Its pretty evident now that my posts on here will be random and sporadic. I've had internet for 3 days now but our days are so filled with meetings, debriefings, tech sessions, logistical crap, etc. They gave us so much info on this trip to the compound, that I'm actually a little excited to be in the village for a solid 13 days just so I can thoroughly read and comprehend everything. Plus I haven't studied my language once since I've been back at the compound. This trip to the compound has mostly focused on gardening, the Senegalese government structure, health structure and NGO structure. They try to tell us everything, but I think they know that we won't really get it until we are involved first hand. I won't, anyway.
So I'll be in the village for 13 days which means no internet. Feel free to call my cell phone. PLEASE call my cell phone. Its so nice to talk to Americans when I'm in the village. I think my phone number is on the second or third post. I think this will be the longest I'll ever have to be in the village at one time. That's good to know, but kinda makes me dread the stint. Found out that the next town where other trainees are is only 3 or so miles. Rumor has it there's a bar there. Mission accepted. After we get back from this stint we find out where we'll be living after training!!! Super exciting! There is a huge map of Senegal painted on the basketball court of the compound, and I'm told that they blindfold us all and walk us to the spot on the map where we'll be living. Then we can see who we'll be living closest to. I can't wait! I already know though that I'll be in the southeast, the furthest from the coast because that's where my language is spoken. Its the jungle though with lots of waterfalls, so I'm ok with that.
What else? What else? I always just think of random things I want to write on here. And then I cant remember what they are or what I've already written on previous posts. We had another session on more potential, probable diseases we are susceptible to. Its pretty scary. Worms and flies that literally get under your skin and you cant kill them until they mature because they release too much toxins when they're young. Seeds that we are required to plant that release toxic vapor that will give you a poison ivy-like rash no matter what precautionary measures you take. I got over my paranoia of staph from shaving and started shaving again. Well, once. Perhaps I wont do it as often as at home. Im sure if I ever actually get staph it will put an abrupt end to shaving. Malaria is pretty scary too. You get cold/flu like symptoms for a day or so, then you get better for a day or so and then it sets in really quickly and you could potentially be unconscious in a short amount of time. Don't worry though, Im now well educated on the matter and have emergency blood malaria test kits. Its still scary though, of course.
I should start writing things down when I'm not around internet because now I can't think of anything to write. I can't wait to move to my permanent site. We're constantly packing and unpacking between the village and the compound. I want to completely unpack, buy furniture, decorate, etc. I want to cook my own food too. Senegalese food would be amazing if I were eating it once a month or so. Its so monotonous. (I think that's how its spelled.) I would kill to have my bamboo steamer here.
So someone responded to the mass email I sent before I left and I re-read what I had written. Definitely wrote "right" instead of "write." Wouldn't be that embarrassed except I sent it to a couple of my former professors. If you're reading this, I promise you didn't waste your time teaching me things above an elementary reading level! =)
Another person went back home the other day. Everyone talks about it when that happens. Its sad. The first girl to leave was pretty upset and I think it was probably an easy decision for her. This girl seemed to be fine from what I could tell so I imagine that it was a very difficult decision for her. I'm so glad I don't have that internal battle going on. I still love it here, even though they are overloading us with knowledge right now. It helps that my host family is so great. My host mom and sister have called or text me everyday since I came back to the compound. I think me being there makes the house a little more exciting, so they miss me. I'm definitely comical to them because I butcher the language. Sometimes when they tell me stuff to say, I'm convinced its just so they can laugh when I say it. Its a good time though.
Dad and Graham have started planning their visit over in December. I can't wait! I know by then I'll know all the cool stuff to show them and hopefully have a badass garden and some community projects going on. I know they'll really like Senegal too. The people are so hospitable and have great sense of humor!
Ok, I have to go pack and make some calls. Hope everyone is doing well! xoxo
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