Jan 22 - Living in Dubreka

After a couple of weeks in Dubreka, I'm beginning to get a little of the hang of this life.  Oh, compared with 99.9% of Africans, I have a lavish, lovely, extravagant lifestyle - but that's another topic.  I do have a lovely 3-bedroom home (comes with my job) with water tower, generator, air conditioner, TV, gated fence etc.  Unfortunately, I do not have electricity, running water, or internet.  Somehow I'm so "AMERICAN" that these limitations are a real struggle!  I do realize that millions of Africans do OK living without these "necessities" but it's really hard to do a job, to get ahead, or to even do more than just survive in conditions like this.  Most of the time I do just fine.  Sometimes it still gets to me though.

The school year finally got started and I'm teaching a "graduate" class in "How to Be a University Professor of Music."  I have 7 students and was given a request by the Director that I prepare these students to possibly be hired for the following year.  That's certainly a challenge!  We meet M/W/F afternoons and it's been quite interesting to see what they are capable of doing.

I also finally got started with a group of students to help with the SikLik notation project that I've been working on.  I didn't know what to expect from students coming from a culture that does not use music notation.  They start learning to "read music" when they get to the University.   And then here I come with a new form of notation...  That's actually been quite fun to work on.  We use a circular design and bottle caps to notate the cyclical patterns of the Guinean traditional rhythms.

My family is coming to visit!  I look forward to their arrival.  I've been saving extra water and tanks of gas so they don't have to sit in the dark!  (Still no internet - had to come into Conakry to get access.)

Jan 14 - No Internet

This is late and it will be quick.  No internet in Dubreka.  Made a quick trip to Conakry to try and get a view things done (and use the internet!)  Just wanted to let you know I am alive.  Theoretically we'll get internet in 2 weeks at the school where I'm teaching.  I just wish we'd add electricity and running water to the list of things that we're trying to get...

Jan 9 - Back in Africa

I'm back.  It's a long trip but it felt good to get back to Guinea.  Still working on a plan to get from Conakry up to Dubréka where I will live and work.  I enjoyed my time in Bemidji - enjoyed seeing friends from church and school.  I enjoyed spending time with my best friends, Sue and Clyde.  School here starts tomorrow so I gotta get busy!

This Snow-Angel was done in honor of all of my African friends who are dying to see snow!

Jan 5 - Visa in hand!

My passport and newly-issued visa for Guinea came in today.  YAY!!!  Back to getting ready to leave, travel, unpack in a new house, and be ready to teach on Monday.  This would be a tad easier if I knew what I was going to teach.  I've enjoyed my 2 weeks here in Minnesota with Sue and her family.  These 2 weeks were a gift from God - no question.

Jan 4 - Good news in the air!

My visa company in Washington DC has been working diligently on my behalf.  Thank you, Travel The World Visas!  After much discussion I apparently have a visa and my passport will be FedExed to me in time for my Friday flight back to Guinea.  YIPPEE!

Sue is doing a little better.  Still fighting and still hanging on.  I'm very proud of her.  I've enjoyed having a little time to spend her and her husband over the holidays.

Hard to think hot & sweaty in packing to go back...

Jan 1 - Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all those following this blog.  I'm SUPPOSED to be arriving back in Guinea today but, due to visa problems, am having the opportunity to stay in Minnesota for another week or so.  Minnesota blessings?  Snow, no sweating, steamed crabs and Chinese food with friends yesterday, and watching the Florida Gators in the Outback Bowl in TV.  GO GATORS!  My friend, Sue, is weak and tired but *noticeably* better than she was when I got here a week ago.  Praise God.