tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65624170507495932512024-02-06T23:27:50.022-05:00Kevin in Burkina FasoKevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-82275413936346483282012-07-01T16:59:00.001-04:002012-07-01T16:59:20.546-04:00A Question of UnityI wrote this post while in Burkina, I just never felt ready to share it. Today I decided it was time to open up the discussion:<br />
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If we stop to think for a second, I mean really stop to reflect, do you think we could answer the question: what's wrong with mankind? Do you think if we give thought to our actions, our choices, our principles, we can find the truth about why we have suffering in this world? Why we have inequality? Why humanity is so divided?<br />
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Do you think that there is good within each of us, or does that skip a generation from time to time? Do you believe every child comes into this world with innocence in their hearts? Or, do some have a mission, given by fate, for evil?<br />
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Do we always try, at least try, to be good people? To see the good in others? Is it easier to commit immoral acts? Or, does good trump evil in the battle for our amusement?<br />
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Irrespective of religion or credo; what unites us? What divides us? Inclusive of religion or credo; what unites us? What divides us?<br />
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Who initially decided to divide and conquer the world? Who initially decided to mend it?<br />
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Do you believe in equality? Between men and women? Between different races? If we truly believe everyone should have equal opportunity, why don't we? Does our ego get in the way of unity?<br />
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I don't know the answers to most of these questions. I wish I did.<br />
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<br />Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-16915199775684705092012-06-17T16:35:00.000-04:002012-06-17T16:35:04.099-04:00So this is reverse culture shock...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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56 days have passed since I touched back down in Canada. Seems almost like I never left. Seems as though I didn't experience what I experienced. I didn't see what I saw. I didn't live that life halfway across the globe.<br />
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Reverse culture shock<i>, </i>for me, was (is) a bizarre thing. I didn't have nightmares or flashbacks of my time in Burkina. I didn't accidentally start bartering with vendors in Canada, as is accustom to do in Burkina markets. I fell right back into routine, right back into Canadian culture. What got me was the reference library that now sits in my brain and that constantly floods my thoughts. Often when a conversation topic comes up - complaining about wait times in hospitals, for example - I can't help but think of my experience. I want to mention that Yako had (has) one doctor. That there are 6 doctors for every 100,000 people in the country - imagine the wait time to see a doctor there. When people talk about kids, it almost always triggers an image of a little girl selling me peanuts on a tray atop her head in the marketplace. Or I think of the kids in our courtyard playing in the dust until their feet are stained with a reddish hue - where will these kids be in 10 years?<br />
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I'm caught in between two ways of living - and I can't surrender to either side. I can't give up my Burkinabè experience, nor will I ever be able to forget my 'maternal culture'. I am also cautious of how I use my reference library. Often when discussions come up, I want to add my point of view, but my perspective is so limited. I have experienced but two cultures - that doesn't really qualify me to understand much.<br />
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I have been questioned countless times of how my trip was. I have a standard answer now: it was a good experience. I really don't know how my trip was, I don't think I have fully grasped its importance on my life - but my standard answer satisfies the curiosity of most. I appreciate when people want to know more, but few have sat in the corridors of my library and studied my newly published perspectives. Perhaps they are scared of what they will find - perhaps I have not completely opened it to my friends and family.<br />
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What is clear is that Burkina Faso changed me. From the outside perhaps I have hidden its affect, but internally I still search for clarity. Why tell you this? Life is full of experiences. I've lived my fair share, but nothing has been as impacting as Burkina. I have had my first hit of the drug that is life with all its new cultures, new shocks, new perspectives, new sadnesses, new joys, new hopes, new cynicisms. Being trapped in the bubble of <i>routine</i> shields us from life's abundant diversity. Being afraid of life's painful realities scares us into the corner where we do anything to escape this truth. This experience was a reminder that it is best to step out from our corner of fear and feel something different. Feel something that may hurt, or that may do just the opposite. Life is best lived with passion, and this passion is fueled by the experiences that life presents.<br />
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<br />Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-46035830425597075022012-03-15T07:22:00.000-04:002012-03-15T07:22:09.854-04:00Une Journée QuotidienneI lent my camera to Adama one morning and he came back with the pictures you see below. Well actually, he came back with 99 pictures, but due to internet constraints I had to cut the number I posted down to nine. I have no context to give in respect to these pictures, this is simply one portrayal of life in Yako, Burkina Faso from the perspective of a fourteen year old kid with a camera.<br />
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Enjoy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8XYPo8Nc2YTVJS_tbmCTsny44NiSTdr342-mefxzWU0ztqK6SsYsmY18uVJxFvE2RKcCXOazyKKK1jEQcVxzUE3GYB8ElReRnhKmH52B_gkJtjaVSghv-BcwrT53Y6LuaK7URnlvloQ/s1600/P3070086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8XYPo8Nc2YTVJS_tbmCTsny44NiSTdr342-mefxzWU0ztqK6SsYsmY18uVJxFvE2RKcCXOazyKKK1jEQcVxzUE3GYB8ElReRnhKmH52B_gkJtjaVSghv-BcwrT53Y6LuaK7URnlvloQ/s320/P3070086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-83282402142544578372012-03-01T12:30:00.000-05:002012-03-01T12:30:12.282-05:00Le Paludisme<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Yesterday</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">It hit me like a sack of potatoes. Today was, by far, the most uncomfortable day in my memory. Waves of body aches rushed over me as my core temperature climbed to what I’m sure was a new personal record. Every action, every movement, made me feel weak. Nausea made sure that any consumption of food was unpleasant. The lower back pain made almost every position uncomfortable, thus making it impossible to nap despite my exhaustion. The local hospital is open for consultations every morning at 7am. You best believe I will be there tomorrow. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Today</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">To my pleasant surprise, I got some sleep last night. I woke up multiple times within my 5 hours of rest, but nonetheless I found pockets of tranquility as I cruised off to dream land. When I rolled over to see the clock at 5am, I doubted for a second that I was alive. Seems silly (or irrational perhaps), but when you go from what I was feeling yesterday, to only minor discomfort (the fever had passed), it makes you stop and think. Since the nausea was gone, I didn’t care what time it was, I jumped on the occasion to eat. Although it was still a struggle because my appetite was no where to be found, I was able to eat a loaf of local bread with some coke. I went back to bed to rest for another hour before I went to the hospital.