One month to go!

Hello everyone! This past time out at site was my second to last stay in the village. I got onto the boat to head to my village and noticed a lot of the women wearing black and white, which usually means that someone has passed away. As it turns out, a village elder, around 90 years old, had recently passed away. His family was bringing his body back to the village, from the city, in order to be buried. The next three days were full of activity. People were cleaning up their yards and getting things ready for the large influx of visitors who would be coming to pay their respects. The nights were filled with 3 hour long singing sessions and the days were filled with the guests sitting together, chatting, eating and sewing. On the night of the burial, I went with one of my good friends who has since left the village. Once at the church, we stayed on the outskirts of the group, and then another one of my friends pulled me to the front so I could see better. During the short service, there were a few readings and hymns. Then the villagers passed by the coffin, waving their hands over the head of the body, the casket which had been opened. After this, everyone proceeded into the jungle where the body was buried. Eight days later, the village continued the services with another night filled with singing and dancing, in remembrance of the deceased.

I spent a few days at other sites, taking time to run on the trails between the villages. It was a bit odd knowing it would be the last time visiting certain villages and seeing certain people. The rain has been coming down very heavily, making the river and creeks rise. This also makes the creeks crossing all the trails swell; in order to get to my trail I have to wade through a thigh-high creek and in another spot, it’s took full to pass, so I’ve been making a lot of laps. The kids have been running along with me. There’s one girl who has ran with me several times, and her brother, 8, who ran with me the entire time- 45 minutes. I was really impressed with him and his endurance! His sister was a bit jealous, saying next time she wasn’t going to stop early. Sibling rivalry!

A group of girls and I had a pedicure party before I came into the city. They are always talking about my pink toenails, so the day before I left I sat down with all the little girls at my house, a group of 7. They all carefully washed their feet and then we took turns painting toes. They absolutely loved it and looked so cute with all their matching feet! I’m sure it’s something that we’ll do again before I go –next time they say I have to do their fingers too.

The village received a small amount of funding for our latrine project. After a few meetings, we decided to build three latrines, one placed in each area of the village. The men promised me that they would work hard and complete the project before I leave- which gives them about 3 weeks to get the materials, dig the 2 meter deep holes, and build the latrines. It’s something that should be doable, and I’m hoping that will be completed quickly.

I’ve had to say goodbye to a few of my friends already. They have left the village to go to other villages far upriver, and won’t be returning until after I leave. It was hard to say goodbye, considering who knows if I will ever see them again. I would possibly like to visit one day, maybe in ten years or so, but it is hard to know what the village will be like then. We exchanged phone numbers and promised to call each other, said we’d miss each other and thanked one another for everything we’ve taught each other over the past two years. With a hug and a ‘waka bun’ (walk well) farewell, we parted ways. It is hard to imagine doing this with my entire village soon. I’m sure it will be an emotional last few weeks.

So, with that short update, I’m now headed back to the village for my final 16 days. It is so hard to imagine that it really is coming to an end, and impossible to predict the readjustments I’ll face when I return. Never the less, the time is approaching to start the next chapter-one I am very excited for. Hope everyone is well. See you very soon!