the witch is dead. The wicked witch. The wicked old witch. Ding dong, the wicked witch is dead!
Senegal has recently experienced its annual election season for every public office in the land. And I am BEYOND elated to spread the news far and wide that the former Communitaire Rurale in my area (who shall remain nameless because even typing his name makes me feel nauseous) has been DEFEATED!!!!!!!
Now, one might question why I would care about such a position, and the truth is that in many ways I don't. Except that he is hands down, without question or reservation the single most awful person I have met in this country, and I would have to search the very depths of my heart and conscience to feel bad if he accidentally fell in front of a quickly-moving bus.
I know, that sounds rather harsh, but he was the bane of my existence for far too much of my service. His position gave him the leverage to make the health poste in my vcillage a reality quickly, but because I removed all avenues through which he could steal money, he has made every attempt to thwart my efforts. I live in a society that avoids confrontation at all costs, but even so I have been warned about his sneaky, slimy ways by villagers, teachers, my counterparts and even other local officials (who shall also remain nameless) since I first arrived. He was no doubt one of the people who stole money from the health poste initially, along with every other project he could get his hands on, and his lifestyle would legitimize that theory.
But his ego got too big even for himself! My road town just elected a new mayor and he relinquished his position as the long-standing Communitaire Rurale to run for the new Mayor position... AND HE LOST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That means he has NO PUBLIC JOB, NO INFLUENCE and no way to make MY LIFE or the lives of my villagers any harder!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I fully acknowledge that I should not find so much enjoyment in another's misfortune, but he had it coming and I am so proud of voters for finally cutting the fat. Today is a good day.
And the snake can now slither into his hole and stay there. We've got work to do!
Senegal has recently experienced its annual election season for every public office in the land. And I am BEYOND elated to spread the news far and wide that the former Communitaire Rurale in my area (who shall remain nameless because even typing his name makes me feel nauseous) has been DEFEATED!!!!!!!
Now, one might question why I would care about such a position, and the truth is that in many ways I don't. Except that he is hands down, without question or reservation the single most awful person I have met in this country, and I would have to search the very depths of my heart and conscience to feel bad if he accidentally fell in front of a quickly-moving bus.
I know, that sounds rather harsh, but he was the bane of my existence for far too much of my service. His position gave him the leverage to make the health poste in my vcillage a reality quickly, but because I removed all avenues through which he could steal money, he has made every attempt to thwart my efforts. I live in a society that avoids confrontation at all costs, but even so I have been warned about his sneaky, slimy ways by villagers, teachers, my counterparts and even other local officials (who shall also remain nameless) since I first arrived. He was no doubt one of the people who stole money from the health poste initially, along with every other project he could get his hands on, and his lifestyle would legitimize that theory.
But his ego got too big even for himself! My road town just elected a new mayor and he relinquished his position as the long-standing Communitaire Rurale to run for the new Mayor position... AND HE LOST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That means he has NO PUBLIC JOB, NO INFLUENCE and no way to make MY LIFE or the lives of my villagers any harder!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I fully acknowledge that I should not find so much enjoyment in another's misfortune, but he had it coming and I am so proud of voters for finally cutting the fat. Today is a good day.
And the snake can now slither into his hole and stay there. We've got work to do!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Keep It On Ice
Yesterday I had a meeting with World Vision in Kolda. Today my Mom sent me an email asking how it went - because she is wonderful like that. This was my response... perhaps not what she was expecting:
I went to World Vision yesterday morning. I got there 15 minutes early for an 8:00am meeting (a genetic disorder I cannot drop to save my life and one which is entirely under appreciated in this country). I waited. I called my guy. The meeting had been moved to 10am.
I went to town and did some shopping in the market. Walked back.
I walked in to my guy's office and he offered me an ice cold Coke. To be cordial, I accepted. I don't like soda.
He then proceeded to dance an incredible jig around the purpose of the meeting - a meeting which he called - which was my health poste.
I refused (I promise I was polite about it) to talk about anything else until I knew what was up with my health poste. He did a few more spins and twirls before he stopped dancing and threw a big fat wrench in my life by telling me that the reason he was in Dakar for the last two weeks was because their head office in Germany has to cut budgets by almost 1/3 for the upcoming year and this means it is incredibly likely they can no longer fund my health poste.
