I am reporting from our Peace Corps safe house and I'm happy to say, it's doing a great job of keeping us safe.
Sane however, is a whole other story. Imagine being on house arrest in an oven set at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Yeah, that's what it's like. We're finding interesting ways to entertain ourselves for sure. Like impromptu dance parties, dressing up in all the random clothes we've found from previous volunteers who have lived here, which proves to only worsen the hot factor, but hey, when you're bored. Um, arts and crafts, guitar sing alongs, re-arranging furniture, banangram championships, sit-ups, push-ups, lots of reading...
One of the other Peace Corps safe houses has even made a zombie apocalypse short film, to be released only God knows when and where. But the photos are hysterical. I'll keep you posted on that one.
The latest news here is not all that great because yesterday a group of leaders from the West African group ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) tried to land in Bamako in an effort to resolve the crisis, but they were forced to take a mid-air U-turn because a group of protesters flooded the runways preventing the plane from landing. The ECOWAS leaders were forced to land in neighboring Cote d'Ivoire where they could decide how to proceed. It was definitely not a positive sign that the military leader who took control of the country could not secure the airport for the arrival of these regional leaders, sooooooooo as a result, ECOWAS has given Mali an ultimatum. They have given the coup leaders 72 hours to step down or else sanctions will be imposed and borders will be closed, from the outside. In other words, "get yo shit together y'all," as my mama would say. :)
So, for the time being, we are on standby over the weekend, hoping the situation improves by Monday. I've attached some articles for those who would like details. Please know, we are doing well, just overwhelmed with the uncertainty of it all. I'll be in touch as soon as we receive more news.
Please keep Mali in your thoughts and prayers for a peaceful resolution to this crisis. The people here are incredible. They are dealing with enough as it is with all the poverty, poor access to healthcare, harsh environmental conditions, and gov't corruption that has led to the poor distribution of wealth. It makes me sick inside to think of this already struggling nation to fall into a complete economic freeze. That's the last thing on earth they need right now.
Miss you lots and love you even more.
Bevin
Associated Press Thursday March 29, 2012
http://www.google.com/
Al Jazeera Thursday March 29, 2012
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/
Associated Press Friday March 30, 2012
http://www.google.com/
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