Girl's Got Moves

Sunday, June 16^th

First off, I got my luggage back!! It was filled with tiny insects, but that’s beside the point – all of my things are back in my possession!! The clothes would have been replaceable, but I am very relieved to have my sketchbook, incense, Aladdin lamp, and Christmas candles.

Now that that’s been announced, on to the more exciting news:

I met my host family today!

I was really nervous because my French is proving to be pretty atrocious and all I can say in Ewe is “what is your name?”, “my name is…”, “good morning”, and “welcome”. I was afraid the lack of communication would put my host family at more of a disadvantage for getting to know me.

Not the case.

Our vans were welcomed into the village with our families lining the streets and clapping for us. Immediately following, we were walked inside and shown to where a group was playing music and dancing. They would grab certain volunteers and pull them into the middle to dance.

It was discovered shortly, that I dance in a way satisfactory to people here in Togo.

Everyone was cheering and laughing. Throughout the remainder of the afternoon, people would come up to me and say “Dansez tres bien!”

When I was introduced to my host mom and dad, they too complimented my moves. I then learned I had a host brother and sister who were also amused. When the band started the music, they would take me to the middle to dance again.

After the celebration, we each left with our individual families. The home I’m staying in is actually separated into several small buildings surrounded by a tall fence. I have my own little building, stocked with a mosquito net and water filter. My mama and papa have a building, as well as my brother and sister. There’s also a building for cooking and the shower. In the middle of the courtyard is a straw hut to hang out under. We have a dog named Milo that took and immediate disliking to me, along with any other living being that walks into the courtyard.

They are working so hard to make me feel at home. They cooked for me and won’t let me carry anything. They also encourage me to leave my shoes on, although each of them takes theirs off before going inside.

Another notable experience for the day: my first bucket bath. I wrapped myself in my shower pagne, which is a vibrant, patterned cloth here in Africa that you can make clothes from and, apparently, dry off with. I took my bucket, filled it with well water, and proceeded to the outdoor, closed in shower area. Using a bowl with a handle, you pour one scoop over your head. You then soap up all at once, and use the remaining water to rinse off. During my bucket bath, I could look up at the open sky and see the stars. I think I could definitely get used to this. I returned to my little house rewrapped in my pagne and continued to dry off with the regular towel I brought.

After freshening up, I hung out with my family. Though still struggling a bit with the language barrier, my brother and sister and I decided to share music and dances with each other.

I taught them how to Dougie.

And learned that even in Togo, they love Michael Jackson.

We each took turns demonstrating our best movies and could not stop laughing. I’m being reminded that you don’t need language to enjoy the company of others. I’m also being reminded that I’m a white girl from south Texas because every dance move of mine they mimic looks ridiculous. I’m looking forward to bringing a little somethin somethin back to the states.

Tomorrow, I will begin my official CHAP training. I’ll give you all an update soon.

Thanks for reading.

Keep dancing,

Shea