So I'm finally in Senegal! I went to two days of staging in Phili, which provided a great opportunity to get to know all of the other volunteers. We had some basic prep classes and got to go out to dinner at night with our walk around money. Everyone has gotten along extremely well and I'm glad to have them all as my friends and support over the next few years. The volunteers come from all around the country and are all between 21 and 25 years old. Needless to say we're all excited to be here.
After two days in Phili we came to Senegal and have been receiving basic health, safety, introduction, etc. classes. Today was the first time we have walked out of the compound, and now we are free to come and go as we choose. Unfortunately I do not yet know where in the country I will be placed, but I should be finding out in the next couple of weeks. Our daily schedule has pretty much consisted of waking up early to a breakfast of bread, followed by classes in the disco hut (the big circular hut), then lunch of rice in a communal bowl on the ground, more classes, Western style dinner, then hanging out and bed (with my sweet mosquito net!)
I have also been using the squat toilet, which is an interesting experience. The first couple of times I had a little trouble doing it without falling over, but I've been getting better at it. Needless to say it is hot and buggy, but all the local people have have been so nice and patient with my poor language skills. In a couple days I will be moving in with my host family and taking my language classes in the local village. Every once and a while the whole group will meet back up at the training center for more classes. After we are sworn in on Nov. 7, we will be placed at our sites for a little of two months of 'integration' time; during which we have no job. Then we go back to Thies for three weeks of IST (in service training) which will be mainly technically based.
Well I have to go, my time at the cyber cafe is up and its taken me forever to type in this French keyboard. I will be getting a phone, so I'll let you all know the number. Sooo much more to say but no time! I'll write again soon, Inshallah (If God Wills It) Au revior!
3 comments:
Wonderful to hear from you, Michael. I've seen others mention the french keyboard - what is different about it? Also glad to hear you'll have a phone, I'll look further into Skype to Senegal!
Love,
Mom
I'm glad you like your fellow volunteers, your training location looks really interesting. Good luck with the bugs, the squat-toilet and everything in between!
Mike!!
I am so happy to hear you are having a great experience thus far...the pictures are amazing and I am sure over the next few months you will have so many new things thrown at you at once....an exhilarating experience!! Thank you so much for the book o' inspiration :) I love love love it, you are always so thoughtful! Be safe and be well!
And by the way, you are getting sworn in ON MY BIRTHDAY!! how awesome!! lol
Peace,
Amber
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