So the flights have been booked and we're all excited for the family reunion in England over Xmas. We're flying Marlow out of Burkina the day after we get in to London. Apart from the excitement of seeing Marlow for the first time in 7 months, the cool (cold!) weather and Xmas with hubby, my other daughter Hailey, mother, brothers and extended families is something I'm really looking forward to. Even though I've lived in the States for 25 years and get back to England quite regularly, I have not spend Xmas "back home" in all that time.
Anyone who knows me and Marlow will not be surprised that I had already planned this trip in my head before she left for Burkina in June and she prepared accordingly by pre-packing a suitcase with warm clothes that I will bring over. Now that's being organized!
It will be even more special for Marlow because the plan is to have her bf come over to England, too!
Really cool that Marlow will be flying through Casablanca on her way to Heathrow. How many people have been to Casablanca? Oh, never mind, how many people have been to Burkina Faso, right?
It will only be a one week England trip for Marlow and she flies back on January 1st, but there are only so many available flights in and out of that part of West Africa. And, I think it's important that she isn't out of Burkina for too long since she has only been at site for 3 months. There are stories of volunteers being wooed away from service after a vacation this early in, but no worries there for Marlow.
So, in almost exactly two months we'll all be together. Can't wait!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Two months! Say what?
So Marlow has now been in Burkina for a full two months and she says the time has flown by for her. Personally, I don't know if it feels much longer or much shorter than two months, especially when I consider that she has another 25 months to go. Very confusing. But I shall not argue with the Gregorian calendar - two months is two months.
She's been getting my packages like clockwork. It's only taking 2-3 weeks for them to get to her, and that includes a bit of a delay from the time they get to the Peace Corps. in Ouaga to the time they drop the packages of in her town. That's pretty impressive service, I think. Of course, when you're in subSaharan Africa and you've just used the last of your barbecue sauce, 3 weeks can be a very long time to wait for its replacement. But luckily I happened to include a bottle of ketchup in a package which she got last week so she is not without an American condiment.
A couple of weekends ago I, her dad and sis got to do a video Skype with Marlow. Fantastic to see her face! She was at a training session in Banfora and got to spend a day relaxing at a hotel with a pool and wi-fi. Marlow's lost about 20 lbs but she looked great, other than the giant insect bites (I'm assuming mosquitoes) on her ankles, ugh. She showed us the landscape and we could just make out very large hills in the background and some beautiful, lush scenery. Banfora is close to where her full-time site will be come September and the area looks radically more inviting than her current host site.
Thank you Skype and the US Postal Service. Keep up the good work. We've got another 25 months to go!
She's been getting my packages like clockwork. It's only taking 2-3 weeks for them to get to her, and that includes a bit of a delay from the time they get to the Peace Corps. in Ouaga to the time they drop the packages of in her town. That's pretty impressive service, I think. Of course, when you're in subSaharan Africa and you've just used the last of your barbecue sauce, 3 weeks can be a very long time to wait for its replacement. But luckily I happened to include a bottle of ketchup in a package which she got last week so she is not without an American condiment.
A couple of weekends ago I, her dad and sis got to do a video Skype with Marlow. Fantastic to see her face! She was at a training session in Banfora and got to spend a day relaxing at a hotel with a pool and wi-fi. Marlow's lost about 20 lbs but she looked great, other than the giant insect bites (I'm assuming mosquitoes) on her ankles, ugh. She showed us the landscape and we could just make out very large hills in the background and some beautiful, lush scenery. Banfora is close to where her full-time site will be come September and the area looks radically more inviting than her current host site.
Thank you Skype and the US Postal Service. Keep up the good work. We've got another 25 months to go!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Biara Ba Koko - Marlow's new home away from home
Yesterday I got to hear Marlow's excited voice as she told me that she will be placed as a volunteer in Biara Ba Koko (it's not on any map and I wouldn't be surprised if I may have spelled it wrong). It's a small village in the South West of Burkina, not far from the border with Cote D'Ivoire, and not that far from Mali. The closest town is Banfora, about a 12 mile bike ride for her. Of course, the first thing I did after our Skype call was Google the area. Seriously, Biara Ba Koko apparently doesn't exist unless you live there. But Banfora looks like it has a few creature comforts. Marlow will be relinquishing electricity when she leaves her host family in Sapone but the trade-up is what looks to be a much greener, lusher landscape than she has seen so far. I'm very excited for her since it looks like a plum site allocation. She will get to visit the area for the first time next week.
And Marlow got the first package I sent her! Filled with all kinds of goodies that she was very grateful for. "Mom, the other volunteers are jealous" is a comment that pretty much guarantees I will keep those packages coming. Hearing that she is over her tummy troubles (the Peace Corps. took great care of her) and that she is revved up for her visit to her full-time volunteer site next week is the welcomed package she sent me in return.
