It's been so long since I've really had the chance to write and even now I just have a few moments while Hawa naps. Overall, things are good here although so much has happened. Hawa is now 11 months and practically running everywhere and falling too. She gets into everything so quickly leaving me very little time to myself. A quick rundown:
We had a great visit to the village of Nono, my husband's birthplace. We were greeted with open arms by all. On the last night there, the women even danced for me to welcome me into the family. It was such a beautiful place. I can imagine that it would make for a wonderful childhood too even if a bit difficult. Spending so much time in that beautiful countryside is good for one's soul.
We've been through two bouts of malaria. First my husband, then Hawa. It was scary both times, but especially with little baby Hawa. At one point her fever got up to 105.8. She's fine now, but it did weaken her quite a bit. She seems to have more than caught up.
The girls are now months into school and it's going well. Class sizes are small with a cap at 15 students. The first week or so was not easy. The discipline there is not what I am used to and tends to be a bit old school. My children have been unaffected. They all like to follow rules; Sireh and Ramata thrive in a structured environment. I am pleased with the teaching. They are learning so much.
I am still working on French everyday and it's coming along. I am using it more and more.
I think the seasons will now be identified by the corresponding natural threat. Rainy season/moldy season; spider season; rove beetle season - that's where we are right now. I don't know what's next, but nothing bad seems to last too long here. There aren't even any mosquitoes at the moment.
I have made a friend; a women whose children are in kindergarten with Sireh and Ramata. She spotted me right away and decided to take me under her wing. We get together frequently so the kids can play and she can answer most of my questions about where to get things or how to handle situations foreign to me.
The biggest development for me came upon our return from the trip to the village. Conakry felt like home for the first time. I'm comfortable here. It feels good and secure to be in this house. I don't feel like I'm supposed to be somewhere else anymore.
