TWO HOMES

Bonjour à tous! It’s been a while since I have written a blog post which seems to be a common theme for my posts. I guess things just got a little crazy for a while, but I am back now and ready to update everyone on how my life is going. I recently just got back from a visit to the states which was much needed. A year without getting a hug from my mom was, in my opinion, way to long. Going HOME was very interesting to say the least. To be completely honest I was really scared about the reverse culture shock that I would have returning to Arizona, but to my surprise it felt completely normal. Over all I felt more stimulated and sometimes overwhelmed, but in my mind my US life and my Benin life were completely separate. Of course things had changed, but my relationships with family and friends hadn’t changed a bit and it still felt like old times. I haven’t lived at home since I was in college, and even then it was only for the summers. I’m used to crashing on an air mattress or a couch when I stay with my mom or dad because for me HOME isn’t where my bed is, its where my family is. Even though I have built a HOME for myself in Benin where I have friends who care about me, it was really nice to be HOME where I feel most comfortable around the people that truly know me. Don’t get me wrong there was some bickering and disagreements when I was in Arizona, but tell me what family doesn’t fight. I started writing a list of all the special moments that I had during my visit, but there was just too many and I couldn’t pick my favorites. Here are some pictures instead!

Coming back to Benin was even more scary then going to the states. After I had gotten through my visit to Arizona, I spent the weekend in Chicago with one of my best friends and some family members. It was hard getting on the plane from Arizona to Chicago because that ment yet again I was leaving HOME to fly solo, but I was excited to see everyone in Chicago so I decided to focus on that feeling. It was so nice to just spend time with people in person because in all honesty I am not very good at the whole social media thing but I try. After spending some time in Chicago, my cousin took me to the airport and I was off again. I have to admit the ride to the airport was a bit hard. I felt a huge wave of anxiety rush over me, but once I was waiting inline for security I started to think about going back HOME to Benin to see everyone and I felt much better. My flight had a connection in Paris with about a 7 hour layover, so I decided to risk it and go into the city! Which was the best decision. I took the train into the city and immediately felt like a new person. I don’t know if I have mentioned this before but J’adore Paris. First thing I did was sit down for a cappuccino and baguette accompanied by a little personal strawberry jam! Then I walked around Le jardin des Tuileries for a while before heading back to the train station. Before getting on the train I stopped for a glass of wine and some French onion soup (weird combo I know, but its what my heart desired). After I finished my meal (but wishing I had time for one more glass of wine) I hopped back on the train. If you couldn’t tell I would highly suggest going into Paris if you have a long layover.

I landed in Benin around 8:30pm, and after I successfully found my bags, I headed out of the airport to find my GoZem car (Uber but Beninise style). Now it was time to fully turn on my French skills and navigate my way to the Peace Corps office. Over the next few days I stayed in a city called Cotonou in order to rest and recharge. After that, I went to another city about 2 hours west called Grande Popo and spent the weekend on the beach with some friends before heading back to Kpédékpo (the village where I live). So after that whirlwind of a trip, I am back HOME.

After living in two completely different cultures, I have made some observations of my own that I would like to share. Americans are super impatient, but it’s because they value their time. Everyone has heard the phrase time is money, well that is very true for Americans. Everything moves fast and if you can’t keep up you are left behind which creates motivated and ambitious people. Now you can either see this as a good or bad thing your choice. As for Benin, life is much more slow. Life is not all about “me me me” its about “we we we”. When the community thrives, you thrive and vice versa. Opportunities come from relationships, and people live with their families way past 18 years old. You have respect for your elders, and everyone has a specific role to play in the community. Again you can see this as good or bad you choose. In my opinion, I like aspects of both ways of life, and I am taking this time to listen and learn. Because “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” -Ferris Bueller.