Family matters

So, in my first couple months I had a lot to complain about my family. Now, I have a lot to be grateful for. My village is not a village at all actually, it's a small city and I now realize that my family doesn't want me going out alone because they care. I've put myself in some potentially dangerous situations with men lately and although I don't pay most of these men any attention, that doesn't mean I'm not on their radar.

I won't get into too much detail, but one day I got into these guys car who said that they were travel agents, and they wanted to discuss business at the bar across the street. I had met them once before and my brother knew one of them, so I hopped in the car. We went to the bar and we did discuss what they had to offer, but then they asked me to stay for chicken and if I wanted to go meet this guys mom in another town. I said no, thanks and that I was going home. I started to walk out, but then they offered me a ride back home. So, like an idiot, I got back in the car.

They did drive me home. but asked if they could visit me when they're back in town, blah blah blah, "heck no!" So, when I stepped out the car, my host mom, Rokia was at the entrance of the concession and she asked me where I went. She looked really upset and I was nervous to tell her I went to the bar, but she was upset that I hopped in these strange guys car. She said that they were bad men because they didn't even greet the family, which is a big deal. She said that they also looked buzzed. Adama was so upset and told me that my host dad was sooooo mad with me and he asked everyone where I went, but no one knew. I felt really bad and I sincerely apologized, as I felt like I was being scolded by my parents and I knew that it was out of love.

These people, my family, really care about me and I'm so thankful to know that they've got my back even though we don't fully understand each other. And sometimes, I forget that this is my real life here because I don't have the same name, I'm in a different country and I speak in different tongues, but life knows when to give me a reality check.

Lost in translation

Today, I had my first meeting about building a library at the Mayor's office. I had no idea what to expect, so I didn't prepare much for it and I'm glad that I didn't because in Mali, women don't run meetings if there are men present. Sooooo, the eldest man in the room ran the meeting, allowing people to speak when it was there turn and I presented the things that are needed for a library, according to the Ministry of Education. The meeting itself was unlike any meetinig I've attended in America. Malians are very vocal and active when they have the floor and I was trying to keep up with what was being discussed in Bambara and French. I admit, I'm a little disappointed in my language ability at this point in the game. I have my on-and-off-days, but I need more on-days! Like, I would really like to understand every single word that's being said because some important issues are being discussed. It's very frustrating and I don't want people to see me as incompetent, so pray for me y'all.

What it feels like for a girl

Adama is finally going to University! I've been waiting for this day for months and I'm so happy for her. However, yesterday she told me that she was not going to Law School, but to another program called FLASH, to learn English. I was so confused and I inquired why she made this sudden change because I need her to make enough money to come and visit me! She said that Moussa made the decision for her. I asked her if this is what she wants to do and she said yes, but I don't quite believe it. As happy as I am to see her going to school, I am also enraged that Adama doesn't have the freedom to choose her own career! I guess it is a smart move for her to study English because I am here to help her. However, if American culture treated women as Malian culture does, I wouldn't have a snowball's chance in Hell of being here! Don't they see that truth, the beauty of women having the freedom to choose? Who knows, Adama could've been the best lawyer Mali has ever seen, but I guess we'll never know.