Short timers

I am in the capital Ouagadougou to participate in a
small presentation a few of us will be giving to members
of the health ministry. It is to summarize the activities
our group has done over the two years we've been in
Burkina Faso.

There are just a few of us left from our original group.
Many have left and weekly there is another one or two
on their way out. I've mentioned it in other
posts but it is amazing how fast the time passes. It
seems like yesterday when we met at a hotel in Philly.

I will have about 2 weeks left in the village after I return
this upcoming weekend. It is the time to start closing it
down. Burning all the old clothes and papers and giving
out a few things here and there. Which can be a source
of stress as everybody is interested in getting something.
As for me and with my past experiences, I am just going
to give the key and tell my colleagues at the health clinic
to go for it and choose what they want after I leave.

It is the time for realizing that life is going to change.
With the effort of adapting and the pains that come with
that. It is now, after getting it, as in culture, language
and the people in your village, time to say goodbye.

There are many ways to live lives. I've experienced a
few over these last years and sitting in the kiosk the
other day and observing the village life, was an
interesting moment. The kids were walking to school,
mothers riding their bicycles with their babies tied
on their backs and people to and from the pump to
fill their water cans. All this while sitting at the kiosk
listening to African pop music and drinking coffee.

Not the life of millionaires but lives with movement,
color and simplicity. Sure makes me think and question
as to which way of life is the 'best'. Sure am blessed
to have the chance to live and learn from these people.

In the end it is the time to reflect, forgive all sins
(theirs and mine) and just enjoy what's left.