Training

So yesterday's message was not quite that happy, but don't worry, I'm feeling better now. 2 steps forward, 1 step back. That's culture shock for you.

Tomorrow again we head out to Forecharia and I do know that my cell phone will work whenever. That's pretty much going to be the only way to contact me, or you can always write a letter... Remember those?

T. I. A.

For any of those who have seen Blood Diamond, T. I. A. This is Africa. This is the real stuff folks, not the safaris and Ace Ventura adventures.

First and foremost, I am healthy. I came down yesterday with a pretty bad case of the runs. Imagine a sponge. Now squeeze that sponge. That sponge was my stomach. It's not fun, but you live. A heads up to those who are thinking of visiting me, I lasted 2 full days before TP became my best friend. And I am not the only one.

Conakry:
Today marked the end of the year exams for high school students in Conakry. To celebrate, every kid in the city went to the beach behind our house to party. It would have been cool to join in, except that there were dudes with sticks collecting bribes or something to get onto the beach. These sticks are an effective use of crowd control when given to a ridiculously jacked Guinean on a power trip. Instead we just watched the party from the roof of the Peace Corps HQ.

The Peace Corps HQ is a little America in what other wise is the farthest place from America I have ever known. It's very difficult to describe some things that I saw today on the bus drive to the Peace Corps dinner, just know that these Conakry streets are not for the faint of heart. I could write all day about what lies outside of these walls, but that would just be spoiling the fun.

Believe it or not, I do have good things to say. My fellow teachers, numbering a total of 17, are awesome. We are Americans from all over the USA all asking the same question right now, "What the hell are we doing here?" Say that with a laugh and hopefully you can share in on the optimism that comes with being a member of the Peace Corps. "The hardest job you will ever love" is what so many call Returned Volunteers say. I'm beginning to see why.

I'm speaking my French with whatever limited vocabulary I now possess. Monday we start our training in Forecharia. For those unfamiliar with the Peace Corps, I will spend the next 3 months living with a host family in what is called the Peace Corps Training Site. Training is 7 days a week, 9 hours a day, full of intensive French, native langauge, and teaching training. When all is said and done, I will then move into my Peace Corps site out in the country side, where I have heard so many great things. Peace Members are located everywhere, with 98 of us scattered throughout.

Not all news is good news, but please no freaking out. It's part of the experience and the difficulties of everyday life. We all have our good and bad days. Not sure when this blog will be updated again because I won't have the internet for awhile, but be sure to check from time time. Salut!

Phone Number

Just got a new phone! Check on the right.

The HQ

Hey everyone,
I just spent my first night at the Guinea HQ and I got to say it is not too shabby. There are certainly immediate differences between DC and Conakry (like for instance the bar we went to had no lights), but it is so cool. Right away at customs, which by the way is pure chaos, I recognized the developing country smell. For those who don't know it, is it one smell you will never forget. It's not bad or good, just distinct, and it's a smell that tells you welcome to the real world.

So far the people I have met are wonderful, new PCVs and old PCV's. Everyone is very young and for the most part saying the same thing, "What the hell am I doing here?" Have no fear everyone, I am totally safe and having a pretty good time. I love being able to speak my limited French, and hopefully I will be piling it on.

On Monday we head out to our training village where there won't be any internet access. I'll be there for 3 months so do not expect too many updates. Someone from our group is going out to buy cellphones tomorrow so as soon as I know my number I will post it here.

Later all, it's lunch time!

One last night in the home that I love

Well this is it folks, I've had my sobbing moment, and it's a safe bet that there will be a couple more. My wonderful neighbor Sterling had his birthday tonight. For those who don't know Sterling, he is a great leader in my community (though he is far to humble to take credit). We had a sing along, and after Country Road, that was it. Had to leave and cry my freaking eyes out.

The moral of my story is simple, people are amazing creatures. We can cause infinite devastation unlike any other creature we have ever know, we can play an epic 5 set Wimbledon Final that goes 16-14, and we can unite in beautiful song that can touch even the hardest of hearts (looking at you Chris... I saw you holding hands). I'm certainly sad, but I'm also happy knowing that when I return, 48th Street will still be around.

To all my friends and family, thanks so much for being and continuing to be a part of my life. I'll see you all sooner than you think, and please, don't forget to write!!!!