Saturday, July 29, 2006

The sandstorm

So the experience with the sandstorm was crazy. The day was pleasant enough and the skies only slightly cloudy. Of in the horizon at the close of the day we say lightning storms, but since it had rained the previous day, no one expected them to come until the next morning. I asked if we should take our coats, and someone told me no cause it'll be dawn until it comes.

Well, that night a few of us decide to have a drink at the bar as a little break from the girls. My night started out jinxed, I believe, because of 3 telling hints. First, I don't like beer, so I searched for some Whiskey sacks, they sell them here in little bags amounting to a shot, and I had to go to 3 different stores and none were to be found. So we settled for Sangria. Second, when we got to the bar that only sells beer and soda, it took forever and a day to get someone to bring us some glasses. 3rd and finally, when we did get some glasses, the box of Sangria was a pain to open, and I ended up spilling on myself. These were my hints, that I shouldn't be drinking and should just go home. Well, I didn't listen.

I didn't want to seem like a wet blanket/bi*** so I chocked it up to poor chance and relaxed with my friends a little more. Well, I should have gone home. We were there for about an hour when, literally, the sandstorm came out of nowhere. No pre-amble temperature changing wind, as usual, nothing, just suddenly sand and heavy wind all at once, at night. I had on just a tank for a top, and the I quickly became freezing. Visibility went down to about 20 ft. and everything became blurry. Half of us decided to settle our bill and get the hell back, and the other have decided to go ahead and start for home. Well, Unfortunately, my group was the first group and we didn't have anyone in it from this town. So we had to vector ourselves home. Cooincidently, as we were walking to the bar, early that night, my friend Kim was teasing me about reading the stars to find my way home from bars(I did it once in our training) and despite the teasing, I made a mental note of the stars just in case, and a cursory glance at building shapes to mark our route. Well, thank god, I looked at some of the buildings and the route was simple, cause the stars didn't help in the sand storm.
There was three and our group and in order not to lose each other in the storm, we held hands. Keeping our eyes open facing the blowing sand hurt quite a bit, so I tried turning my head from the wind and looked at walls and building to the rear or beside us to navigate. Needless, my eyes were still raw the next day. With the help of my companions we made it back relatively directly. However upon our arrival, we found out some tents were damaged and one was missing. Unfortunately, it was mine.

From their accounts, everyone was sleeping outdoors in their tents, when the storm hit and forced everyone out of their tents. In the confusion, two tents were swept away. One was caught in a tree and mine was blown into the darkness. My friend Natalie was sharing the tent with me and understandably, in the confusion, 5 tents and 3 people aren't always going to be kept in order in a sudden sandstorm. I was initially upset, I admit, but the other volunteers were game to help me try to find in the dark stormy night. We headed out and after a futile 20 minute search as the rain began to fall, my hopes were seemingly dashed. Dejected, I returned to the camp, wet, muddy, and tired. Accepting that the tent, my thermarest, blanket, and travel pillow was now half way to Senegal, I searched for a mat on the floor and tried to get comfortable.

Thankfully, my friend Kara, Kim, and Natalie,who also had a vested interest in the tent(her cell phone and headlamp were in there too at the start of the storm), kept at it and happened upon a man walking about, for some reason, in the storm. The asked if he had seen a tent flying about and he said,"Yes, it's in my courtyard." Dumb luck, I guess. Anyhoo, it had landed in his courtyard and he held it down using some chairs. When they brought it back it the only damage was some worn sheathing where the poles thread through for framing, but it essentially was unharmed, but dirty. Jane's tent, that was caught in the tree, wasn't so lucky and a large hole was torn in the webbing. So about 2 or 3AM we finally settled down for some sleep only to be waken up 2 hours later by the early risers of the teenage girls. Ugh, that was a long day, but I still have my tent and etc.

So what lesson did I learn, when something is telling you to go home, do it, and never give up if you have good friends by your side. Later, Kids

L

Okay now for some goofy shots

Well, we saw these goats and figured it was too good of an oppurtunity to pass up.
My best cheezy grin
A sober photo of all the volunteers after the camp, afterwards "things got drunk"
Close up of my peeps.

