Benin, West Africa

This is Benin, where Denise will be for the next 3 months.

Off to Benin

Denise writes:

Hi All,

I am two days away from my departure for Benin. I was feeling a bit nervous until this morning when my VISA and passport finally arrived in the mail. Cutting it close...phew.

For those of you unfamiliar with the area, Benin is a small West african country bordered by Togo, Niger, Nigeria, and Burkino Fasa. Though economically poor as a country, Benin has a stable government and for the most part experiences peaceful interactions within its borders and with surrounding countries.

I visited Benin once before during a travel semester with Eastern Mennonite University. While there this time I will be working and living at La Casa Grande, a small orphanage located 50km outside of Cotonou, Benin's largest city. Time will tell what exactly my day at the orphanage will look like but I understand it may involve tasks such as caring for/teaching the kindergarten aged children, helping cook meals, cleaning, planning activities....

This orphanage really is a special place. Take a look at their website for more information.

I will be in Benin until December 11th when I will travel to France and spend a week there before returning to Toronto on the 17th.

Thanks for your interest. I look forward to sharing stories when I return home!

- Denise