<br /><br />Ousmane, the gentleman that lives in our courtyard, has a motorbike and took me this morning. The wait wasn’t too long and the process was easy enough: Step 1: register; Step 2: give your blood sample; Step 3: pay; and, Step 4: get the results four hours later. <br /><br />At 11:50am this morning, test results came back positive for malaria. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">This is not an experience I wish upon anyone, but unfortunately I don’t have much power over that. While lying in bed yesterday, in the midst of my fever, I couldn’t help but think of those suffering along side me. Those experiencing the same overpowering discomfort. Those who perhaps can’t afford the medication to get better, like I can.<br /><br />I payed 500 CFA ($1.02 CAD) for the malaria test, then 3900 CFA ($7.94 CAD) for the medication. Doesn’t seem like a whole lot in order to kill this malicious parasite, but some people still can’t afford it.<br /><br />I must admit, before I got it, I had not thought a lot about malaria. I take the anti-malarial medication every morning and I sleep under a mosquito net every night, but even these things have become nothing more than habit. I forgot about the real risk it poses.<br /><br />I have not had a fever since last night, so I am feeling much better today. The medication takes three days to kill the parasite. I will be fine. I pray those other folks suffering, will be fine as well.<br /><br /><b>Tomorrow</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">It seems so useless that something like malaria kills. Obviously it is a complex parasite, and various strands brings about various levels of severity, but for the strands that can be treated, the medication should be available to everyone. That fever was horrible, but it would have been worse knowing I didn’t have the means to take care of the illness. I am not really sure what <i>International Development</i> entails completely, but it seems obvious that making sure people don’t die of things like malaria should be a part of it. </span></div>Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-10230065613233100012012-02-22T12:06:00.000-05:002012-02-22T12:07:48.947-05:00Through The Eyes Of Someone Else<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone has a story. Where they came from, where they are, where they wish to go. Life is an endless library of experience that we, the authors, the readers, the critics, and the protagonists continually fill. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To be frank, it’s not realistic to recount an entire story in one short blog post, but what follows will be my attempt. I will give you a glimpse into the life of SALOU Kientega Kiswendsida Clarisse; one of the women that lives in our courtyard. Sunday night, sitting at the foot of a dusty gazebo and surrounded by children curious about my computer, I asked Clarisse some questions about her life.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Four dates will help organize this story, the first of which being August 10th, 1982. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Born in Yako, the story began as Clarisse became part of a family where she would eventually have fifteen brothers and sisters, two mothers, and a father who would pass away when she was six years old. She tells me she never knew her father because she spent her early childhood living with her Uncle and his family.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzczohuIL8Dtz0zLFu6k_zz9oJdZ6yr-ELZdlELjPnODJN_KoXrcEjW0RTa9pSNrNQu1plrdLtzDgkMRa-QqqaIGtKHAKQnali4355h9Clf1IYZqjyLM_hkJKRlmobpzAkU2i6eO-QW8o/s1600/IMG_4959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzczohuIL8Dtz0zLFu6k_zz9oJdZ6yr-ELZdlELjPnODJN_KoXrcEjW0RTa9pSNrNQu1plrdLtzDgkMRa-QqqaIGtKHAKQnali4355h9Clf1IYZqjyLM_hkJKRlmobpzAkU2i6eO-QW8o/s320/IMG_4959.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SALOU Nomwendé Ingred Djamiilatou Rosen<br />
(Photo taken by Marie Warkentin)</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">She did return to live with her mother in Yako, and at that time began schooling. She continued her studies until just before completing the BAC (an exam that takes place at the end of high school). She was forced to put schooling on hold when she became pregnant in 2006. She met her husband, SALOU Adama, in 2005 and became his second wife. She brought her first child into this world, a daughter, on January 22nd, 2007 at 1:45pm: SALOU Nomwendé Ingred Djamiilatou Rosen (She tells me she can remember the delivery like it was yesterday. Trying to be witty, I tell her I am lucky to be a man. Her contagious laugh fills the air. She agrees and assures me that giving birth is not an easy thing). <br />
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In 2008, Clarisse was still living with her mother. Because of this, she was able to go to night school while leaving Rosen at home. Regrettably though, on November 22nd, 2009, her mother passed away and she was again unable to finish the BAC. Given her situation, she moved in with her husband and his first wife in the courtyard where she currently resides with us. The most recent turing point came on August 13th, 2010 at 5:44am when she gave birth to her son, SALOU Abdala.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SALOU Abdala<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;">(Photo taken by Marie Warkentin)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ask her about her husband. She tells me that she worries about him. He used to sell shoes, but the market was not good, so he decided to go work in the mines - mining for gold. She speaks softly when she says there are many deaths at the mines from either collapses or the oxygen tanks running out with the workers inside. She says that if her husband was able to find a better job, he would be able to help her more. Presently, he is only able to come home 4 or 5 times a month. <br />
<br />I ask: What do you want from this life? She responds gracefully: Everyday, I pray to God that I will get a job. I pray that I can take care of my children. I pray also that one day, when I grow old, my children will be able to take care of me. Right now though, I hope for a job. <br />
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She has been searching for work for the last seven years. She tells me of a situation last year where she was almost hired as a primary school teacher. She had passed the oral and written exams, but when it came to the sports section, she had a cramp during the test and failed. With a hint of despair in her voice, she tells me: I feel like it was my last chance in this life to find a job. <br />
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She has also applied at other organizations. They have come back and told her that she needs computer literacy. With this knowledge, she can be hired. She has not yet been able to find a computer training opportunity. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dD2XUdXMajeMbvu-SWBl6OjxBy6JVky54dWuDaBcVGNrVco1WpldHDWBUTwsGjECKD3hWOIJTIehLx__MABDGreLA-WvJp8aP5q2WP4AGNCnpvYbDIyPDeKLGuWPstTHFGqyAatHNVo/s1600/P2030059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dD2XUdXMajeMbvu-SWBl6OjxBy6JVky54dWuDaBcVGNrVco1WpldHDWBUTwsGjECKD3hWOIJTIehLx__MABDGreLA-WvJp8aP5q2WP4AGNCnpvYbDIyPDeKLGuWPstTHFGqyAatHNVo/s320/P2030059.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ask her what she thinks the problem is; why has finding a job been so hard? Time, she responds. She works all day in the courtyard either preparing meals, doing laundry, taking care of kids or any other task that consumes her day. When she is finally free in the late evening, she is too tired. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the informal interview ends, the group of women and children that have gathered to watch the excitement start chatting in Mooré. Before I head back inside, I ask what they were talking about. Adama, the oldest boy in the courtyard, laughs and says that they were saying how white people always take pictures and show them to people back home. </span></span><br />
