Settling into Djibouti

I am sitting at the desktop computer in my office, which is housed in the National Teacher Training Center (CFPEN) in the middle of town.  Our team of three has inherited equipment and space, so much of this month has been consumed by settling in procedures - from the simple (wiping away dust and grime, and setting up a washing station for the coffee cups) to the complex (reorganizing cabinets of documents and rewiring the office equipment).  A process that seems standard in one's native environment becomes all-encompassing abroad: locating potable water, a functional toilet and food; understanding real and illusionary business hours; getting from one place to the next.  In coming today, I discovered that people live within the compound of the CFPEN (bright colored laundry is strung between office windows and two boys are waging a gun fight behind the trees).  I also discovered that on Friday, prayer day, the front door to the building is locked with the key I share, but additionally bolted closed with a chain.

Our Djiboutian colleagues have made great strides to make us comfortable.  We find this a model environment to work - where interest is high, funding is available, and initiatives have already begun.  They have demonstrated a keen interest in self-development and warned us directly that we are here to advise and assist, but not replace the Djiboutian professional themselves.  I agree wholeheartedly.

A couple days ago, as I wandered the "African Quarter" where the population mainly lives, I came across the football field's turf and stadium lights.  This picture seemed indicative of the moment, so I thought I would share it here.