Musing...

So, I haven't really updated in quite a while. I'd say there's about two reasons for that-- one, it's incredibly difficult to update from the computer I have only periodic access too; and, two, and probably our biggest culprit, I don't know exactly what to write about. Things have really started normalize for me. I've created my routine and really started getting into my work. I sew about four days a week. I've started men's clothing! In term of Peace Corps work, I work with the clinic weighing babies and talking to mothers about nutrition. I'm also working with the HIV/AIDS club (which the previous volunteer started) at the school. We planted 100 moringa seeds last week (50 at the clinic and 50 at the school farm), and I think next we're wanting to work on a new HIV/AIDS drama that the kids want to perform in our neighboring villages. I'm also working on an educational family planning program that will, hopefully, come off by the end of April. And a few other things in the works, as well.

I'd say, of all my projects, family planning gives me the hardest time-- like psychologically. Which should be interesting, because the district health team is unleashing a whole new family planning campaign. I just feel like the size of peoples families and what that means is so embedded in Ghanaian culture that to change that is like changing a culture--perhaps even, replacing a culture with another more "western" culture. Like for example, my village is made up of four families--that's it. Four. Obviously, family planning could change the entire face of our village--well, over time, and the entire culture surrounding these four extended (but not as extended as you would assume) families. Now, obviously that's not a bad thing necessarily. Culture isn't stagnant. And, when you travel further south you'll already see smaller, more nuclear-focused families. But, you also see a lot of Ghanaian culture somehow blended with more "western" influences. And, well, I'm just trying to avoid some uni-global culture, because, you know, I can do that single-handedly. ; ) Anyway, I just don't want to step on any cultural toes for the sake of the culture-- and the people, too, but obviously they can just make their own decisions. So, yeah, I guess that's my conclusion. People are capable of making their own decisions. I'm just presenting the options-- the pros and cons. Alright, enough of that rambling...

In my personal life, I've had two major cooking revelations-- one, making flat bread out of ground soy beans mixed with oats, honey, and a little salt and baking powder. And tom brown cookies! Tom brown is this combination of ground soy beans, ground nuts, corn, millet, and sometimes some other things. Anyway, you can make some delicious porridge with it, but I've also discovered a way to make cookies with it, as well! They taste a bit like peanut butter cookies, but they have a lot more protein. Anyway, I'm trying to take the village by storm with them-- eliminate the protein-deficient babies. Just kidding. Well, I mean, I would like to eliminate protein-deficiency, but as for taking the village by storm. I'm trying to be a bit more subtle. : ) But yeah, those are my two cooking successes. They've really helped me beat the fufuo bloat. So, onward and upward, my next ventures include a home vegetable garden, fruit drying, and potentially ground nut farming. I'll be sure to keep you posted.

So, yeah, keeping busy and feeling good! Hope everyone's doing well. Will I ever stop dreaming of the day I get to see you all again? Probably not. But, I've definitely made a home here too. So, for whatever that's worth-- Sending love- Cyn