Here are four pictures from Tim in Togo, West Africa, where he spent 27 months as a Peace Corps Volunteer.  He was one of 95 in the country. His assignment was working in the areas of women's empowerment and child trafficking, stationed by himself in Tchebébé, a village located about 300 Kilometers north of the Togo capitol and coast. The village has three tribal chiefs (thus three languages) in addition to the national language of French.  There is a Roman Catholic church and at least two mosques.
Tim standing proudly in front of his home in Tchebébé, Togo.  Tim's house has three rooms plus the latrine in back.  His "compound" also provides single room housing for at least three other Togolese plus a couple of orphan children who hang out around his kitchen door.
This is making "foo-foo" which is a core food item for the average people of Togo.  The women are pounding yams into a paste-like texture after which it may be fried and served with seasoning and red oil.
There are important times for singing and sharing.  Here is Tim with his original host family who helped him learn cooking, washing, language and other skills needed to survive in a new world.
Tim at the well located in his front yard.  There is no running water or electricity.  All water must be boiled and filtered before drinking.
Click on a picture above for a larger image.