I've become something of a master bug killer with my bottle of Pif Paf (a spray can of the local mosquito and fly killer) in one hand and a sandle in the other. I'm crazy about making sure all the bugs in my room are dead before I go to sleep, even with my mosquito net in place over my bed, I just don't want them around. The Pif Paf is kind of scary stuff, shortly after being sprayed flies fall to the floor obviously suffering some sort of neurological failure. I try not to use it to much when I'm actually in the room, or if I do I leave the room for a while because I can't imagine whatever is disabling flies is good for humans either. I do a good spray of the room in the morning though after the lady who cleans my room comes through, inevitably letting in a couple of flies and dozens of mosquitos as she leaves the door opens when she cleans. I've though of asking her not to leave the door open, but I have the feeling it might be in part for her protection that she does, so I'll just let it be.
I have a few more pictures of life around the office. To answer a question posted, the fear of pictures was heavily instilled in the people by the government during the war. It was very much a security risk and the people became very actively involved in making sure people weren't taking pictures of infrastructure/buildings/other things that could become targets. Picture taking is still viewed very suspiciously and actually illegal in many places, such as near any government buildings, any bridges, etc. So hence, my picture taking while pretending to use my phone, and therefore a lot of sideways/not centered pictures out of car windows.
Below is the center for girls, all of whom were vulnerable to or victims of GBV. On the board that holds their daily schedule is included half an hour of time for 'wound care'. I'm not exactly sure of the nature of their wounds, but the fact that they have scheduled daily time for it probably says enough. I'm standing at the door of my office taking this picture.
Here are some of the girls playing with Habibi the monkey
Upon discovering I had a camera it was quickly spirited out of my hands for each girl to take some pictures with, this is just one example of their photography. To say they like cameras is a massive understatement, every single one of them wanted to be taking pictures and be in the pictures at the same time.
Some of our lovely helpers in the office, after school the girls are always in and out of the offices to say hi, or chase the monkey when he comes to hide, or just see what we are up to.
Below is something I've been trying to take a picture of since I got here, this is the best I've got so far. You can only just see it, but over in the upper right hand corner is a pool table under a large tree where the goat herders hang out and play pool. I love going by and seeing them engaged in careful games of pool while the goats hang out. The idea of a pool table outside may seem a bit strange, but all the material for roofing goes to people's homes, so the tree serves as pretty decent shelter in all but the worst of the rains.
Finally, here is my boss and our office monkey hanging out. He's getting quiet adventurous jumping between our desk and trying to break into our office supplies, so we have to make sure not to leave anything important unattended when the office door is open lest he either try to eat the paper clips, or just spill them all over the place.
Happy Fourth everyone! I don't think we'll be doing any celebrating here, but I'll be missing the food, friends, and fireworks at home!
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