this is how rumors get started

I've been in Djibo now for over 8 months , and there are still moments when I'm thrown by some random surprise. The volunteer I replaced did an excellent job in introducing the Peace Corps philosophy to the community. Most of my work is furthering the development of the artisan's association I was assigned to work with and my latest primary task has been to set up the headquarters that Andy had left them with. As a replacement, I've continually been worried about not being "good enough" and sometimes wonder if my community expects me to contribute something like a building. I guess I don't have to worry about that, anymore...

Random man:

(approaches me and recites Arabic phrases)

Me:

I don't understand what you're saying.

Random man:

It is a Quranic verse to thank you for your contribution.

Me:

Thanks?

Random man:

Mashallah, we have cause to celebrate!

Me:
I seriously have no idea what you are talking about.

Random man
(looking at me annoyed):
It is to say thank you.

At this point, I walked away, because I was getting kind of annoyed that the conversation was taking a circuitous turn (pun not intended). Later in the week, people continued to come up to me to shake my hand and thank me. I found it to be absolutely weird. Thank you for what? My counterpart, Malik, happened to be walking through town with me one day when yet another grateful stranger approached me and thanked me again.

Malik
(attempting to hide a smirk):
He's thanking you for building [the 16th] mosque.

Me:
What?

Malik
(laughing):
He thinks you were the one who financed the mosque. He didn't know if it was for real, but then 8 months ago (read: time I got to Djibo), they cleared the land and started construction. Then he saw the parapets and realized it was all true.

Me:
But I didn't build or finance the mosque...

Malik:
Well, you do look Arab to most of us.

Me:

Some Saudi is financing this and is not going to be happy that I'm getting credit for his mosque.

Malik:
I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Me:

What are you talking about?

Malik:
Andy gave us our association headquarters and you gave us the mosque. (laughs) There isn't anything greater than that.

Me:

My replacement is going to hate me.

***

Currently watching: The Constant Gardener. Ralph Fiennes is so polished in every movie he makes. Even the one where he plays a Nazi.
Currently craving: Chocolate pancakes. Hmm...
Currently thinking about: The Marathi Youth "conwension" that happened this weekend in Chicago. Am totally wishing I was there. Guess there's always the one in 2008.