I stopped drinking my Coke.
I also stopped breathing and sort of threw up in my mouth.
I suddenly knew exactly why he had wanted to get through his 5 point agenda before descending upon this topic, but there was no turning back. I didn't turn into fussy girl. I didn't turn into mad girl. I was just absolutely speechless. I felt utterly helpless.
For the last 12 months of my life I have been cultivating this relationship so that something like this wouldn't happen, couldn't happen. For the last 12 months I have put my faith in a faith-based organization to come through for my village - to not let them down AGAIN. And now, as my heart sank into my stomach, my mind kicked into overdrive trying to figure out how I was possibly going to raise the almost $18,000 I would need to fulfill the promise I made to my villagers - which was that I was not leaving this country until the health poste was open.
THOSE IS BIG WORDS!
And I was and still am prepared to back them up, but it had never even crossed my mind that I would have to do it alone. I have a freaking contract with World Vision for crying out loud. I played by the rules and did everything asked of me.
This can't be happening.
My guy had no idea what to do or say. He called in his boss who said the same things. They started pulling up and printing off emails showing me that it was not their fault that budgets were being cut in the health sector. And I just sat there. I had no idea what to do.
And so I cried.
Only this time (for those of you who recall my previous strategic implementation of crying) the tears were real. I felt sorry for myself. I felt heart-broken for my village. I suddenly missed my family. And once I even glanced at that slippery slope I was tumbling toward the fact that my thighs are too big and I shouldn't have colored my hair in 10th grade - you know, all things relevant. I truly felt like my world crashed. So they said in unison that there was one final conference call later that day and that I should come back tomorrow morning to see what comes of it.
Sure. I'll just got home, get some rest and come back tomorrow. No problem... except there was a big problem!
I was handling it fine, albeit a bit dazed, until the gas ran out on the stove last night as I was cooking eggs, and I lost it. Game over. Tears. Snot. More tears. It wasn't pretty.
I had absolutely no idea what I was going to do next if the money was gone and I am really bad at not having answers.
So I didn't sleep, got up early to try and remedy the dark circles and puffy bags I was rocking under my eyes from exhaustion and hysterics, and went to World Vision.
I walked into my guy's office and he... offered me an effing ice cold Coke!
My heart sank again. Not a Coke! The last time I got a Coke my world disintegrated.
Then he told me I was going to cry again - not a good prediction to come from a professional partner.
And then he told me they were able to borrow from another section of the budget. My health poste was going to be fine. And so was I.
Contractors, masons and World Vision will be in my village Saturday at 11am to make a final list of needed materials and start work next week. Period.
I think I slightly offended them by not crying this time around. I told them I was too emotionally exhausted. I think they were too.
And the next time I drink an ice cold Coke will be... NEVER!
And that is how my meeting went with World Vision yesterday:) Thank you for asking.
I went to World Vision yesterday morning. I got there 15 minutes early for an 8:00am meeting (a genetic disorder I cannot drop to save my life and one which is entirely under appreciated in this country). I waited. I called my guy. The meeting had been moved to 10am.
I went to town and did some shopping in the market. Walked back.
I walked in to my guy's office and he offered me an ice cold Coke. To be cordial, I accepted. I don't like soda.
He then proceeded to dance an incredible jig around the purpose of the meeting - a meeting which he called - which was my health poste.
I refused (I promise I was polite about it) to talk about anything else until I knew what was up with my health poste. He did a few more spins and twirls before he stopped dancing and threw a big fat wrench in my life by telling me that the reason he was in Dakar for the last two weeks was because their head office in Germany has to cut budgets by almost 1/3 for the upcoming year and this means it is incredibly likely they can no longer fund my health poste.
I stopped drinking my Coke.
I also stopped breathing and sort of threw up in my mouth.
I suddenly knew exactly why he had wanted to get through his 5 point agenda before descending upon this topic, but there was no turning back. I didn't turn into fussy girl. I didn't turn into mad girl. I was just absolutely speechless. I felt utterly helpless.
