Blogs from South, Benin, Africa - page 11

So this is Africa. The Peace Corps does a very good job of masking reality, to some extent, to prevent culture shock. I spent five days in Cotonou before traveling to Aplahoue with eight other stagaires. In Aplahoue, we met our host families. My name now is Asse Beth Erika. I was told I would become the eighth child of this family, but I think there are only four children actually born from my mother and father. The definition of family here is very inclusive; I think the other children are cousins or friends who have families not as capable of providing for their children, so my family welcomes them. This is a very typical family in African culture. My family Asse is wonderful, and maybe one of my greatest sources of comfort. Considering the circumstances, ... read more