Bienvenue, mi kwabo welcome 2024,
I can't believe it is already a new year, and almost 7 months in Benin as well. Time really flies. I wanted to reflect with you a bit on my year.
As a fresh grad in December 2022, I started January off working at the Landing retirement home more to save up. In February and March, I went traveling through Europe!
I started in France to meet my friend Sami then visited the UK, Germany to see Verena, Austria to see Deniz, and Monaco! I had many amazing views but also a horrible foot problem (that always seems to happen to me) and food poisoning. I explored smaller cities and capitols of the countries and lived with just my backpack for most of the trip. This was my first solo trip as well. I had friends guiding me but also days alone where I did what I wanted. I did enjoy this freedom. After I returned it was time to prepare for Peace Corps.
I worked a lot, packed a lot, and read many books. Before I left for the Peace Corps I counted my books and I was up to 210 in my collection with more added now. I also finished the year reading 62 books. Next year will be more I hope!!
When I arrived in Benin on June 15th (I think, this time is all a blur right now) time went so quickly. Everything was new and fresh and language and people were overwhelming. After a few more months I was pretty settled in Lokossa for training but in September I moved to my permanent site in the commune of Bonou in Southern Benin! I went to a huge music festival with my friends that featured African artists and was a blast!!
At my site, I became a teacher of four classes and started an English club. I have nice neighbors who help me do daily chores and play and dance with me. I celebrated New Years eating with them and popping champagne. It blows my mind the amount of time I have already spent in Benin. I dont feel like it has been more than 3 months but it's been more than double that. The journey I have been preparing for for so long has already started.
I have missed home a lot recently, I also have to rethink what is home, I havent lived on my own like I am now. I am excited that I have this oppurtunity to grow as a 22 year old but there is still so much I dont know how to do.
All I ask dear readers is to stay tuned for my coming adventures, I am going to Portugal over Easter break, Possibly Thialand in the summer and visiting some friends as well.
what did I learn in 2023
-doing things alone is fine
-laugh at your own mistakes
-true friendships last the distance
-running water is truly a blessing
-just try (learning new things)
-dont feel guilty about alone time
language lesson
Wemegbe
mi koudo hwe - happy new year
hweakani- dog
koklo - chicken
baa- sheep
nyibou - cow
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