For the last 12 months of my life I have been cultivating this relationship so that something like this wouldn't happen, couldn't happen. For the last 12 months I have put my faith in a faith-based organization to come through for my village - to not let them down AGAIN. And now, as my heart sank into my stomach, my mind kicked into overdrive trying to figure out how I was possibly going to raise the almost $18,000 I would need to fulfill the promise I made to my villagers - which was that I was not leaving this country until the health poste was open.
THOSE IS BIG WORDS!
And I was and still am prepared to back them up, but it had never even crossed my mind that I would have to do it alone. I have a freaking contract with World Vision for crying out loud. I played by the rules and did everything asked of me.
This can't be happening.
My guy had no idea what to do or say. He called in his boss who said the same things. They started pulling up and printing off emails showing me that it was not their fault that budgets were being cut in the health sector. And I just sat there. I had no idea what to do.
And so I cried.
Only this time (for those of you who recall my previous strategic implementation of crying) the tears were real. I felt sorry for myself. I felt heart-broken for my village. I suddenly missed my family. And once I even glanced at that slippery slope I was tumbling toward the fact that my thighs are too big and I shouldn't have colored my hair in 10th grade - you know, all things relevant. I truly felt like my world crashed. So they said in unison that there was one final conference call later that day and that I should come back tomorrow morning to see what comes of it.
Sure. I'll just got home, get some rest and come back tomorrow. No problem... except there was a big problem!
I was handling it fine, albeit a bit dazed, until the gas ran out on the stove last night as I was cooking eggs, and I lost it. Game over. Tears. Snot. More tears. It wasn't pretty.
I had absolutely no idea what I was going to do next if the money was gone and I am really bad at not having answers.
So I didn't sleep, got up early to try and remedy the dark circles and puffy bags I was rocking under my eyes from exhaustion and hysterics, and went to World Vision.
I walked into my guy's office and he... offered me an effing ice cold Coke!
My heart sank again. Not a Coke! The last time I got a Coke my world disintegrated.
Then he told me I was going to cry again - not a good prediction to come from a professional partner.
And then he told me they were able to borrow from another section of the budget. My health poste was going to be fine. And so was I.
Contractors, masons and World Vision will be in my village Saturday at 11am to make a final list of needed materials and start work next week. Period.
I think I slightly offended them by not crying this time around. I told them I was too emotionally exhausted. I think they were too.
And the next time I drink an ice cold Coke will be... NEVER!
And that is how my meeting went with World Vision yesterday:) Thank you for asking.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Ghost Town
Today is Election Day in Senegal.
The last month has been filled with rallies, late-night drumming and loud speakers, candidate t-shirts, and more late-night drumming as local campaigns gear up for today.
Politics is on the collective mind, and, within the last week, is also all over our Peace Corps Safety & Security Director's desk. As of late, our cell phones have been bombarded with update after update of reported riots, violence and warnings related to the elections. We have just had a travel restriction placed on us by both the Peace Corps and Senegal Government. And this morning I ventured into town to get some veggies and found nearly every boutique, stand and store front closed and padlocked. Preparing for the storm? I hope not.
I know I am a world away from home. But after experiencing the campaign and election of President Obama, (albeit from across an ocean) I guess I just had it in my head that the Senegal election season would be less of a production. We are currently hulled up in the Kolda regional house with no intention of leaving the rest of today - though I am not convinced it wouldn't be fine. Being here this long, I sometimes forget that I do in fact live in a third world country with potential civil unrest. This evening could be interesting, but nothing like Grant Park! My hope is that it is also nothing like the LA riots.
The last month has been filled with rallies, late-night drumming and loud speakers, candidate t-shirts, and more late-night drumming as local campaigns gear up for today.
Politics is on the collective mind, and, within the last week, is also all over our Peace Corps Safety & Security Director's desk. As of late, our cell phones have been bombarded with update after update of reported riots, violence and warnings related to the elections. We have just had a travel restriction placed on us by both the Peace Corps and Senegal Government. And this morning I ventured into town to get some veggies and found nearly every boutique, stand and store front closed and padlocked. Preparing for the storm? I hope not.
