Last 24 hours in Burkina

Today was the day to finish up all the paper work and
officially end my tour in Burkina Faso.

There was a little ceremony this morning and people said
a lot of nice things.

Not much more to do but spend time with fellow
volunteers, going out to eat and enjoy the last 24 hours
in the warm weather before landing in New England.
Despite the unseasonably warm weather there, it will still
be colder than here.

At this point it is looking ahead to the change of lifestyle
and other opportunities.

So, from Ougadougou in Burkina Faso, the door to another
chapter will be closing with another door awaiting to be
opened come this Sunday evening.

As it is said in the local language ... Wend na kod niindaare ...
may God protect until the next time ... Burkina Faso.

Ex Saturday folks

When I was living in the village every Saturday
I went to the nearest biggest town called Manga.

There were several reasons why. Food, re-charging
electronics and exercise as I used my bike
throughout the two years.



In the picture are a few of the Saturday regulars
and the people I hung out with every week.
Behind the counter at the kiosk are Louis and his
wife Chantal, the proprietors.

They are all great people and they helped my time
in Burkina Faso, be good.

As we leave, we leave people behind but the memories
come with us. I will always remember the Saturdays
in Manga.

Counting the days

I am in the capital Ouagadougou in the last days of my
Peace Corps tour in Burkina Faso. I left the village
Sunday morning. The hard part is was saying goodbye to the
people whom I've lived with for the last two years.

Two years is an amount of time to create meaningful
relationships. So saying goodbye for the last time was
a little intense.

This last week is about closing out the service. It is
medical and dentist appointments and clerical activities
until Friday.

Then it is back in the USA by Sunday.

To reflect back it's been a great tour. Of course not
without the little irritations that are part of the experience.
I have no regrets and I knew that I tried my best. We did
do activities and hopefully they have helped. I've met
some nice people and cycled many kilometers. The best
cycling was done out on the bush trails. Whenever things
got irritating or boring ... taking a bike ride through the
trails worked to rejuvenate the spirit. It was fun and I got
to meet and know many of the people along the paths.

There is still a few days left and I am enjoying the time
left. But looking forward to being home for Christmas.