In Village

Last Monday I left my host family and moved to my post, a small village in the department of Collines. Collines translates to hills and on the way here I passes many of the collines which are oddly grouped in 3s or 4s and displaced throughout the region. It*s quite scenic and a change from where I had my training in the south, which is completely flat, yet still beautiful.
When the taxi pulled into my village I was greeted by about a dozen children who seemed to be waiting for me all weekend. They eagerly helped me unload the taxi and move into my house which is set up kinda like a duplex. I have two rooms on the end with no electricity or running water, I also have no privacy for my shower, latrine and kitchen are all outside; I can actually wave to my neighbors as I take a bucket shower. Fortunately, my community has offered to build me a fence and construct a back door (not quite sure how that*s possible considering my walls are cement, but we*ll see how things go).
However, I do have a porch and two gorgeous mango trees out front. I have already spent most my time here sitting on my porch reading or watching the goats, chickens, and pigs search for food. Some of the children randomly stop by, say a word or two, then just stare at me in silence. It sounds awkward, but it*s nice to have the company.
Now that I am in my village, I*m not supposed to start working at the health center for the first three months. It*s supposed to give us time to integrate into the community and assess its needs. I plan on using the time to explore the region see what*s around and find where I can but some food. There is a market in my village, but it only comes on Fridays, even then it has little to offer. I was only able to find tomatoes, onions and pasta when I went. So, I will probably make trips to nearby towns, unfortunately I know I won*t be able to find cheese, chocolate or ice cream.
Settling into my house has also been keeping me busy. I only have two rooms, but I can*t seem to sweep enough in one day; sand comes from no where. I also had to get a couple of bats out my front door. I*m not easily startled by critters, but bats flying around my head was enough to make me cringe. Since then, I had the opening where they came in covered, so hopefully, besides lizards and spiders, I won*t have anymore unwelcome guests.
Overall, I think I*m going to like life in my village. I still have some adjusting to do, such as getting used to the transportation (it took me over two hours to get to the Internet cafe), but that will come with time. Hope all is going well with everyone!