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I don’t know why I did this interview. I thought it would be enlightening for folks elsewhere to read the story of a local Burkinabé woman. But when they said this, it made me question my motives. There is a fine line between inquisitiveness and exploitation I suppose. I just hope I’m not offside. </span></span></div>Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-5753401653478242172012-02-12T07:07:00.000-05:002012-02-12T07:07:00.834-05:00Taking A Step Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Frustration.<br />
The word of the week unfortunately. Frustration that I still don't have any work to do (we are waiting on money from the donor organization before we can launch the program). Frustration that I haven't really done anything to benefit the community, nor do I really know what I can do. Frustration that there is in fact too much to do, but no marked starting point. As my understanding of the situation here grows, the opposite effect is applied to my confidence in what to do.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting a local school. Seen here with Mustafa and the <br />Director of the school. Picture taken by Sarah.</td></tr>
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For me, development is suppose to be about providing opportunities; it's suppose to be about empowerment. But does that really matter when you can't put food in your child's swollen belly, or can't pay for their malaria medication when they get sick. In Burkina I feel like it needs to start with the basics - health care, education, nutrition. When I grew up, these things were provided to me by the government (nutrition was perhaps provided by my parents, but we lived in a country abundant with nutritious food). This begs the question: what happens when the government is unable to provide these things?<br />
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Enter the idea of charity. Obviously these issues come down to a lack of resources (well money, basically) and the resources, when not provided by the government, come from charities (or NGOs - Non-Governmental Organizations). In Canada though, and I'm sure across the globe, I see people suffering from <i>donor fatigue</i> (a lessening of public willingness to respond generously to charitable appeals, resulting from the frequency of such appeals). We have been howled for years to give. Shown fly-ridden images of starving children, and from the pit of our stomachs we felt empathy and gave. But for how long can we look at these images and feel guilt?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les enfants d'aujourd'hui seront les adultes de demain.</td></tr>
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If we look deeper at the core issue though, we will uncover a truth that has been buried beneath layers of doubt and denial. We are facing a problem of unity. When we view the world through the lens of 'us' and 'them', we miss our commonality. When we forget that we are created equal, that leaves only room for intolerance and animosity. The way I see it, for as long as we don't look at our world as a shared space between us all, there will be no real progress. I see no other solution.<br />
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"The feeling of being upset or annoyed, especially because of inability to change or achieve something." The dictionary is rather successful at putting my feelings into words this week. But like always, resting in frustration or pity or guilt does nothing. One must channel these feelings into something that will make this world a better place. A place that weeds out injustice, inequality and inferiority. A place that flourishes on kindness, selflessness and oneness. Optimism is seen as futile to some (certainly to me from time to time), but in this moment, the way I see it: the future needs hopeful seeds to be planted today in order for us to thrive tomorrow.Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-23823801451436926332012-02-05T19:28:00.000-05:002012-02-05T19:28:55.034-05:00Nasarra<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh94pzFLwPPesQ-s-Ud7lCDuQEhEhSXnK43Wlow-zAGvTxMaGTmIs4TnlupD-iJQMr9ZcQbaepJqRc4mYZJr8hdObWIgNv4Iaq-DC-qaX8hfrtoYO5o4etcv0EH8eKD1FwP60YSJCboNg/s1600/IMG_4948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh94pzFLwPPesQ-s-Ud7lCDuQEhEhSXnK43Wlow-zAGvTxMaGTmIs4TnlupD-iJQMr9ZcQbaepJqRc4mYZJr8hdObWIgNv4Iaq-DC-qaX8hfrtoYO5o4etcv0EH8eKD1FwP60YSJCboNg/s320/IMG_4948.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit goes to Marie for the pictures this week.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I have never noticed race as much as I have here. Perhaps a better way of putting it: I have never felt so white. And along with my whitewashed complexion comes a type of <i>celebrity status</i> here. In Yako, if you are white it's a dead give-a-way that you don't originate from here, thus people notice you, talk to you, children want to grab a second of your attention; all because of the pigmentation.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Some benefits of the celebrity status:</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /> <br /> I get lots of greetings everyday. While biking or walking the streets, if I make eye contact with anyone, they are likely looking right back at me, so I will say: "Bonjour" or "Bonsoir" and reciprocally I will receive the same. I am working on my salutations in the local language. I know what they are, but I always get a laugh when I try and pronounce them. <br /> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuyQiF3xWenPPMw4jvM33AObdzsqDfl9Nptgps-uHep3xWF31m88pUt_nZyXiO_YDZBFX7ITuMxgkBMKYUv9oGZGPSfuzMbg11n4onuqtBsZK9tI075A4hoAeWI5ulHyWBhz1bwarJoc/s1600/IMG_4921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuyQiF3xWenPPMw4jvM33AObdzsqDfl9Nptgps-uHep3xWF31m88pUt_nZyXiO_YDZBFX7ITuMxgkBMKYUv9oGZGPSfuzMbg11n4onuqtBsZK9tI075A4hoAeWI5ulHyWBhz1bwarJoc/s320/IMG_4921.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The children in Yako are always very excited to see a nasarra </span></span></span></span></span></span>(which means 'white' in the local language of Mooré; or sometimes I am called <i>le blanc</i> in french). Some kids will only ask for candy, but others will give me a beaming smile, say "hi" and be content with a shake of my hand. The kids in the courtyard are also very amazed by the feel of my hair since it's much different then theirs.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Some downfalls to being the white man:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">The sun is out to get me. Thank-you SPF 50 for saving me thus far. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">I lost my birth name (sorry mom and dad). I liked Kevin, it was a solid name, but in the streets: Je m'appelle Nasarra.<br /> <br /> Going to the market is not always the most fun experience. Because I am white, the vendors will sometimes yell out "Nasarra!" to grab my attention. Not necessarily a bad thing, it's just that I'm not a fan of 'pressure-shopping'.<br /> <br /> White - Nasarra - Le Blanc. They are just words. I know that here I am easily noticed, but once people get to know me and what I am doing, I reclaim my birth name and become just another person in their life. The racial difference dissipates quickly. This isn't meant to be a profound reflection on racial difference, it's just hard to deny the fact that I am one of only a handful of white people in Yako, and that makes life a little different for me. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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</div>Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-3516751309104799782012-01-29T10:32:00.001-05:002012-01-29T10:34:57.476-05:00The little things you miss...Just under one month. Long enough to understand what life will be like here. Every once and a while I am surprised again by something new, but basically I know now what to expect.<br />
