Amazing people

So good so far and I’m in my fourth week on my placement in Burkina Faso. I have met so many impressionable people that inspire me already. They all make me realise how dependent we all are, with our facilities, our offices, our time, our space and our immediate understanding in a formal manner. These people literally make me stop and think so deep in thought, almost in a trance of culture shock.

I see Leonie every day at work, one day just talking to our manager and discussing Tigoung Nonma’s sales as well as looking after her 18 month old baby boy. He was trying so hard to feed himself, but as usual he did get it everywhere and all down his top. The little one took off his shoes and got really mucky but she didn't mind but laugh and kept on changing and washing him. All this in a day, every day actually, at work with her disability of being contracted from polio disease, she couldn't use her right leg any more but had a metal bar strapped around her whole leg with a sandal attached, she usually limped but sometimes crawled if needed to, but never used crutches or a wheelchair. Not to mention, this is in a place of 43 degree heat, I would have fainted as soon as I bent down the first time to pick the little boy up. This woman is just an example of how strong mothers are here, and how normal it is to care for their young every step of the way, having him/her strapped to their back or just by their side all the time. The night before this said day, she also made me and two other girl volunteers some dresses which was amazingly generous of her to offer after we bought some material. I’m so happy with my two piece, it’s like a strappy crop top and a high wasted pencil skirt, but all in African fabric called Pan.

I see my mama and sister cook, wash, clean by hand every day. They use no seats to wash, no seats to cook but just bend down to make it easier. If not doing the work, they’re usually carrying it on their head or their backs. Their posture is incredible and their muscles, wow. For example, my mama’s sister helped show me how to wash clothes by hand. I saw her wash her own and it was an amazing, thorough job, she really used her hands as tools with such strong grip to wash, rinse, squeeze over 4 times for each item of clothing. Every morning they awake around 5/6am to clean, cook and wash for breakfast and dinner. By the time were home, they’re already cooking tea. This is every day of the week. I think our family in particular have had a recent loss in the family, the father. There are many photos of him around the house, even in my room. His son Maric, is just the spitting image. They work very hard as family, I hardly see them rest but when I do I wish for them to take it easy. You can see they are strong and loving of one another, they all keep each other strong and happy and it’s so special to see.

A single photo taken of either your family, the children here, your work colleagues and/or friends excites everyone. The meaning of a photo is very much valued here. As silly as it sounds, once you see the true effect, it saddens you a little. Children will scream with excitement and enthusiasm to jump in photos, climb on you even. Family members usually stay really still and make the most serious smile, as what we would use maybe as a student photo. Friends, also seem it is very important to make the best posture and smile. Vanity is not known here from what I have learnt, the meaning of vanity is a mystery to them, yet they all would rather live in the moment or save portraits for events really. 

The national volunteers and our team leader are the friendliest people I’ve ever met, they showed us places to go after work, places to eat, shop, buy fruit and vegetables and always help with our French. I can’t believe already how I’ve become such good friends with them. I’m so in love with everyone’s personality, happiness and their generosity is incredible. When we went for dinner once, they all bought loads of pork, brought it all back to work and just let everyone share, I myself was too shy but they just laughed at me and was so stunned because I asked if it was ok. They just said, you can share anything with us, we always share! What kind of person could you love more? 

An outtake of Issa on the far right trying to be a bird and literally flew into the photo!

The first day I arrived, all artisans showed up to meet and greet us all, with such lovely smiles and charisma. (Note: I can’t say lovely here as no one has heard of it, and it’s probably my favourite word, damn.) I watched them work outside in the heat, some with wheelchairs and crutches, others using only their body strength to either crawl or steadily walk across the tiled floor. They were happy and laughing, and more polite than ever towards all us volunteers. They encourage us to teach them English every day and other IT and media skills. We are more than happy to work with such incredible people with amazing talent or tailoring, sculpting, hand-craft and ceramic work.

All these people give me such a good feeling about life in general and how precious it is to all ages, both sexes and all ethnic groups.