So before the Peace Corps threw all us, fresh off of intensive training, new volunteers into villages throughout Benin they said two things, ¨Dont leave post for three months unless absolutely necessary¨and ¨Do this community study during that time¨ Well like the good procrastinator I am have I really looked at the outline for this community study and started it yet, no. My college friends right now are probably saying, yup that sounds like mel. But this time Ive remembered that I have this big thing that I need to do and it needs to be done in another month, I have three weeks to really work hard on it and gather as much information as I possibly can. Completely do-able.
So whats been my procrastination device lately? Buying faberic. I for some reason dont feel like I have enough clothes made of African faberic. And thus need to buy more and get clothes made, in the last few days ive found two different kinds of faberic, and have two different outfits in the works. To give you guys an idea as to how much money that is, faberic is about 2 dollars a panya, this is a skirt that women wrap around themselves about 2 yards, usually I get two panyas, I then take it to my tailor who is a very nice woman who does a very good job for resonable prices. It is usually about 6 dollars to have an outfit made, so total an outfit is 10 dollars not bad huh? This is actually the most expensive thing that I have to spend money on here. and 10 dollars could easily feed me for a week, as well as buy some nice higher end food items such as real cheese and nesquik, yes it is available here.
While I have been procrastinating on my community study I have gained lots of information about my community and Im able to answer many of the questions that are the guidlines to this community study. Last night I made notes about the things that I did know and it was a lot. Then again it would have been impossible for me to not gain information about my surrounding community while living here for two months. So this procrastination time has given me much needed time to feel out my community. but now its research time and such, which will be im sure at a snails pace.
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2 comments:
Personally I think you'll be MUCH better at doing your community study while decked out in some SWEET tissue from your village so I think it was all worth it.
But maybe that's just me....
Best, Mark Loehrke (Carly's dad)
I, too, a easily distracted by bright colors and completely understand your delay. However, reading your blogs makes me think that you have been doing your research all along and that you may not be as far behind in this project as you may think.
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