quick

Just a quick update to let everyone know all is going well here. We swore in yesterday as volunteers after two months of training. It was a big ordeal with the U.S. ambasador and local government and press. The buz here is that, of the entire group that came to Burkina in October, no one has left yet, which we are all very proud of.

Most of us still have about a week in Ouahigouya before going to site, during which we will be doing our shopping and other things to get ready for service. On my list is a lipico mat, a gas stove, and a table and chairs. I leave the day after Christmas.

My counterpart, Valantin Bako, who I will be working with for the next two years, is the mayor of neighboring Godyr (see previous post). Valantin is a hell of a charater and stole the show during our "counterpart workshop" by showing up a day late on a rigged motercycle with a dead rabit on the back. He had left Godyr at three in the morning and hit the rabit on his way during the night. It was roadkill but the first thing he did after introducing himself was insist that I take it home for rabit stew. Jury is still out on rabit meat, but I think I could go without it. Others here disagree.

There is a lot of talk of Maranga trees these days, a tree that sheds a leaf seemingly more nutritious than pretty much everything in the world. A plant called Djtrofa (sp?) is next in line, as it seems to have the potential for being an amazing source for bio-fuels. Additionally, both stop desertification and could be in the works for projects I'll be working on for the next two years. I will keep everyone posted.

I love you all, and hope everyone has a great christmas this year. I'll be trying to send some emails out over the holidays to catch up more individually, so be on the lookout. Also, please give me a call if you get a chance, as I would love to talk.

All the best,
Love,

brekke

ps : FAMILY: call me!