Monday, October 1, 2018

BF Journal: Sept. 14, 2018 - Oct. 1, 2018


Kissa took off to Ouaga for a few days in order to drop Sakina off at her dad's place. She has started her new school year, so I bought her a small tablet, specifically for educational games. Kissa has since returned and even though it was only a few days, it felt longer. Before, my time spent with her was either new and less serious (my first trip) or very short and always with a sense of urgency about maximizing our time together (the past two summers). This trip we have a whole year together and she comes to stay with me as often as she can. I am growing accustomed to having her around and I have started to wonder how it will affect me this time when I depart (if her visa application is still not accepted).

Bakary went to KV and returned. He went to do a bit of work in his cornfields and check on the militia situation. He reports that there is an agreement involving the governor of the province, and that this militia does not enter KV. In fact they have been forced to leave altogether. The news reports that the governor has prohibited the local militia (koglwéogo) in this specific area. This is a notable departure from the position of the government of Burkina Faso, which defended these groups in spite of the recommendation against them from the UN. I am a little unclear as to what the militia says it will do, but I was surprised that they were not in the east, given that that area is where they likely be the most useful.

Most of the past week has been getting supplies for my imminent move to KV and being sick (again). It seems that my body has decided to fight me this time in Burkina. I am not exactly winning yet, either.

I have confirmed Thursday as the move to KV day. I have been spending the past few days buying supplies and whatnot. I am very excited to be heading to KV. This excitement is both increased by the fact that I won't be on social media as much and will likely have less bad news intruding into my life. However, that is at odds with my need to stay informed. I also worry greatly about events unfolding right now which impact so many lives. At least I don't have to witness the utter callousness and demagoguery of the political right, for a while.

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