Still more pics of girls camp

Here's a skit the girls put on for the director of girls education for the region, it's about forced marriage.
Here's a pic of two girls who I cam to believe as "good eggs". These girls were really nice and fun to be around
Here's a shot of all the volunteers who helped out and currently chillin
We took small groups of girls to different professional women in the area and this group go to speak to a midwife. She had the best demeanor and really impressed me with her wisdom.
Me goofing off, obviously
This activity, the girls had to write something positive on the back of every girl in the room. It worked out pretty well, when they got to read something out loud they liked that someone wrote.

Pics of Girls camp

Girls playing soccer, which they never are allowed to do, It was their favorite part of camp.
I actually did a little work during this camp, we did case scenarios on difficult situations of peer pressure
Here's our model, Kara, showing the great accessories of our sleeping accomodations A particularly interesting story, one night, happened when a sandstorm came in the middle of the night and blew my tent and everything in it away. I happened to be at a bar at the time, and not in the tent. Incredible experience. NO visibility, and I was convinced my tent was half way to Senegal, but by shear luck we found it in the courtyard of some man who happened to also be walking around in the middle of sandstorm at midnight. Crazy, crazy, night.
Here's the girls doing the telephne game with Kim
Just a lazy photo of the girls enjoying the camp

More pics

This a photo of a typica market in Burkina, a bunch of thatching and people selling their wares underneath in the shade
This is a typical scene of a town. They are all nearly the same except for the capital city where downtown actually has multi-storied buildings
Here's one more nice shot of Wisconsin. Our outing for Mary's birthday with all the ladies who were at the lake. NO KIDS. We were pleasantly surprised all the children were intact when we returned.

Friday, July 28, 2006

Later and better update

Hey guys, I just read Dave Norwood's question regarding my mailing address. It hasn't changed, but here it is again.
Laura Curvey
S/C Corps de la Paix
01 BP 6013
Ouagadougou 01
Burkina Faso

Thanks for any "mouthwash" available. ;-)

Recent going on's have been numerous. Since being back in villag, I've been busy growing Moringa trees(pictured below). These tree's are amazing. The leaves of the tree are literally like a multivitamin, and the tree's powder from grains can filter and purify water. That's just a few things that are amazing about this tree. Search for more info about it on the web for details. This project is really exciting with it's potential and so far the reception in village has been really positive. So I'm pretty stoked about it.

I just got back from a girl's empowerment camp in the northern part of the country. Some friends of mine put it on, I attended to see if it would be plausible in my region. The experience was worthwhile, but telling, general behavior of teenagers is universal, they're all annoying. I don't think my patience with any of them would last more than 2 days. I think most of the villagois girls had a good time, but seemingly the "big city" girls were the most troublesome and catty. Needless to say, the general feedback was good, but I think my friends' camp will be even better next year. The general theme of the camp was to help girls stay in school, stay motivated, work hard for a career and achieve your dreams, and wait to have sex. i think the program of the camp was really good, and definitely needed in their region. I'll try to post some pics of the camp tonite or in a couple weeks.

I'm on my way back to village and will probably be there for a few weeks, so emails will be slow in response. Sorry!
Just to let you all know, I feel as if I've really gotten over a hump and my level of contentment has really risen. I'm still frustrated with my counterparts, but I can see plenty of things to do despite their negativity. I'll try keep up the letter writing and stay in touch the best I can. Speaking of letter's, I just recieved one's from Bert and Ashley(Thank You very much!) and an excellent package from Jen and Chris Fuller. Thank YOU guys so much, the MRE's are just what I needed. REALLY.

Happy Birthday to Jen Fuller and Helen Clifford!!!!! Both had birthdays on the 26th of July. Sorry I didn't call, but will try this weekend.

For those folks wanting to send something and are tired of the same ol' thing. Things will protein have always been nice.
I'm a littlel tired of jerky, but if you send jerky please send Jack Link's, NOT Oberto's.
MRE's are good for those military types.
9 volt batteries
protein bars-
M&M's or chocolate things in general
raisins
mouthwash *ahem* Jack Daniels
recent photos are always nice
letter's concerning mundane details of your life are always good.
Peter Pan Peanut Butter with Honey- TOTALLY spoonable.
Crystal lite(or like generic brand) drink packetts are great.
If anyone can package and send me a Chinese Buffet, you'll win the prize for best package(no fortune cookies as a joke, cause then I'll have to kill you)
Old, good books your tired of,
Other than that, surprise me, I like surprises

Hope this catches you all well and happy. Miss you all still and looking forward to see you all in 2007

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Late but great update

hey kids, so I bet you've been wondering what I've been up to. Hanging on every word of this blog, I bet. Right? Well, I have been buzy and I'm gonna start with putting on some photo's of some pics I've taken recently with my new camera. Enjoy!

