First of all, don't be disturbed by the new title of my blog. Death Leave Me Alone is what Koudassi, the name of my village, translates into English.

My first month on my own has been very interesting to say the least. I have met some very entertaining people, consumed some very strange food, and gone to the bathroom in some very unpleasant places. My neighbor is a natural healer and to protect me from the assortment of poisinous snakes here, he had me drink the local alcohol sodabi that had been marinating in the carcasses of 14 dead snakes. Not only did it get me a little tipsy, but it also resulted in me being confined to the latrine for 2 days. But I guess it will all be worth it if I ever get bit by a green mamba.

I attended a birthday party for one of the village elders the other day, here was about 100 people there and they had hired someone to come videotape it. Well, I show up to the party while the speeches are going on. Everybody gets all excited because their white sister has arrived and the ask me to make a speech to the man I don't even know in a language I can barely speak. So, in front of 100 people I stood up and made my best attempt at a coherent speech in French. I failed miserable but everyone was still pleased.

Well, I wish I could write more, but my hour on the internet is about to run out. I miss you all so much and love you lots.