So, it's only one month plus a few days since Marlow left for Burkina Faso. It seems like sooo much longer. We missed not having her around on July 4th. I've been trying not to think about future holidays that we will not spend with her. Yes, I continue to think about Marlow a trillion times a day but Peace Corps. mums and dads should know that it really does get easier with a little time, a little knowledge and a little Skype.
And Marlow got the first package I sent her! Filled with all kinds of goodies that she was very grateful for. "Mom, the other volunteers are jealous" is a comment that pretty much guarantees I will keep those packages coming. Hearing that she is over her tummy troubles (the Peace Corps. took great care of her) and that she is revved up for her visit to her full-time volunteer site next week is the welcomed package she sent me in return.
So, it's only one month plus a few days since Marlow left for Burkina Faso. It seems like sooo much longer. We missed not having her around on July 4th. I've been trying not to think about future holidays that we will not spend with her. Yes, I continue to think about Marlow a trillion times a day but Peace Corps. mums and dads should know that it really does get easier with a little time, a little knowledge and a little Skype.
Friday, July 1, 2011
News of a little tummy trouble...bound to happen
Couldn't wait for Sunday for our weekly planned call. So I Skyped Marlow yesterday for a full hour chat. So much to absorb about what she is doing and feeling after her two full weeks in Burkina. Mixed bag from a mother's perspective because I know that there are a lot of challenges. Short summary: 1) Peace Corps are keeping her VERY busy in training 2) She's adjusting to the elements 3) She's doing just fine but clearly misses a few things about home (duh!) and had a few additional requests for her next package
Oh, yeah, the stomach troubles - to be expected. Dubious water mixed with doxycillin for malaria prevention and a whole new diet. Peace Corps Mum doesn't like to think of her child being sick so this was something I approached with concern but also dignity for not soliciting details.
On a different note, there was an article in the St. Petersburg Times today about a local woman, Ali Halverson (21), who did volunteer work teaching kids in Tanzania for 5 weeks this past spring. Her story is so reminiscent of Marlow's volunteer work in Ghana when she was 18 (also a St.Pete Times story). What struck me most about the article was a quote from Ali about engaging her kids in a science experiment. "The kids are never asked what they think," she said. "That was the most rewarding part, seeing them actually think and process for themselves rather than repeat what they're told." Uncannily, that's exactly the sentiment that Marlow related to me just yesterday afternoon about her impressions of teaching practices in Burkina.
Fingers crossed that Marlow is over the worst of any tummy troubles for the next 27 months!
Oh, yeah, the stomach troubles - to be expected. Dubious water mixed with doxycillin for malaria prevention and a whole new diet. Peace Corps Mum doesn't like to think of her child being sick so this was something I approached with concern but also dignity for not soliciting details.
On a different note, there was an article in the St. Petersburg Times today about a local woman, Ali Halverson (21), who did volunteer work teaching kids in Tanzania for 5 weeks this past spring. Her story is so reminiscent of Marlow's volunteer work in Ghana when she was 18 (also a St.Pete Times story). What struck me most about the article was a quote from Ali about engaging her kids in a science experiment. "The kids are never asked what they think," she said. "That was the most rewarding part, seeing them actually think and process for themselves rather than repeat what they're told." Uncannily, that's exactly the sentiment that Marlow related to me just yesterday afternoon about her impressions of teaching practices in Burkina.
Fingers crossed that Marlow is over the worst of any tummy troubles for the next 27 months!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Thoughts about what to send next
Yes, it's quite expensive to send packages to Burkina. Worse is not knowing if the package will be received (it's apparently not that bad for package interception, but you never know). Package #1 (duly noted on the box) was sent two weeks ago and may not arrive for a while. Still, I'm working on Package #2. Today I got all the "produits necessaire" that Marlow asked for in our last Skype call on Sunday. Nothing much outside of shampoo/conditioner and something to wash her clothes with (a better alternative to the local bar soap).
Of course, I am sending a whole lot more for her as well as for her Burkinabe host family (the kids). I won't spoil the surprise for Marlow here.
Actually, I know that Marlow doesn't really need anything much from me right now, other than the standard love and support that she knows she gets from her family, ZXJ, and her friends here in the US. But, hey, doesn't hurt to send some extra reminders of home, right? Just trying to make sure it's not stuff she doesn't have to needlessly carry.
Anyway, wandering up the store aisles, thinking about what Marlow might want makes me feel a little closer to her.
Of course, I am sending a whole lot more for her as well as for her Burkinabe host family (the kids). I won't spoil the surprise for Marlow here.
Actually, I know that Marlow doesn't really need anything much from me right now, other than the standard love and support that she knows she gets from her family, ZXJ, and her friends here in the US. But, hey, doesn't hurt to send some extra reminders of home, right? Just trying to make sure it's not stuff she doesn't have to needlessly carry.
