#backtovillage

Last week I returned to Datcha for a Camp ECO-Action planning meeting. Luckily, the meeting coincided with a fete the environmental association was throwing. Not only did we have a great meeting, but I got to see all of my mamas again!

My decision to leave village for Lome was not an easy one. Ultimately I opted for new and different challenges (and a slightly busier schedule) in Lome. After a year and a half in village, I was excited about developing my M&E and project management skills. Yet it was difficult to feel truly comfortable about the move.

When I left village in December I didn't make a big fuss - after all, I wasn't leaving. Lome is not America. Plus, I'm back in Datcha pretty much every month for ECO-Action meetings, so it wasn't good-bye. Plus, I'm not good with good-byes in the first place, so I'd rather not have to do them twice.

We were sitting at a table, finishing up our meeting, when the mamas started to arrive for the fete. Most of them did a double-take when they saw me, and then rushed over to greet me, beaming. Apparently (and thankfully) I haven't forgotten my local languages - Ife, Moba, Ewe, Akposso, Fon... Lots of hand-holding and hugs all around.

I was sitting and chatting with the Majorette - I reserved the biggest hug for her - when Georges came over to ask how long we could stay. "All of your women from AFAD and savings and loan have heard that you're in town," he said, "and they are all excited to come see you."

Those questions of impact and effectiveness? Moot. The relationships I've formed with these women are more faithful to the spirit of Peace Corps and to human development than any school garden or conference. (Although those aren't too bad, either).