Alive & Happy Holidays

Hi All,

I wanted to let you know I am alive and healthy as can be for BF. I spent the last three months in village (one short internet-less trip to Yako right after the last time I was online at the end of September/beginning of October)! I only went to Toma three times during that whole period: once to pick-up my absentee ballot to cast my vote for my presidential and local candidates of choice; once to eat some chicken and drink some cold drinks with my colleagues; and once to see my directeur decorated for his many years of service.

Why so much time in village this year? I am teaching twice as much as last year and CLM is no longer my neighbor. Plus, Bryan (my formerly second closest neighbor, current closest neighbor and soon-to-be second closest neighbor again) and Garrett came up for Thanksgiving and we had tasty green beans and of course, turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, candied yams and cranberry sauce (almost all of which is thanks to ex-neighbor CLM). Though, at the end of this week, I will be getting a new neighbor about 45 km from me! Exciting since it is bikable and there is daily transport that passes through our villages (if I get lazy and feel spendy).

Also, my APCD passed through and dropped off packages and mail which was exciting. Followed by a visit from my CD who just wanted to say hi. Will post pics that he took eventually.

I will be contactable for the next day or so, as I head back to village to celebrate Christmas/New Year's/my new neighbor, but I plan on coming back for a day in the beginning of January.

Hope all is well.

Best, AK