Coming Home

I was so anxious about going back to my village after being at training for a month and only having spent one month prior to that in my new town. I didn't feel like I had deeply integrated into the community quite yet. I wondered if, in fact, my villagers would even remember my Hausa name or why I came in the first place.

Yet, after the journey from Niamey, I got out of the taxi and was immediately greeted by my mayor and the soda guy. So, I sat on a bench with them and sipped my cold coke and laughed as they teased me that my neck had grown to resemble that of a horse after eating in plenty at the training site for three weeks. Then, walking home from the market, I exchanged many greetings and warm smiles with my villagers. They all asked "Kin zo lahiya?" (Did you return in health?) In health, I replied. They told me they were happy about my return and may Allah give me good luck on my work here. What a relief. ..they remembered me and seemed pleased upon my return.

Now, as I am sitting watching the sunset and listening to the guinea fowl squawk while Zirga, my cat, is curled up in my lap, I feel like I am home for the first time in my new village.