My Moringa trees that I'm growing to help with nutrition problems here. A really great project that is keeping me motivated and buzy.



Me, Natalie and Tim at Close of Service Party. yes, that's a playgirl shirt I'm wearing.

Sunday, July 09, 2006

service in village

Hey kiddo's I'm dropping a note to tell I've arrived in Burkina(damn it!)
and I just got news that my village now has cellular reception. So before you all go rushing to the phones....like I know you're about to ..., my cellphone # is 011-226-76-48-91-29 by the way, please be careful of ridiculous calling prices I'm hearing about from folks who have called. Try to get a phone card or decent callig plan, if your so inclined to talk for more than 5 minutes, in order to avoid 5 dollars/minute calls. Hope all is well. Everyone asked immediately upon arrival to describe my food going adventures and they seemingly were in awe. :-) Miss you already, Take it easy.

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Photos of my U.S. vacation

A happy boatload of Hart relatives
My first experience in the "refreshing" waters of the Chain of Lakes
Here's a canoeing photo on Crysatl River with Beth, Cameron, Susan, and Mary
a goofy photo of Jeff, Susan and Beth
This is my grandma Curvey and myself, she's 93 and she's sharp as a wipHere's

Vacationing in the states

Hey kiddies, I know I've been lax in posting in my supposed easy environment of the states, but I've actually been too buzy enjoying family and friend to post much. But I will let you know some of my antics of the last couple weeks for those who are wondering.
Okay, I left Ouagadougou at 330AM on the 16th and traveled through Casablance, New York, and ended in Chicago. Reverse sequence for the ride home. I arrived in Chicago same day due to time changes at 815pm. My tickets were slightly screwy btwn NY and Chicago, but they should be alright now.
I arrived and was graciously met at the airport by Mariam and Tom, two buds from college. They spirited me away from the airport to the near Marriott hotel where we met up with Steve and Jayne, also of the Iowa Sailing Club variety. We all checked in and chilled for a bit as I winded down from the 20hrs of traveling and sleepless 36 hours. Adrienne and Rodney, great friends from the military, arrived about 2 hours after we did and met the reps from the sailing club and got comfortable. After everyone got comfortable, I was told I fell asleep as Adrienne was in the middle of a conversation with me, to no fault of her own.
The next morning, thanks to malatonin, I was up, perky and ready to go..at 0600AM. Unfortunately no one else was, so I entertained myself sitting on the balcony looking at the gorgeous pool we would soon be enjoying and thanking God for all his blessings.
We migrated from the hotel and headed to a walkable greasy-spoon called Mack's and enjoyed a very hearty, heavy, and delicious breakfast. I was somewhat overwhelmed by the portions, the speed of service, and the rapidity we were finished and out the door. I was still used to 2 hour meals. Leaving there, everyone being incredibly accomidating, let me decide where to go, so I said I needed essentials and would like to go to the shopping mecca of Target. Pretty exiting, I know, but I would soon be overwhelmed after arriving. Sooo much stuff, soo many choices. I had to sit and study every aisle I happened to be in. Often I found myself slack jawed with the plethora of choices I asked Adrienne to help me figure out what to buy. The common theme of the day was everyone waiting on me, patiently. We then went to a grocery store. OMG, it was incredible. I headed to the fruit and vegetable section and just gawked. There were rasberries and blackberries I had to buy and eat before we left the parking lot. Delicious. We stocked up on Alchohol and goodies and prepared to have a easy day by the pool with our floaties. Very nice relaxed afternoon, which was only marred by my anxiousness to have Chinese Buffet. Finally about 330pm, we headed to a highly recommended joint and I was bouncing off the walls in excitement. Let's just say I really enjoyed the meal, but the conversation was even better.
