Work Work Work. Yes, it does exist in the Peace Corps

I finally am getting out of my shell and making an effort to become part of the community. Before, I would just go to the clinic or hang out with the kids that pester me at my house, but now, I am going and sitting with other people in the community. Granted, I started small. First tackle the next door neighbor that does not speak a word of English. She owns a spot (bar). Good excuse to have a beer at the end of the day. Or just a coke. Either way, it was nice to just sit there and feel like I was doing my job. Yes, that is correct. Sitting around and having a beer constitutes doing my job. It is called integrating. And as long as I am out of my house, I am doing my job pretty well (I think).
It is hard to believe that all I am supposed to be doing is exactly that (maybe not the having a beer). Sitting around, talking with people in the community. It does not sound like a job. Or not a rewarding one. But it, amazingly, is. It is exhausting, too. I was talking to a fellow PCV who said it was okay to spend a few hours out of your house, sitting with people, talking, and then going home and not leaving. I can do that. I spend a few hours at the medical clinic and then an hour or two out, I have done my job.
I know it sounds easy, but let me tell you, it is not. Imagine being in a place where everyone knows you are a foreigner (and therefore rich), you do not speak the language, and they do not speak English (even though it is their national language- explain that to me please). It is a struggling effort to get out of bed and go out. Like I said before, you are laughed at (even though they mean it as laughed with) and told (not asked) to give them things. But there are some positives too. Like them wanting to help you with your load. Or pick you on the moto (no, I have not accepted a ride). Or befriend you. Give you food if you stay long enough (oh, you want to feed me!? I guess it is dinner time. Woops, I stayed too long, guess you have to!!). Yeah, I have done that. Free Ghanaian food... HECK YEAH!
Well, now I have to go back to work. Back to my village and do some laundry. Also a major challenge, by the way. Maybe I will do it tomorrow.