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There is a lot of pressure on a Peace Corp Volunteer/Trainee.  While the life is pretty chill, actually - Lots of sleep, money provided, no schedules or ‘must-do’ lists,  but it seems we are constantly watched.  I am not talking about the curious children that surround us each night, but by our peers here and loved ones back home.

“Will he/she make it the two years? Do you think he/she will ET (Early Termination)?”  We know this is asked about us because we ask it (regularly) about each other.  I am willing to place money that each volunteer was asked at least once prior to leaving the States, “Can you handle Africa?” My group even has made a shirt saying, “Don’t ET, Phone Home.” Cute, very cute and witty.  But troublesome for me… here is why: (I apologize in advance for my habit of critically analyzing my perception of reality.  I realize this makes few friends).

This mentality seems to turn Peace Corps service into a notch in the belt - for those who can ‘cut it’ and successfully ‘grin and bear’ two years in a poor country.  Peace Corps Service should not be looked at as a contest to be won, to see who can handle having the lit end of a cigar burnt into their skin the longest.  Is this what this resume building activity has become, or always has been?

The superficial sacrifices are important and should not be completely dismissed.  But in my humble opinion, the three months of training and living with a host family should be a reflection on SHOULD I, as a white, middle class privileged American, be here?  Do I have a right to be here?  What effects/consequences are there from me being here, both personally and professionally?  Would I better serve in my own culture? Etc, Etc.

Lucky for me I can afford to phone home (even fly home mid-service or for an important event), go to the five star hotel (with a pool) and get a hamburger - I even hear that there are milkshakes in Ouaga.  AND never, never underestimate the value of a care package.  These accesses to privilege make the ‘ability’ to do Peace Corps quite easier.  I believe few volunteers/trainees ET not because they can NOT do Peace Corps but because they CHOOSE not to.

I often remind myself that there are multiple motives and values for doing Peace Corps service.  This is important to recognize in order for my peers and I to understand, interaction and forgive each other.  But the understanding seems to end when the Peace Corps seizes to serve the motives, values, or needs of a person.

Judgement follows ET.  From peers in-country and loved ones.  It seems to me that more courage and honesty is needed to ET than to service in Peace Corps.  Perhaps instead, the more important issue is for each us is to ask if we are wanted/needed in our communities.  If I feel the Peace Corps is imperialist should I complete my service to save face? What about the young 20-something that discovers that he/she is unable/unwilling to break down the barrier of privilege in order to develop an understanding and respectful relationship within his/her host community?  And what if a moment of clarity tells one of us that our talents are better used to be part of a social change in America or to tend to a sick loved one?  How much character (and pride, self-esteem) will one lose if such honesty is followed by a decision to ET?

If you are starting to judge me, don’t worry, I have no thoughts of ETing… as of now.  Personally, i do not doubt that I “can’t” do this- I did not come to Africa to prove my ‘toughness’  at roughing it.  But I have many thoughts on if I should be here- not at a personal level necessarily but as a guest in Burkina.  As a privileged American (a country with important tendencies), as a ‘development worker’.  In keeping true to my desire to be part of the solution (and what that really looks like).

So many questions, so few answers.  So little language skills to help me listen.  Patience is my personal lesson.  I trust that time will show me where my community is and how I can work in solidarity, side by side, as equals.  And if this is possible as a Peace Corps member.

*Disclaimer: Terms, numbers, facts, and spelling may be incorrect - These posts are often written by kerosene lamp without access to references. If you notice a mistake, please comment.
I believe in dialogue - comments and conversation are valuable to me!! So if you have thoughts - please voice them!!!

Burkina has made the news- Washington Post, Front page.  Not only that but the WOMEN of Burkina made the U.S. news.  Shit is getting worse, finally Burkinabe women are worthy of a news story.  The article (I encourage you to read it, click the link) is mainly highlighting the realities of the WORLD food crisis.  It was interesting to read, having observed this culture for a couple months.  First- Burkinabe eat with their hands- rich or poor.  Why this bothered me, I do not know.  I wanted to clarify that culture should not be confused with poverty (or visa versa).  A western journalist, through their culture lens, and limited knowledge on the subject, can understandable misrepresent observations.  But this article, based on my limited insight, is pretty accurate.  Prices are doubling, tripling in this country, where unemployment is 77%.  One of my language teachers told us that rice went from 12.50 for 50kg to 20.00, Gas was at 550 is now 1350 and 100kg of corn is 15.00 when it used to be available for 10.00.  This is drastic.  Especially since work is not available.  Parents are pressured to “realize” the value of educating their children- which is NOT cheap.  But my host brother who after this year will have been educated for TWICE as long as his older cousin, will be in the exact same position- unemployment. The young men/older boys are hanging in the villages helping in the fields because there is no work in the cities, which means less money for the entire family.  Not only is this a problem for the obvious reasons but where is the argument for education?  If the uneducated child is going to be in the same position as the semi-educated child (FYI- the majority of village children only complete the eventually of a 10th grade education), why spend the money?  Hmm, reasonable question. Any thoughts?

Tangaye is going to be my home in Burkina Faso come September. It is a medium size village 15 km outside of Ouahigouya. There is a small local hospital, primary school, town hall, and small store in the village. Ouahigouya will be the closest town to me that has a market with fresh food, electricity and internet, and cold drinks. I am “opening up” a new site meaning I am the first Peace Corps Volunteer to live in this village (and the first American as well). The Peace Corps found this village while touring around the area for a new site. It was the only village to agree to build a house for a volunteer. This is the reason I will call Tangaye home. I am not sure how I feel about this “strategy” to identifying ‘motivated’ villages.

I spent three days in Tangaye. I visited all the important people and places. My impressions are minimal- My judgments will start in September….