We then headed to the movies where we saw Cars,(cute) and then headed back to our rooms to crash. Adi and Rod left early to get back home and prep for movers, while the rest of us hung out in the rooms and chatted, played cards by the pool, until Kurt arrived in his biking gear glory. Jayne and Steve went home shortly afterwards while Tom, Miriam, Kurt and I hung out and caught up over lunch. During which I demonstrated Burkinabe style of eating with Kurt's spanish rice. The waiter wasn't impressed. After Tom and Miriam departed, we decided to go for a motorcycle ride intially looking for strip clubs, finding none, we settled for a Irish themed pub obviously owned by Russians(we were the only English speaking couple). They had good buffalo wings. We called it an early night in order to get up early the next day to head south to Taylorville.
The next morning we hopped on his beautiful Honda and said goodbye to Chicago for Taylorville. The ride was pleasant and easy. The fields of corn and beans surrounded by a rainbow array of prairie flowers never looked so pretty. The bike ride took about 4 hours and we got into T-ville in time for a late lunch on the back porch of my parents house. Kurt got to meet both folks again, along with my brother Joe. After visiting for a while he had to head home and back to his hectic job, but it was a really nice visit.
I'm really grateful to everyone who did come to Chicago, it made for such a nice homecoming, you guys are too nice for words.
I spent the next 3 days in T-ville doing errands and keeping surprisingly buzy visiting and doing my taxes, etc. My family then headed up to Wisconsin for my cousin's Paul's wedding in which nearly everyone from my mother's side of the family attended. It was fantastic to see everyone and the wedding went beautifully. Chicken dance anyone? The following week I spent with my mother's family up in Waupaca on the Chain of Lakes. Spending the week teasing and causing all the children to cry, just like in village(it's a gift). During the week, a few cousins and I went canoeing, boating, and wakeboarding. We also made smores, had brats cooked in beer(YES!), played charades, went for long walks, chated about life and enjoyed the sunsets. It was quite a buzy week that flew by.
Currently I'm spending some time at my sister house in Oconomowoc getting ready to return to Burkina. I spent about $100 on candy and other goodies for my fellow volunteers. I'll leave tomorrow and arrive in Ouaga on the morning of the 4th of July, in time to celebrate our national holiday on foreign soil. It aught to be fun.
Well that's a quick and dirty summation of my 2 weeks in the states, I'm getting ready to head back, but my next post will have photos from my vacation. I'll post those toute de suite. Later

Saturday, July 01, 2006

LCupdates

LCupdates
Letter to Kurt and Debbie
(sent May 2, but not recieved until late June. Slow mail strikes again)

Today I’m burning time at the pharmacy of my village clinic, watching people come and go and Salif, the pharmacist, keep the books. He is not like the pharmacists at home, he’s more of a checkout clerk at a Cosco. He has the supplies but he doesn’t know exactly what he is selling and for why. He just looks at the written prescriptions and hands out the requested items and collects money. The book keeping all of the items is probably most difficult to keep track of cause he has about 4 books that supposedly track the inventory, sale, and receipt of each item. It’s quite involved, especially since he has to handwrite all of the inventory receipt and sales of all items in all of the books. I would hate his job.

The weather the last couple of days has turned heatedly ugly. Last night I played a little soccer as goalie and just standing there I was pouring sweat. I took a shower , hot unfortunately because the water had been heated by the sun all day, and I could feel myself sweating as I dried my self off 3 or 4 times. Finally I resorted to baby powder. Dousing myself of talc I was finally able to slop my clothes back on to head outside while I continued to drip of perspiration. By this time it was 7 pm at night and the sun had been down for an hour. No wind was blowing and the heat was an unrelenting wool blanket. After the 1st hour of sweating I finally just got used to it and relaxed in my own puddle. What a wonderful picture, but my hair didn’t dry until well into the night.

Sorry for this mundane letter my schedule has become such since the bike-a-thon and lack of things to fill my time. Ill try to call you guys in a couple of weeks to see how you are doing. Hope the weather has improved for good riding. Miss you and hope to see you in June.
Always,
Laura

Note from Kurt- I did see Laura in June and we had a good day riding from Chicago to her home town Taylorville.