I know I am a world away from home. But after experiencing the campaign and election of President Obama, (albeit from across an ocean) I guess I just had it in my head that the Senegal election season would be less of a production. We are currently hulled up in the Kolda regional house with no intention of leaving the rest of today - though I am not convinced it wouldn't be fine. Being here this long, I sometimes forget that I do in fact live in a third world country with potential civil unrest. This evening could be interesting, but nothing like Grant Park! My hope is that it is also nothing like the LA riots.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Going Nowhere Fast
Yesterday I made my big escape. I had been held hostage for three days in Dakar due to a transportation strike. That's right, all the drivers in Senegal decided to stick it to President Wade on the same day... and then for the next three days. Boo!
I arrived at the main garage in Dakar Monday at o'dark thirty with my game face on; ready to withstand twelve hours of dirt-in-your-face, middle of the back seat, sweating because the windows don't roll down, travel. I immediately took note of how crowded it was, but thought nothing of it. However, when I rolled into the corner of the garage that sells tickets to Kolda and was not IMMEDIATELY bombarded with potential sellers, I knew something was up. I couldn't buy a ticket to save my life. I couldn't make anyone take my money... unheard of!
I tried to stay optimistic. Two other volunteers showed up en route to the North and thought they were going to get out. We sought out other volunteers from across the country to gauge the movement of traffic toward Dakar. We also watched a platoon a red beret soldiers show up and fan out throughout the garage and surrounding streets - not exactly reassuring. And at 10:30am, the three of us left, in a taxi, not to our final destinations, but to the regional house where we slept and watched six hours of The Office. There was nothing else to do. The entire country was at a stand-still.
The next day we got reports of groups pulling cars off the road who weren't obeying the strike. Rocks were thrown. Not good. We decided to not even try to get out and enjoyed an evening at the beach - we were just making lemonade out of lemons, right?!?!
The last official day of the strike, several volunteers finally got IN to Dakar, but nothing was yet getting out. So I patiently waited and the morning of day 4 I returned to the garage holding my breath, crossing my fingers and saying a prayer that I would get out... and I did. It was an uneventful albeit long trip and I am back, happy to be here and not leaving any time soon!
I arrived at the main garage in Dakar Monday at o'dark thirty with my game face on; ready to withstand twelve hours of dirt-in-your-face, middle of the back seat, sweating because the windows don't roll down, travel. I immediately took note of how crowded it was, but thought nothing of it. However, when I rolled into the corner of the garage that sells tickets to Kolda and was not IMMEDIATELY bombarded with potential sellers, I knew something was up. I couldn't buy a ticket to save my life. I couldn't make anyone take my money... unheard of!
I tried to stay optimistic. Two other volunteers showed up en route to the North and thought they were going to get out. We sought out other volunteers from across the country to gauge the movement of traffic toward Dakar. We also watched a platoon a red beret soldiers show up and fan out throughout the garage and surrounding streets - not exactly reassuring. And at 10:30am, the three of us left, in a taxi, not to our final destinations, but to the regional house where we slept and watched six hours of The Office. There was nothing else to do. The entire country was at a stand-still.
The next day we got reports of groups pulling cars off the road who weren't obeying the strike. Rocks were thrown. Not good. We decided to not even try to get out and enjoyed an evening at the beach - we were just making lemonade out of lemons, right?!?!
The last official day of the strike, several volunteers finally got IN to Dakar, but nothing was yet getting out. So I patiently waited and the morning of day 4 I returned to the garage holding my breath, crossing my fingers and saying a prayer that I would get out... and I did. It was an uneventful albeit long trip and I am back, happy to be here and not leaving any time soon!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Truly Inspired
My best friend here in Senegal has wanted to bring computers to the students she works with at the middle school in her village, Kounkane, since she arrived. The 1,100 students in her school represent more than 35 villages from all over the area. Since Kounkane is located on the main highway through Senegal, they are fortunate to have electricity, and occasionally the internet connection even works.
Four days ago she was presented with an opportunity to secure computers from a shipment that is coming to Senegal if she is able to raise the funds. So she wrote a blog, made a post on Facebook, sent a few emails and maybe even said a few prayers that the money would come in time.
