One word to describe:
- these past two weeks: hectic
Lots of language classes (to prep for the exam), our final language exam (to make sure we won’t die in our villages), the goodbye dinner with my host family (pretty self-explanatory), the Peace Corps barbeque (meeting all the current staff and volunteers), the auction and after-party (to raise money for the Gender and Development scholarship program), the swear-in ceremony (when we officially become volunteers), the mesa party (as you might have guessed, on top of the mesa), and a day at the Ambassador’s pool (to relax before making the 15 hour-long drive to Zinder)
-the swear-in ceremony: long-awaited
After nine weeks of intensive training (in language, culture, technical skills, medical know-how, safety/security, etc) 33 of the original 48 trainees took the oath of office (the same as the president takes) in order to officially become Peace Corps volunteers. This quite formal occasion is held at the US Ambassador’s residence (with lots of security and media coverage). The best part was seeing all of trainees decked out in traditional Nigerien clothing.
-the vegetable soup I just at: delectable
Part of the relaxation process (which includes soup, French bread, internet, and swimming) before my duties as a volunteer commence.
-how I feel right now: relieved (with mild strokes of anticipation and fear)
Tomorrow we make the unbelievably long trek out to Zinder. Our team will spend a day shopping for the odds and ends we need for our houses, a day doing protocol meet/greet with the regional authorities (mayor, traditional chief, police, etc), and then I will be installed into my village (doing protocol with the local authorities) after which the Peace Corps car will drive away and leave me alone in my village for a whole month (hence the mild stokes of anticipation and fear).
I’ve posted about 10 more pictures for you to enjoy. Follow the link on my last post to see the album. Also, since I am moving I have a new address:
Laura Ballard
Corps de la Paix
BP 14
Matameye, Niger
West Africa
Feel free (and encouraged) to write often. Make sure you write “Par avion” and “Air Mail” on the envelope/package!!! Can’t wait to hear from you : )
4 Comments
September 14, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Hi Laura:
It sure sounds like the days are very well organized and all aspects of life are looked at.
Am sure the first night in your village alone, will be certainly kinda aprehensive for you. Am sure the people will be loving you shortly.
Tried to reach Miguel Perez Kast on facebook. Guess he has to approve me as a friend. Told him where you were now living.
Will we have pictures of the media coverage? Hope so. The village you will be in, is it Matameye, or Zinder? We are a bit confused.
Stay well and we will write more later.
Granny and Grandpa
September 15, 2008 at 4:53 am
Did you know that writing Par avion and Air Mail costs more to mail it? I will assume you passed and were swarn in so congrats. As always miss you, take care and God Bless.
September 20, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Hi Laura,
Wow! You have been very busy, but it sounds totally awesome! When you reach your village and the Peace Corps car drives away, remember you are not alone. He will watch over you every step of the way and bring you comfort. You are awesome! Love you!
Aunt Nin
September 20, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Where are the pictures???????????? Pierce has a letter for you and he did it all by himself!
hi lora
this is Pierce. how mane animls hav you seen? i luv you.
luv Pierce