Anyway, wandering up the store aisles, thinking about what Marlow might want makes me feel a little closer to her.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
First phone call and first package
Very early on Monday morning my phone rang twice and then stopped ringing. I knew immediately that it was Marlow. A clever nudge to call her back so she doesn't have to pay for the call. Redial didn't work but thanks to her boyfriend I could get the number (thanks, Jobin!) The connection was excellent and it was sooo good to hear Marlow's voice. We talked for quite a while about what she is doing and will be doing for the next few days. She sounded happy and excited - not that I would expect anything else. For me, it was another big boost in my morale.
Which takes me to the first package that I have sent her. This was fun. After a quick trip to the post office on Monday I confirmed the best shipping options. I went home, unpacked the regular box she had previously put together for herself and crammed 16 1bs of "Peace Corps Training Materials" into the large flat rate box (maximum weight is 20 1bs). Everything she had in the original box (would have cost $250 to ship) fit into the USPS flat rate box (shipping cost $58) with the exception of a frying pan and cutting board which I will send separately. Writing religious messages on the box in English and French may seem weird but it's suggested and if it helps to stop the box being pilfered when it gets to Burkina, why not? Customs form is a little crazy but now I know exactly what to write down. I've heard all kinds of horror stories about shipping to Africa so I just hope she gets the package!
It has been a very strange set of personal experiences since Marlow left. From the teary, very emotional (for me) parting at the airport in Tampa to a bit of a personal roller coaster ride since she arrived in Burkina. Now I'm feeling a whole lot better to have had the first email, first phone call and sent the first package. So I'm now settling into the Peace Corps mum role.
Marlow has jestingly reminded me, on occasion, over the past few years when she was at college that she is not a little girl anymore. I know this. She is a remarkable 21 year old with incredible smarts of every kind. I also know this: that she will always be my little girl :-)
Which takes me to the first package that I have sent her. This was fun. After a quick trip to the post office on Monday I confirmed the best shipping options. I went home, unpacked the regular box she had previously put together for herself and crammed 16 1bs of "Peace Corps Training Materials" into the large flat rate box (maximum weight is 20 1bs). Everything she had in the original box (would have cost $250 to ship) fit into the USPS flat rate box (shipping cost $58) with the exception of a frying pan and cutting board which I will send separately. Writing religious messages on the box in English and French may seem weird but it's suggested and if it helps to stop the box being pilfered when it gets to Burkina, why not? Customs form is a little crazy but now I know exactly what to write down. I've heard all kinds of horror stories about shipping to Africa so I just hope she gets the package!
It has been a very strange set of personal experiences since Marlow left. From the teary, very emotional (for me) parting at the airport in Tampa to a bit of a personal roller coaster ride since she arrived in Burkina. Now I'm feeling a whole lot better to have had the first email, first phone call and sent the first package. So I'm now settling into the Peace Corps mum role.
Marlow has jestingly reminded me, on occasion, over the past few years when she was at college that she is not a little girl anymore. I know this. She is a remarkable 21 year old with incredible smarts of every kind. I also know this: that she will always be my little girl :-)
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Marlow is in Ouagadougou!
So happy to get an email from Marlow from her hotel in Ouagadougou today. Long flights (but she is used to that between her numerous Tampa to London flights and many long haul flights to other countries).
Knowing that she is now in Burkina Faso is a huge relief. Not because of silly flying/travel concerns but because that's where she wanted to be and has worked so hard to be. I was anxious to know that she had taken that first step off the plane in Ouaga.
As an aside, I had forgotten how much better I felt when Marlow let me know that she had arrived in Ghana when she was a Humanitarian Rights volunteer in the summer of 2009 http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/article1022761.ece
So, a good day for this PCV mum just to know that Marlow has arrived in Burkina but paradoxically is now able to truly start her journey.
Knowing that she is now in Burkina Faso is a huge relief. Not because of silly flying/travel concerns but because that's where she wanted to be and has worked so hard to be. I was anxious to know that she had taken that first step off the plane in Ouaga.
As an aside, I had forgotten how much better I felt when Marlow let me know that she had arrived in Ghana when she was a Humanitarian Rights volunteer in the summer of 2009 http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/article1022761.ece
So, a good day for this PCV mum just to know that Marlow has arrived in Burkina but paradoxically is now able to truly start her journey.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Marlow is on her way to Burkina Faso
Via New York and Brussels, Marlow is on her way right now to Burkina Faso. I'm feeling so much happier knowing that she is fully on her way to her destination from Philly. I make no apologies that the last couple of days have left me feeling very emotional at times. Maybe I'm the only PCV mum to feel this way but I don't think so. Best kindred wishes to all the other parents of PCVs leaving for Burkina Faso today :-)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
24 hours
She's packed. She's ready to go. This time tomorrow, Marlow will be in Philly for "staging." Friday she leaves for the trip to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso via New York and Brussels. I've read the Peace Corps booklet: "On the Home Front - A Handbook for the Families of Volunteers." Funny thing is that the Peace Corps doesn't (and, duh, couldn't) prepare me and her dad for this. I think the "staging" began when Marlow was born so I'm actually quite prepared. Couldn't be prouder. Couldn't be happier. Couldn't be sadder.
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