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I was reflecting today on some small things that I miss about life back in Canada. With that, I also thought of some things I was content with being rid of.<br />
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<u>The little things...</u><br />
The first thing I miss is not little at all, in fact it is the biggest part of my life. Leaving family and friends behind is never a pleasant decision, but I needed to do just that in order to find this experience. I have a family here, but I of course think of those back home, and I miss them.<br />
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I never knew of my addiction to internet, but a reliable and fast connection is something I need my fix of from time to time. I like the fact that I have reduced the things I do online to some basics (e-mail, banking, facebook and this blog), because it leaves more time for other things (catching chickens, for example). But it would be nice to do my online banking in less than 30 minutes.<br />
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Warm showers. Who knew that showers would be so cold when the temperature outside is peaking over 30 degrees Celsius? I look forward to a heated shower upon my return in April.<br />
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<u>The other things...</u><br />
Because it is the African Cup of Nations soccer tournament, I have watched a few games on the television. Other than that, it has been untouched. It is something I have found easy to live without.<br />
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In Yako, I can walk wherever I need to go. I don't miss the dependency to cars and busses I have in Canada. My legs and my bike (which I am actually borrowing from my roommate Liz - thanks Liz ;) work just fine.<br />
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The Burkinabé in Yako do not exude stress, and that it something I can live with. People are often 'go-go-go' back in Canada, but it's nice to be in a more relaxed atmosphere. Things still get done here, just at a more human pace.<br />
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I should apologize for the lack of pictures. I am not very good at remembering my camera, and even if I do, I prefer to experience the moment than capture it. I will try to have some for next week though. I know that pictures will help paint a fuller picture of the story I am trying to tell.<br />
<br />Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-45335845887544236562012-01-21T12:43:00.002-05:002012-01-21T13:15:24.312-05:00Winging It<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC14W6I9J2OmiPl7uu1gkPRZFXTWFLlgLcrzI1hT1xLEWJOeyrF2XSj7FVXVv83LoalNC6CfB0rPd_tERNZEKFTath45zALPLlyvv3ZbJFPFDAlOuz5fz0NAE4t6jRWbCpUfvmOJ9_ug/s1600/P1200061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC14W6I9J2OmiPl7uu1gkPRZFXTWFLlgLcrzI1hT1xLEWJOeyrF2XSj7FVXVv83LoalNC6CfB0rPd_tERNZEKFTath45zALPLlyvv3ZbJFPFDAlOuz5fz0NAE4t6jRWbCpUfvmOJ9_ug/s200/P1200061.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Ali and the notorious chicken.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IO5siLfpoGtsZiQPQz96h0EUE7zMM0R7aaL8BuMvMMxjyGoe7wsocu_xpyxt-WzdvoFuFMGIUGQo1N9PL-qJbBhlbBtvWAGu6b0feVu_mpmeIF8MkiZdA6_VAw6n78zY35ij1PNk-1Y/s1600/P1200060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IO5siLfpoGtsZiQPQz96h0EUE7zMM0R7aaL8BuMvMMxjyGoe7wsocu_xpyxt-WzdvoFuFMGIUGQo1N9PL-qJbBhlbBtvWAGu6b0feVu_mpmeIF8MkiZdA6_VAw6n78zY35ij1PNk-1Y/s200/P1200060.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adama after capturing the chicken.</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Yesterday, my roommates and I were given a chicken. I find that normalizing to a new culture is quite the experience. I must admit it's not always easy, but moments like this make it worth the adventure. <br /><br />Let me explain the chicken. At work, Eric, Liz and Marie are involved in doing an impact assessment of a project that finished in December. Thus, this week we visited four villages to see if the project was in fact successful and to gather feedback. I tagged along as an observer. The village we visited yesterday presented us with this chicken in appreciation and so that we may have the vitamins and energy to help them. And if you were wondering: yes, it was still alive.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> It seems like its been more than 16 days. I am starting to get used to life in Yako. I have adapted to the weather; it now feels chilly when the temperature hits 20°C (sorry to all those in the midst of winter elsewhere). I have adapted to the food. In fact, I am slightly addicted to the restaurant beside our work that serves an excellent and filling plate of rice and tomato sauce ($400 fCFA or $0.80 CAD). Finally, being watched by people, mainly children, is not as uncomfortable. I am an outsider, there is no use in trying to hide that, but the longer I stay, the less detached I think I will feel. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjHhwa_2y4B30wnYwO3mUbR2eM56ql7aQ7pvEObxa21DGz6nEkbv1zDN2-nzAs8GEW4oKQu63c8RXFDOU-nMlKvVQID8owR-O_r8xoptjkrIl6M3W0j2bUSicjUpAarDB34FNJ1DZzCo/s1600/P1200050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjHhwa_2y4B30wnYwO3mUbR2eM56ql7aQ7pvEObxa21DGz6nEkbv1zDN2-nzAs8GEW4oKQu63c8RXFDOU-nMlKvVQID8owR-O_r8xoptjkrIl6M3W0j2bUSicjUpAarDB34FNJ1DZzCo/s200/P1200050.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of mothers with her children.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPtJg-vRXxxXgfKyp1lA8-IhTmN80TGMo5lj3TLStBk0zpKCHPhhQnLg6w2UFyQcLIRB3axT1DwklNgVXxxG-QJxtJVjNL9s-E_tWwPd6aU27z2HzdXoKz2ChrbF9Vh2nyrhKqpCbagY/s1600/P1200094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPtJg-vRXxxXgfKyp1lA8-IhTmN80TGMo5lj3TLStBk0zpKCHPhhQnLg6w2UFyQcLIRB3axT1DwklNgVXxxG-QJxtJVjNL9s-E_tWwPd6aU27z2HzdXoKz2ChrbF9Vh2nyrhKqpCbagY/s200/P1200094.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the sauce. Adama was the<br />
photographer for the evening.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I spent yesterday evening with the women and child from the compound. As you can see, we had a photo shoot for about an hour. I then asked the women if we could prepare the chicken together. Step 1: An entertaining run around our compound with the kids ended with the picture above of Adama who caught the chicken. I was told it is the man’s job to catch the animal and finish the next step. Step 2: My vegetarian friends would not approve of what happened next, thus a description will not be provided. Step 3: The ladies prepared a sauce with the chicken in it to accompany the Tô (a staple diet for the locals made of corn flour and water). It was an excellent meal in taste and sentiment. The chicken was a generous gift from the Zougoungou village and these women not only prepare the meal, but also kindly explained each step to me along the way. An insightful evening. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFaC7Ky2lPVzSlRiNrYCviK6CBaLi9oz161aD8t4HGBKRai991IGTjcQv90uAQp47hX1mFy6cr87B_nK60Tv3w4p-dWgbKKEXNHKShcohkpb0F5-RPppyQasT83MKNllqyRcGUW_fMsE/s1600/P1200039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFaC7Ky2lPVzSlRiNrYCviK6CBaLi9oz161aD8t4HGBKRai991IGTjcQv90uAQp47hX1mFy6cr87B_nK60Tv3w4p-dWgbKKEXNHKShcohkpb0F5-RPppyQasT83MKNllqyRcGUW_fMsE/s200/P1200039.JPG" width="183" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group Shot. Still not everyone in<br />
the compound though.</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Work is advancing along as well. I will be attending a training session all next week for the project that I will be working on. I am quite excited about it. It’s a type of micro-finance with adaptations for rural villages and is made up of women’s groups. I look forward to seeing how it works in the real world, because on paper it sounds fantastic. I also visited the local orphanage earlier this week. The lovely woman that runs the place said that they could use some help with study sessions on weeknights. I will try to make it there a few times a week. I miss working with kids; they truly have a contagious and uplifting spirit. </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Life will continue to be eventful, I’m sure, and I will let you know what happens next. For now, I will direct you to a blog post that I revisit from time to time. It talks of the importance of encouraging others, and I think it’s a lesson we all need to be reminded of from time to time: http://zenhabits.net/why-you-should-think-about-encouraging-others-to-be-brilliant/ </span><br />
