It’s been ages since I last posted an update. It’s not for lack of effort, rather internet difficulties. So here it goes, the last 4 months of my life here in Benin… with a few extra wanderings through West Africa.

First, the new baby! My neighbors had a little girl just before Christmas. Urielle, is doing wonderfully and growing quickly, as babies do. Her latest "trick" is to laugh when she hears her name.

Back in February I had the opportunity to visit Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali. It was a wonderful trip! The highlight of the trip, for me, was Dogon country in Mali. If you ever get the chance to visit, I would highly recommend it. It has elements of the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verdi, and the great sand dunes. And of course, you can’t beat the great food that was provided by our wonderful guide.

Before I get head of my self I should start the trip at the beginning.

We all met up in Malanville, Benin where we had a lovely candle lit dinner (the electric went out, as normal) and turned in early to make the early morning more bearable. However, that night, Meagan’s cat had other plans. Around 2:30 am her cat had kittens. We figured that was a good sign the trip would go well.

The next morning we woke up early, checked on the cats and headed out to catch a bus to Niamey, Niger. The ride was long, dusty and bumpy but we made it there in time for a late lunch and a quick trip to there incredibly nice supermarket. They had asparagus!! I haven’t seen asparagus in two years! Unfortunately it was out of our price range, but looks were for free.

The next day we visited the last giraffes of west Africa. They are beautiful, graceful creatures who let us get within a few yards to take some photos. Rock stars!

And the grand mosque

In talking with some others in Niamey we found out that there was recently some terrorist activities north of us, therefore we had to change our travel plans. So after some discussion, we decided to go the southern route through Burkina Faso. The next morning we were off to B.F. Let me tell you, it was a long, long day of travel!

Next stop, Severe, Mali.

Flat tire! They had it changed in a snap and we were off again.

We may look tan, but it's dirt. Lots, and lots of red dirt. It just adds to the taste of our early morning bread and coffee stop. yum!

The next morning we were met by our guide Omar, and off we went to Dogon country. I’ll let the photo’s speak for themselves.

Four very tired hikers and our tour guide. What a great trip!

After all of that it was back to Benin!

After all that travel it was back to the daily grind. March was a busy month due to the rabbit project, latrine project and the tragic death of a fellow volunteer. Kate’s death shook us all pretty hard. She was an exemplary volunteer and will be greatly missed.

With march being as it was, my parents visit couldn’t have come at a better time!

We started there trip off by visiting the park up north.

Then Dassa

Where they learned a new definition of hot. Note the temp and the time of day. This is no joke.

They also participated in a HIV/AIDS prevention class.

Now I find my self in May and wonder where the time has gone. My projects are now finished! All that’s left to do is enjoy my time here with my neighbors.