There is no doubt that times are tough. People don't have piles of cash laying around... they might not even have a change jar. But in 24 hours she was able to raise $1,125 from an eclectic group of long-lost buddies, family friends and total strangers. Some gave $10 and one gave $500, but the amount doesn't matter. She made a plea and it was graciously answered with well-wishes and encouragement. We are all still reeling from the generosity.
So now, I am doing my part. Please feel no obligation to give. If your kind thoughts and prayers are all you can send, she will still be grateful, but she is now only $400 away from a fully-funded project that seemed all but impossible just a few days ago. If you are able to give, please go to: http://partners.guidestar.org/controller/searchResults.gs?action_donateReport=1&partner=networkforgood&ein=04-3529016
Click the "Donate Now" button and follow the directions. All donations are tax-deductible.
REMEMBER: You must designate the donation to "PCV Emily Morris in Senegal."
Thanks for even considering and cheers to computers!
Four days ago she was presented with an opportunity to secure computers from a shipment that is coming to Senegal if she is able to raise the funds. So she wrote a blog, made a post on Facebook, sent a few emails and maybe even said a few prayers that the money would come in time.
There is no doubt that times are tough. People don't have piles of cash laying around... they might not even have a change jar. But in 24 hours she was able to raise $1,125 from an eclectic group of long-lost buddies, family friends and total strangers. Some gave $10 and one gave $500, but the amount doesn't matter. She made a plea and it was graciously answered with well-wishes and encouragement. We are all still reeling from the generosity.
So now, I am doing my part. Please feel no obligation to give. If your kind thoughts and prayers are all you can send, she will still be grateful, but she is now only $400 away from a fully-funded project that seemed all but impossible just a few days ago. If you are able to give, please go to: http://partners.guidestar.org/controller/searchResults.gs?action_donateReport=1&partner=networkforgood&ein=04-3529016
Click the "Donate Now" button and follow the directions. All donations are tax-deductible.
REMEMBER: You must designate the donation to "PCV Emily Morris in Senegal."
Thanks for even considering and cheers to computers!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
What a Day (or half of one)
So it is currently 1pm in Kolda, Senegal.
I have been up for seven hours and ridden a roller coaster of emotions that has left me drained, yet thankfully positive, and the day is not even half over. This country is killing me softly.
I got up at o' dark thirty to be the first one at the bank because I had about 12 cents to my name. Since it is the end of the month, the bank is ridiculously busy with people getting money wired in from France and Spain. So I was first in line, and out the door no more than 10 minutes after they unlocked the doors.
Yeah!
Then I went to the Post Office where I had a very pleasant experience with the man there who gave me a package from my mom's best friend. And it was a seriously good package. THANKS!!
Yeah!
Then Meg and I found a new bean sandwich lady and they were amazing! And we all know how much I do like my bean sandwiches!
Yeah!
Then I went to the other side of the Post Office where I wanted to mail my Valentine's Day cards. The guy behind the counter wanted to RIP ME OFF hard core. And I wasn't having it. My friend Ibu even came over and because the other guy outranked him, he couldn't say anything. I was so mad. The Post Office should be the ONE place the color of my skin should not matter - its a government office for crying out loud. So I grabbed my letters like a child, wagged my finger at them, and huffed off. So dramatic. I was punishing no one but myself, and I knew it.
Boo!
So I walked across the street where I met a very nice Wolof man (and there aren't very many of them in Kolda) who sold me green and yellow paint at a fair price and made me smile again.
Yeah!
Take note, it is only 9am at this point!
I then walked to the World Vision office where Jess, Kirsten, Meg and I were supposed to have a meeting. I got there with time to spare just to find out that the meeting (that we all went out of our way to get to having only been told about it a day ago) is actually tomorrow. No skin off my back, but Jess and Kirsten had to get back, and they can't come tomorrow.
Boo!
I used the opportunity to probe about my health poste which nearly gave me a heart attack! I was told that the Chef de Medecin in Kolda just left town for EIGHT MONTHS!!! And nothing can happen in the medical world of Kolda without his permission.
My World Vision guy saw my heart fall into my stomach as he said it and quickly added that a temporary replacement is arriving today and that the Chef gave official approval of my health poste prior to his departure.
At this point I began breathing again!
I then asked WHEN construction will start. To which I was told "before June" (the date I have been assured it will be open by). So I asked again, WHEN? And I got the same answer.