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Until next time. Stay kind. Stay sharp. Stay classy.<br />
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</span></div>Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-15234881319712692452012-01-16T11:09:00.001-05:002012-01-16T11:31:24.811-05:00So this is culture shock...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wrote four different posts last week, but hesitated to share each because it has been such a roller costar of emotion and experience. I decided to take these thoughts and condense them into one. This was a week of new beginnings, harsh realities, quiet escapes and guilty pleasures. This one week shook the foundation of nearly everything I thought I knew. I was an idealist - but that ideology clashed with reality. I was an optimist - but this week, my guilt overshadowed the flower of hope. I was confident in my beliefs - but now I’m not sure what I stand for. </span><br />
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New beginnings: This was my first week in Yako; the first of 52. For those who don’t know, I am here for the next four months because I had a free semester at school. Afterwards, I will be back to Canada for 4 months to finish my last academic term at Waterloo this summer, then I will likely be returning to Yako for another 8-month placement (this second placement will not be confirmed till the end of the month). All of this to say, this is just the beginning. This will be my lifestyle for the next 365 days - 31 536 000 seconds... 31 535 999... 31 535 998...<br />
<br />
Harsh realities: Unless you have experienced it, I don’t think you can understand what it is like here. I say this because I thought I had an idea coming in. I read websites, blog posts, Lonely Planet; any piece of information to prepare me for life in Burkina. Nothing could have prepared me for this. Nothing could have prepared me for the first time I encountered a beggar along the dusty streets of Ouaga, or for the donkeys and roosters who call out to greet the morning. Nothing could have prepared me for the fact that my skin colour is the first thing people see here, and along with that colour comes preconceived notions. It has been a harsh reality because I wasn’t exactly prepared for this, but more so because when I look outside my front door, I encounter the poverty that I have read so many statistics about and I don’t yet know what to do about it. <br />
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Quiet escapes: Those places I go to forget about the harsh realities. I find solace within the walls of our house. We live in a bubble here, and with my roommates I can forget, at least temporarily, about what is outside. Music is becoming a closer friend here also. Either I listen to a beautiful song and I feel at peace, or I am inspired to express this experience in lyrical proses myself. The greatest escape that I have though, is where I rest my head at night. Dreams transport me to a place where I don’t feel in the wrong for eating vegetables at every meal. <br />
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Guilty pleasures: I have been comparing many things this past week. Not only the currency exchange rates and time differences, but also lifestyles and standards of living. I compare the life of the locals here (which is just my observation at this point) against the life<i> I</i> live here and the life I lived back in Canada. Here, I am so privileged - consistent electricity, running water, nutritious food, and Miriam, who cleans and does the laundry for us. Then I move to the lifestyle I lived back in Canada, even more lavish, and try to compare that to the locals. It’s a futile task. It’s incomparable. <br />
<br />
This has sounded like a pretty negative post I suppose. I do not mean to present the idea that this place is unpleasant - not at all. The people are incredibly welcoming and kind. A simple example: every morning it is very important to greet everyone you know with a salutation, a shake of the hand, and an inquiry to how they are doing. This action shows great courtesy; more so than I often see back in Canada. This post has not been about the locals, it has been about me. It was a reflection on the differences between here and the world I am used to. Culture shock, I guess. But for me, it feels like only half of the picture of the real world was painted during the past two years of study, and now it's up to me to finish. The statistics have come to life and are drowning my conscience. What I need to do is funnel that haunting guilt into something productive. </span></span></div>Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-88791298564460587932012-01-09T16:46:00.000-05:002012-01-11T03:56:36.805-05:00Bonne arrivée!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLDBeiL5x-ZgNed4p8qxEAwdD-DTTI-fwNZ7XY7qavXaZsjnPW_yUsl9XJCWV3_5k_Ho_Njp4dqUYuKjGLFcsWoaTzxlNeFA6jhUjupextx6uTt9Me03r6yJ1_3eNurZp6zaYUQJOtLI/s1600/P1060010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLDBeiL5x-ZgNed4p8qxEAwdD-DTTI-fwNZ7XY7qavXaZsjnPW_yUsl9XJCWV3_5k_Ho_Njp4dqUYuKjGLFcsWoaTzxlNeFA6jhUjupextx6uTt9Me03r6yJ1_3eNurZp6zaYUQJOtLI/s320/P1060010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My First Plane (Toronto - Brussels with Jet Airways)<br />
They had a great Indian dish for dinner!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is currently 23h29 on Sunday January 8th as I write this post. The temperature is 25 degrees Celsius, 80 degrees Fahrenheit - perfect. It seems crazy that just over 48 hours ago I was breathing in cold Canadian air, and now, here I sit feeling the warm breeze blow in the window in Yako, Burkina Faso.<br />
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The flights to get here were not as bad as imagined. I only thought about dying a handful of times, and the turbulence wasn't bad until we started landing in Ouagadogou (From now on, I will refer to the capital as Ouaga). I landed and waited for just over an hour to get through customs and get my baggage, where I then met up with Eric.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gov64gpzMBW90enyAbVx-5AArUvlRz1alHqk8Ao2FcQbCvcEb-LD6P__Ezi-ieb2YZubDvtkgo8GE7I0owjL2y_VzAkGpHgQwCqvc-dAjUbTwKapUxeRxZu3K2DlmaCZnzOQjSNV2lw/s1600/P1060012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gov64gpzMBW90enyAbVx-5AArUvlRz1alHqk8Ao2FcQbCvcEb-LD6P__Ezi-ieb2YZubDvtkgo8GE7I0owjL2y_VzAkGpHgQwCqvc-dAjUbTwKapUxeRxZu3K2DlmaCZnzOQjSNV2lw/s320/P1060012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from my second flight (Brussels - Ouagadougou<br />
with Brussels Airlines)<br />
Emergency exit seat with lots of leg room!</td></tr>
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We stayed at a nice hotel in Ouaga: "Pavillon en vert", I think it was called, that costs $17 CAD a night. We ate brunch, with two lizard friends scampering around, which consisted of guava juice (amazing stuff) and an omelet that had tomatoes, pieces of potato and french fries in it. Looked strange - tasted great. <br />
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We took a bus up to Yako - a coach bus that had TVs in it. We lucked out. It got a bit cramped as we picked up more and more people along the way, but nothing to much crazier than a plane seat. We arrived at around 15h30 and made our way to my new home. We went out for dinner tonight (we were the only folks there) and surrounded by 3 cats, ready to eat out meat discards, we had spaghetti and chicken. It was a good meal by my standards, but my roommates tell me it gets better - Yako is known for their chicken. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZVi4bXKc__2bcieYnHXWMIDo24KHsLsWPtLdvjykPT9IhPoD8WLi6PvtrpCvZYipbpdrp5UejFPmmnD3XKH8fDCmmqaq48aocHQWEnwIhRRWq3Ju5Kkew8RW0a4jkVCHddQM02af0J0/s1600/P1070025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZVi4bXKc__2bcieYnHXWMIDo24KHsLsWPtLdvjykPT9IhPoD8WLi6PvtrpCvZYipbpdrp5UejFPmmnD3XKH8fDCmmqaq48aocHQWEnwIhRRWq3Ju5Kkew8RW0a4jkVCHddQM02af0J0/s320/P1070025.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hotel in Ouaga.</td></tr>
