6th

It was my 2nd birthday in Burkina.

I spent “already” 1/4 of a century.

I celebrated it with so many friends this year.

I had never felt so grateful to everyone around me for their presence (support).

First, 11 volunteers with who I came to Burkina

At the end of March, we had our mid term presentation at JICA office in capital. Then we all went together to 2 day-trip to Nazinga national park in the south of Burkina (to see wild animals), 3 hours from the capital, close to the border with Ghana.

At the night, they organized a party for me.

Cookies shaped in Burkina and us (12).

Funny gift (all costume) from them :D

Other volunteers in Bobo and nearby organized an occasion as well at the same time as new volunteer welcome party.

In Burkina, the person who has birthday invites others to celebrate it, which is opposite to Japanese style.

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

I invited my colleagues at office and some others with who I work at home with some Japanese food.

I had invited more of my office colleagues but they didn’t come because of some family reasons I suppose…

Menu:
Seaweed salad, Matumae-zuke (konbu: seafood and dried squid, seasoned mainly soy sauce: old volunteer had given me), curry rice, Okonomiyaki (Japanese pizza), Pork seasoned with sugar and soy sauce.

Everyone liked all !

With my “parents” here (my bosses & project counselor couple)

Friends with who I spend time often during weekend

At a restaurant in Bobo where we can get “Karaage” (fried chicken), which is pretty rare in Burkina. We usually eat grilled chicken but not fried !

They brought even a homemade cake!!!

I really, really felt so lucky and happy during those days.

I realized again how important my friends are.

I can exist here, feeling so, which is above all thank to my parents in Japan although I was born 20 days later than expected and my mom took 3 days at hospital to give birth to me…

Thank you…

Friends who celebrated my birthday in Burkina, friends who called and sent me greetings from Japan and other places,

Thank you…

I hope being always close to you all !

This year, I will try to become an adult woman !!!

PS

Gift from a friend:
A special jam with pineapple, orange and mango (only one in the world)

Why ?

I have never seen any jam pot with such photo ?! ;D