Last night, I asked my Papa for some stories to translate from Fon to practice the language. Since it struck a chord within my own personal journey, I thought I would share. Here's what he gave me:
Once there was an ambitious monkey who grew restless of his life in the jungle, and decided to go on a journey in search of something more enjoyable. He decided to climb and climb as high as he could, so he found a mountain and began. Once he was to the top, he was still unsatisfied. He found a nearby tree and climbed it until he was at the highest point for hundreds of miles. Just then, a bird flew by and said,"Where are you going?" The monkey replied, "I was climbing as I could, but there is nothing left to climb." "There is plenty to climb," said the bird, "Look down there at the endless jungle." The monkey then realized that his heart belonged back in the jungle where he could always climb a tree, even if it wasn't the tallest.
Friday we were all given our posts, which we leave for early September. It was a highly anticipated day, seeing how the Benin Big Bang would spread us out all over the country. Unfortunately due to PC laws I am not allowed to say specifically I will be posted, but it is in the Alibori region, far Northeast next to Burkina Faso and Niger, full of Fulani cattle nomad tribes, and 3 month spans of heat that reaches 130 Farenheit. I will be getting the 'textbook' PC experience. No electricity, no running water, no cell phone service, no volunteers for at least 30km, village of 5000, and pretty much no structure for projects. Fortunately I am the closest volunteer to our workstation, with there being 3 in the North, so I will be going there often for calls and internet.
I still have no idea what all this means right now, but I'm excited since there is another 6'5'Minnesotan with a buzzed head that just finished 2 years up there and is helping with stage. The powers that be are always sending me good signs! I still plan on getting some building or design projects started up there, but it won't be soon since the first 3 months at post is strictly for getting involved and accepted into the community. So no problem getting this first round of books read at post!
I will have to start learning Bariba, the local language, since French will only work with high up positions such as the Mayor, etc... Apparently there is a lot of scarification, and also a mix of local tribes that has spun off and become local sorcerers that I have been told have the ability to fly. These people were cast away when their bottom teeth came in before their tops, and now they are spellcasters. Since I have some experience with spellcasters like my neighbor in Venice, this shouldn't be a problem. Adam, expect that notebook you gave me to contain some powerful information in it!
Alright, the internet combined with the keyboards here are so exhausting, I need another week break. I had no idea computers could be this difficult to operate, just thank your own while you're reading this! Missing you all daily, and can't wait to read the great comments. Make sure to email me and keep me updated on your adventures!
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6 comments:
I've always told you you're like a jungle monkey! Keep it up Mowgli, it's time to climb the highest tree. Maybe you'll find a yummy coconut, but you're going to have to cut the pieces out yourself this time. xoxo
Make sure you think twice before you get any scarification done, but a sketchbook full of spells from flying sorcerers sounds incredible.
Well this sounds fantastic. I know we talked about you coming back all high and mighty because you had this experience, but if you come back having the ability to fly, then just keep it to yourself. Because I know I'd never hear the end of it.
kisses,
Ben
I believe I can fly, I believe I can touch the sky, I think about it every night and day...
go on little erriotte, make rkelly proud, like you've done us.
hey son - your 'real pops' checkin in. glad to see you starting to write more. you have a gift for it,so keep it up. your 'benin' family, as well as your experiences, sound exceptional! and since i'm your dad let me just say one last word - 'spellchack' love ya , son!
hey son - your 'real pops' checkin in. glad to see you starting to write more. you have a gift for it,so keep it up. your 'benin' family, as well as your experiences, sound exceptional! and since i'm your dad let me just say one last word - 'spellcheck' love ya , son!
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