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I now have a cell phone, courtesy of Eric's friend and our landlord. I will pick up some credit soon and be up and running. In Africa though, Eric tells me, you can always receive texts and calls, even if you don't have any credit on the phone. Beat that Canadian phone companies that start with a 'R' and a 'B'. <br />
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It has been a great start to this new life. Warm climate, great roommates and soon to be a good job (hopefully). <br />
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For now, that's all I have. I will talk a little bit later about the poverty that I have encountered thus far and the small things to get used to in regards to being a white man in Burkina Faso.<br />
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À la prochaine!Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com2Yako, Burkina Faso12.9666667 -2.266666712.9357192 -2.3061487 12.9976142 -2.2271847tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-59281665749501769122012-01-06T09:37:00.000-05:002012-01-06T09:38:13.116-05:00We ask that you please fasten your seatbelts at this time and secure all baggage underneath your seat or in the overhead compartments for take-off...Departure day is here.<br />
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<a href="http://www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com/assets/images/airplane1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com/assets/images/airplane1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
1st flight (Toronto - Brussels): 7h20m<br />
+<br />
3h40m layover<br />
+<br />
2nd flight (Brussels - Ouagadougou): 6h<br />
= 15h20m of flying + 3h40m of waiting + 5h are <u>lost due to time zone changes </u><br />
<b>24 hours stands between me and this new life. </b><br />
<br />
I unthinkingly booked a flight that leaves at 18h25, meaning I have all day to get excited and anticipate the rush of take off. The rush and the fear. I detest flying. Every bump, every turn, every second in that pressurized tube makes my heart skip a beat. I am counting on those in-cabin movies to distract me.<br />
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I will be meeting my friend Eric at the Airport in Ouagadougou at 16h25 tomorrow. We will either stay in the capital for the night, or grab a bus back to Yako. From there... je n'ai aucune idée. It will only feel like 11h25 my current time when I arrive - I will let you know how the jet leg goes.<br />
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As the sun sets on this chapter of my life, I am comforted by the thought of my time spent with family and friends these past 4 months. I am also comforted knowing I will be returning to this life in 4 months to see you all again.<br />
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That's all for now. See you on the other side.<br />
<br />Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com0Strathroy, ON, Canada42.956394 -81.62461642.944773000000005 -81.644357 42.968015 -81.604875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-38404525503824229042011-12-29T18:19:00.000-05:002011-12-29T18:20:23.003-05:00The Essentials<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2007/11/09/TravelBag_wideweb__470x363,0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2007/11/09/TravelBag_wideweb__470x363,0.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Packing 1 suitcase for 4 months is a task that I am unqualified to do. Luckily, I have a little experience in doing things I'm not qualified to do: cooking comes to mind. I continue anyway, blindly, packing what I think is essential to keep me going for 4 months.</span><br />
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6 t-shirts, 1 long-sleeve shirt, 1 sweater, 6 work shirts, 4 pairs of pants, 4 pairs of shorts, 1 or 2 belts (haven't decided yet), 6 pairs of underwear, 4 work socks, 5 regular socks - too much clothing or not enough? 1 camera, 1 iPod, some headphones, 1 journal, 1 flashlight + 1 reading light, 1 microphone with stand, 1 pair of sunglasses, 3 pens, 3 pencils, 1 textbook (I will be taking an online course while abroad), my laptop, the normal toiletries and enough drugs to keep me medicated for a lifetime - malaria pills, diarrhea pills and electrolyte tablets (for when I get the inevitable runny stool), Gravol, Imodium, daily vitamins plus SPF 50 sunscreen and bug spray. I am currently in the market for a mosquito net - turns out they are not a hot commodity at this time of year in Canada.<br />
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One thing I also found while packing up my closet was a box of keepsakes I had from high school. Until very late last night, I was going through old letters and pictures, reminiscing about old friends, reading cards from past birthdays and my graduation, and remembering the person I was only 3 years ago. It felt strange. Happiness overwhelmed me as I went through these nostalgic items, but sadness also chimed in to remind me that these are moments that I can't relive. That's life though, gotta live up the moments we have today because eventually they may be sitting in a lonely box in the back of your closet. Life moves in but one direction.<br />
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The current temperature in Strathroy, Ontario, Canada: 0°C<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The current temperature in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: 23°C</span><br />
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I can't wait.Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-23646214612931027992011-12-27T22:20:00.000-05:002011-12-27T22:22:32.913-05:00864,000 seconds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thehotyogagirl.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/3countdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://www.thehotyogagirl.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/3countdown.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
10 days. 9 sleeps. 864,000 seconds...863,999...863,998...<br />
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In ten days a story will begin. I will be dropped into the middle of a new culture, a new climate, and a completely new way of life. The distance between me and my new life: 8,177 kilometers - 5,081 miles - 8,177,992 meters - 26,830,682 feet - or, two flights with a transfer in Belgium.<br />
<br />
I will be living and working in northern Burkina Faso, a small landlocked country in West Africa, in a place called Yako. This will be my first international experience. All my life thus far was spent in Southwestern Ontario, Canada (with the exception of some vacations in the Caribbean and my childhood trips to Florida).<br />
<br />
So the question arises: why do this blog? Simply put: to tell a story. It is your choice to turn the page and continue reading. I am the author of a story with no clear direction. It has no known subject, nor characters, nor outcomes. This is a story about life and what happens when a life changes. It begins in 863,888 seconds...863,887...863,886...<br />
