What's going on:

A few more weeks have passed by and work has been moving along. I had the great opportunity to share a traditional Thanksgiving with several Beninese at a friend's post. It was really great to celebrate perhaps the second most fundamental American holiday with Host Country Nationals (HCNs). We had to stuff a few chickens because turkey was cost prohibitive, but they were delicious. After dinner we played music and danced.

At school things have been moving along. We had our first series of exams this last week and so far my kids seem to be getting the lessons (the students that can read of course). I am anxiously waiting the funds for tooth paste. When I receive them I will make a trip to the capital. I have made a flier and will go around to all of the 6e level classrooms and make the announcement just before winter break.

I am also looking forward to getting my hands on some art supplies a family friend collected from the school where she teaches. People at home have been so helpful in realizing my visions for my time here. My service wouldn't be the same without their support.

Moringa is slowly coming along. This month we are taking to the dirt roads and building a network of health centers and sales women in 5 villages who we will train about the product and its benefits. We are also hoping to connect with walking pharmacies, women who roam around towns and villages with baskets of pills and medications. These women tend to be really well informed about their product and arrive at ill people's house extremely poignantly. If we can build a good sales team capable of helping us to create a informed client base, it will greatly improve our chances of success. Next month we are looking to start our marketing campaign at local health centers during their baby weighing and vaccination days.

The only sad news is the death of my iBook. I mourned for a solid 48 hours, but I have a friend taking it home to get it fixed or rescue the hard drive. Hopefully it should arrive in 5 weeks or so along with the art supplies mentioned above. Having a laptop has been so great for my work (and sanity), but I will make due if the iBook is beyond repair.