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!
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