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<br />Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.comStrathroy, ON, Canada42.956394 -81.62461642.944773000000005 -81.644357 42.968015 -81.604875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-40730222579122881252011-04-23T19:45:00.000-04:002011-04-23T19:45:15.389-04:00Where is our education leading us?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is, in my opinion, a must watch video on one perspective on the current education system. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zDZFcDGpL4U?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-4184136262151537762011-04-17T23:31:00.002-04:002011-04-17T23:31:28.017-04:00What is apathy?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/5Knz100ldLM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-63920255872127957712011-04-07T19:09:00.000-04:002011-04-07T19:09:07.880-04:00Where do you stand?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/xTkKSJSqU-I?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-61585793122186518362011-04-05T06:52:00.000-04:002011-04-05T06:52:46.228-04:00Day 30 - We did it!We have done it! 30 days - 30 challenges.<br />
<br />
Today is all about you. Your challenge is to post in the comments how you felt the 30 day challenge went. What was your <i>favourite</i> challenge, the <i>most challenging</i> challenge, any days you <i>didn't like</i> and why, any <i>lessons learned</i>, <i>experiences</i> you would like to share, anything folks!<br />
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<b>This is a time to share what you went through with the people that went through it with you.</b> And don't be afraid if you only did a few of the challenges - share anything! Now it is time to celebrate our completion of the challenge, and walk away with some new life lessons.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3GwjfUFyY6M?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
So, what did you think?Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-28072157547224388792011-04-04T06:19:00.000-04:002011-04-04T06:19:03.338-04:00Day 29 - Time to reflect<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>This is a great chance for us to reflect on our 30 day challenge.</b> Let's first recall the overall purpose of these past 30 days</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">;</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> 1. to challenge your regular habits; 2. open your eyes to small ways you can make a difference each day; and, 3. to have a little fun. So did we achieve these goals?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sweatyguineapig.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/crossing-the-finish-line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://www.sweatyguineapig.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/crossing-the-finish-line.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">Throughout this challenge I have asked you to do everything from <a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-5-meet-someone-new.html">meeting someone new</a> to <a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-12-clean-out-closet.html">donating your old clothing</a>. I have asked you to reflect on <a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/day-26-what-is-your-purpose.html">your purpose in life</a>, and to appreciate the beauty of <a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-10-stop-and-smell-roses.html">nature</a> and <a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-22-appreciate-song-of-life.html">music</a>. You have been challenged to carry out a <a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-11-time-for-random-act-of-kindness.html">random act of kindness</a> and to try a <a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-3-try-5-minute-meditation.html">5-minute meditation</a>. You were asked to <a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-1-say-goodbye-to-good.html">go beyond the usual 'good' answer</a> when greeted and to try <a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-21-try-day-without-meat.html">a day without eating meat</a>. I hope through these challenges you have changed your regular habits and you have stepped outside of your comfort zone. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">By drawing your attention to your <a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-8-watch-your-water-consumption.html">water consumption</a> and challenging you to <a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-19-reduce-reuse-recycle.html">Reduce, Reuse and Recycle</a>, I have hopefully opened your eyes to the small ways in which you can make a difference each day. Choosing <a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-18-try-fair-trade-on-for-size.html">fair trade</a> over regular products and <a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/day-27-give-up-unhealthy-habit.html">giving up an unhealthy habit</a> have also contributed to this goal. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">Through <a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-2-time-to-reconnect.html">re-connecting with an old friend</a> and <a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-17-create-something.html">creating something</a> I hope you were able to have a little fun. The sole purpose of day 6, <a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-6-back-to-good-old-days.html">Back to the good old days</a>, was to rekindle your childhood spirit and have fun with that. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">Everything I have challenged you to do has had a purpose and a reason. I hope dearly that you have found the relevance and meaning behind these challenges and that I have accomplished my goal. We are but one day away from saying we have accomplished the 30 day challenge; congratulations and making it this far. </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"></span></span></span></span></span>Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-65563057735838435712011-04-03T04:27:00.001-04:002011-04-03T09:14:16.030-04:00Day 28 - Write a Letter<b>Today I want you to write a letter.</b> There are many types of letters and I will leave it up to you to decide which type you would like to write. It could be a letter to a friend or family member, a protest letter, a letter to a soldier, a letter to the editor or perhaps a letter to a government official. The choice is yours.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/images/writing-a-letter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/images/writing-a-letter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A letter is a powerful thing for a few reasons; 1. you have to <i>take time</i> to write a letter, so it shows you have made a commitment to the purpose of the letter; 2. letters allow you to think and <i>articulate yourself</i> clearly; and, 3. letters usually merit a <i>response</i> (and who doesn't like getting a nice letter in the mail).<br />
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On this beautiful day, I want you to choose a person or cause that has meaning to you, write them a letter, buy the postage necessary and send it through the traditional mailing system. It will take more time than an e-mail, but it will also show your sender you are willing to take the time for them.Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-5852385008197324202011-04-02T07:13:00.002-04:002011-04-02T13:43:55.661-04:00Day 27 - Give up an unhealthy habitWe all have unhealthy habits that we aren't proud of. Some of us bite our nails; stay up too late; smoke; eat junk food; have too much caffeine intakes; forget to floss; don't exercise etc.. The first step in getting rid of habits like this is identifying they are no longer random actions and have become habits.<br />
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It has been said that it takes 21 days to create and/or change a habit; the "21 day habit theory". <b>Day 27's challenge is to pick an unhealthy habit of yours and start to change it</b>. Will this be easy? Of course not.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bradleycorp.com/images/products/accessories/2493_highres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.bradleycorp.com/images/products/accessories/2493_highres.jpg" width="168" /></a></div>I will give you a simple example though. I live in a residence and thus share a bathroom. In our bathroom we have a paper towel dispenser. To cut down on wasted paper, I stopped using the dispenser and would rather go to my room and dry my hands with my towel. It took a while for me to get used to this changed habit and I made mistakes along the way; sometimes I would push the handle, dry my hands and only then realize I had forgotten my new method of drying.<br />
