So I thought I’d take a little time to talk about my host family, who are hands down the best host family in Peace Corps Togo. As I mentioned, my father is a doctor and my mother is a stay at home mom/ entrepreneur. Recently I uncovered a family secret….ok not that much of a secret but... my father has 2 wives and a total of 8 children! I have not met the other wife yet.
After having some talks with my father about family planning and traditional African views on families and children he was shocked to hear that
A. I have no plans on getting married anytime soon (I was already scolded for not being married yet) and
B. I do not plan on having more than 2 children let alone 8!
After many conversations he sat my host brother and I down and we had a nice little pep talk about family planning, women’s rights, etc. etc.
With all that said, my father is awesome, he has put 7 of his 8 children through college (the last one is still in primary school) and my host brother Joel just finished his BAC 2 (a requirement to attend university and much harder than most tests we take in the states for college prep) at the age of 17 and at the top of his class…. Which is unheard of.
Ok so on to my favorite person in the family…. My host Mom! She is so awesome! Not only is she well educated (she speaks very good French and since most women do not receive adequate education in Togo, it is very hard to come by), so happy, laughing all the time, and cooks great. Every meal I literally have about 3-4 entrees (not so great for the waistline) and she cooks the best Togolese food I have had so far.
I have such a strong connection with my family and it was definitely difficult to leave the house on the last day of training. Luckily, I only live about 12 miles from them and can visit as much as possible!
Check out these photos:
It's good to hear that you are being well taken care of :) You sound at home.
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