Now, I know I am getting a BOATLOAD of money from these people, but I am SO sick of non-specific, non-commital answers.
So I got fussy.
And the Senegalese don't know how to handle fussy American girls.
So he told me to WAIT.
He fumbled for his phone, made a call and quickly amended his response.
I WILL HAVE MASONS IN THIEWAL LAO BY FEBRUARY 28, 2009!
And that's all I wanted to know.
Yeah!
So once I caught my breath, settled down, salvaged my working relationship and got over myself, I calmly thanked World Vision and quietly left.
That wasn't so hard, now was it?!?!!?
I've now been to the market where I had a lovely time with the ladies at the vegetable stands. I've gotten some work done and eaten a very healthy, vegetable-packed lunch and think I am now going to bed.
Thanks for listening to my rant. The drama is oh, so ridiculous. I am WAY too emotionally involved, and I think I am entirely ok with that.
I hope you all have a calm, uneventful day.
I have been up for seven hours and ridden a roller coaster of emotions that has left me drained, yet thankfully positive, and the day is not even half over. This country is killing me softly.
I got up at o' dark thirty to be the first one at the bank because I had about 12 cents to my name. Since it is the end of the month, the bank is ridiculously busy with people getting money wired in from France and Spain. So I was first in line, and out the door no more than 10 minutes after they unlocked the doors.
Yeah!
Then I went to the Post Office where I had a very pleasant experience with the man there who gave me a package from my mom's best friend. And it was a seriously good package. THANKS!!
Yeah!
Then Meg and I found a new bean sandwich lady and they were amazing! And we all know how much I do like my bean sandwiches!
Yeah!
Then I went to the other side of the Post Office where I wanted to mail my Valentine's Day cards. The guy behind the counter wanted to RIP ME OFF hard core. And I wasn't having it. My friend Ibu even came over and because the other guy outranked him, he couldn't say anything. I was so mad. The Post Office should be the ONE place the color of my skin should not matter - its a government office for crying out loud. So I grabbed my letters like a child, wagged my finger at them, and huffed off. So dramatic. I was punishing no one but myself, and I knew it.
Boo!
So I walked across the street where I met a very nice Wolof man (and there aren't very many of them in Kolda) who sold me green and yellow paint at a fair price and made me smile again.
Yeah!
Take note, it is only 9am at this point!
I then walked to the World Vision office where Jess, Kirsten, Meg and I were supposed to have a meeting. I got there with time to spare just to find out that the meeting (that we all went out of our way to get to having only been told about it a day ago) is actually tomorrow. No skin off my back, but Jess and Kirsten had to get back, and they can't come tomorrow.
Boo!
I used the opportunity to probe about my health poste which nearly gave me a heart attack! I was told that the Chef de Medecin in Kolda just left town for EIGHT MONTHS!!! And nothing can happen in the medical world of Kolda without his permission.
My World Vision guy saw my heart fall into my stomach as he said it and quickly added that a temporary replacement is arriving today and that the Chef gave official approval of my health poste prior to his departure.
At this point I began breathing again!
I then asked WHEN construction will start. To which I was told "before June" (the date I have been assured it will be open by). So I asked again, WHEN? And I got the same answer.
Now, I know I am getting a BOATLOAD of money from these people, but I am SO sick of non-specific, non-commital answers.
So I got fussy.
And the Senegalese don't know how to handle fussy American girls.
So he told me to WAIT.
He fumbled for his phone, made a call and quickly amended his response.
I WILL HAVE MASONS IN THIEWAL LAO BY FEBRUARY 28, 2009!
And that's all I wanted to know.
Yeah!
So once I caught my breath, settled down, salvaged my working relationship and got over myself, I calmly thanked World Vision and quietly left.
That wasn't so hard, now was it?!?!!?
I've now been to the market where I had a lovely time with the ladies at the vegetable stands. I've gotten some work done and eaten a very healthy, vegetable-packed lunch and think I am now going to bed.
Thanks for listening to my rant. The drama is oh, so ridiculous. I am WAY too emotionally involved, and I think I am entirely ok with that.
I hope you all have a calm, uneventful day.
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