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Habits are not easy to break because they are habits - you don't always have to think about doing them, you just do them. But this challenge is about being conscious of those actions and trying to change the ones that are harming yourself or the people and planet around you.Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-39719748358126677582011-04-01T04:52:00.000-04:002011-04-01T04:52:47.218-04:00Day 26 - What is your purpose?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ascentleadership.com/dotnetnuke/Portals/0/Man%20Contemplating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://ascentleadership.com/dotnetnuke/Portals/0/Man%20Contemplating.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I think a lot about the 'purpose of life'. Why am I here? What <i>should</i> I be doing? What effect am I having on the environment around me? I think it's good to reflect sometimes on what you're doing with your life (not all the time though, because then you miss out on life itself). As much as I reflect though, I still have no idea what the ultimate purpose is: Is it to give? Is it to find love? Is it to have fun along they way? Is there not a purpose to life?<br />
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Today's challenge is rather abstract, I know, but I think it's important to think about a greater goal. Having a greater purpose gives you focus and allows you to work toward that goal on a day-to-day basis.<br />
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<b>So, what is your purpose? And how are you assuring you are on the path to achieving it?</b><br />
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I would love to see comments on this post because just as much as it's good to reflect on your own, it's helpful to hear other people's thoughts and beliefs as well.<br />
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*This post was inspired by the following video: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0oHlX8Kmxk&feature=player_embedded">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0oHlX8Kmxk&feature=player_embedded</a>Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-24315913548183500282011-03-31T05:05:00.001-04:002011-03-31T08:32:27.636-04:00Day 25 - Make a meaningful donationIf you take a look at my "<a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/p/why-should-you-care.html">Why should you care?</a>" section, you will see a <a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/p/why-should-you-care.html">TED Talk video</a> by Jessica Jackley. Within this video she talks about the <i>burden</i> of donating to 'the poor' and how she used to only donate when it was convenient or when she was cornered into doing so. That is not what donations are meant to be about. According to the <i>Princeton Dictionary</i>, a donation is "a voluntary gift (as of money or service or ideas) made to some worthwhile cause. <b>Today's challenge is to make (or at least commit to making) a meaningful donation. </b><br />
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<a href="http://www.englishexercises.org/makeagame/my_documents/my_pictures/2008/nov/E69_2por5s2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.englishexercises.org/makeagame/my_documents/my_pictures/2008/nov/E69_2por5s2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="148" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Let's break down that definition quickly: 1. a voluntary gift; 2. money or service or ideas; and, 3. to a worthwhile cause. </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Everyone</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> can make a donation, it's just about choosing what type of donation you will give and to whom.<br />
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"If you have much, give your wealth. If you have little, give your heart." - Arab Proverb<br />
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This challenge is about giving what is feasible for you, and having meaning behind it. I don't want you to donate $10 to a random charity, I want you to find a cause which you are passionate about and give what you can; whether that be a financial contribution, volunteering your time or a simple 'thank-you for all you do' card.<br />
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Make a difference today through a meaningful donation!</span> </b>Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-9340086779084623902011-03-30T07:00:00.000-04:002011-03-30T07:00:16.310-04:00Day 24 - Know the politicsThis challenge is especially relevant to Canadian citizens right now (with the election coming up in May), but certainly something that anyone, from any country should be acquainted with. I am referring to knowing your political situation and exercising your right to vote.<br />
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"Freedom is a package deal - it comes with responsibility and consequences."<br />
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It is our constitutional right to vote in a fair and free democratic election. But in the last Canadian election only 59.1% of the population voted. Why? Perhaps they were too busy, or perhaps they just forgot. Perhaps it's because we have it so good already, why even cast a vote?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.epicurusinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/libya-protest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.epicurusinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/libya-protest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I'll tell you why. Around the globe there are people who are oppressed, shut out, or even killed for wanting the same political freedom we have. I don't want to criticize or attack, I simply want you to know the importance and privilege that Canadians have to be able to vote. With the current situation in Libya and Cote d'Ivoire raging on, how can we, with good conscience, not take advantage of this chance to have a say in our leadership.<br />
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For Canadians who would like to see which political party lines up closest to their views, you can check out the following website: <a href="http://federal.votecompass.ca/#top">http://federal.votecompass.ca/#top</a>. After answering 30 questions it shows you where you stand on political issues and which Canadian party most represents your view.<br />
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<b>Day 24's challenge is to educate yourself on the political situation of the country you are currently in and exercise your political rights. </b>Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6562417050749593251.post-60899684374763538442011-03-29T04:09:00.002-04:002011-03-29T09:26:23.841-04:00Day 23 - Watch and reactThe last 'watch and react' challenge (<a href="http://kevinmcgregorsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-13-watch-and-react.html">Day 13</a>) was tough because the content was not pleasant. Today has more of a hopeful twist. This video answers the question: what is the purpose of life (or at least from one man's perspective). For those who were not here for Day 13's 'watch and react' challenge - <b>the task is to view the video below and react to it</b>. Do something about it - anything. "I never worry about action, but rather inaction;" Winston Churchill. Enjoy and I hope you feel inspired.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/j5f6OpPpeTw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5f6OpPpeTw&feature=player_embedded">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5f6OpPpeTw&feature=player_embedded</a></div><br />
<span id="goog_1810735406"></span><span id="goog_1810735407"></span>Kevin McGregorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930528330565060820noreply@blogger.com1