Last Tuesday I showed up to school around 11:30 (I only had one class that day...I didn't oversleep). Usually power comes in Basse from 11am-2pm and then 6pm-2am. However, when I walked into the computer lab I saw that the computers were not on.
I asked the other computer teacher what the deal was.
"I have no idea. We have cash power, but the power is not on in all of Basse."
"Oh, it's for Obama," interjected one of the students.
Koriteh, Tobaski, Obama's Inauguration-the only times Basse changes its power schedule. Turns out they pushed power back so that it would run from 3pm continuously throughout the evening so people could watch the inauguration.
Which just adds to what I already knew...Gambians love Obama. I feel like there has been a lot of talk about how the whole world was paying attention to this election, but it's absolutely true. For about a week after the election I was greeted on the street, in the market, etc. with "OBAMA! OBAMA!" I have met a total of 2 people who supported McCain. Two. I asked some guys I know why this is and they told me, "whatever happens to America affects the whole world. If America is at peace, the world is at peace. If America is having disturbances, the world will not be happy."
But why does that mean they have to support Obama? "John McCain is a soldier. He is liking war too much." True or not (I won't say my opinion either way) many people see McCain as another Bush who will be at more with many people. There is hope here (and from everything I hear on BBC there is also hope around the world) that Obama will be more likely to seek peaceful solutions.
After school I went to a video club that was open for the inauguration with a few other volunteers who were in town. Aside from these volunteers and myself, the video club was filled with Gambians (I would guess around 30). It was quite an experience to see the reactions of the Gambians throughout the process. There was applause as Obama came out of the capitol building. Then there was silence as he took the oath, met with more applause when he finished.
Not everyone is happy about the result of the elections. I understand that. I have received letters from people back home who were quite upset. But no matter who you supported, you could not have felt anything but inspired and encouraged to see the reactions of the people here in Basse. I'm sad that more people were not able to have this experience. It is also inspiring and encouraging to see that both sides are coming together to promote national unity and responsibility of each individual citizen to help make a difference.
Anyway, I thought I'd share the experience. I hope it provides some kind of perspective that you didn't get back home. For those who supported Obama, congratulations. I hope you enjoyed the inauguration. For those who did not, I hope you will follow in the steps of John McCain in supporting Obama. There is a lot of hope in the world right now. People are excited. Go with it.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Trying To Recap 3 Month Challenge
Merry Christmas Eve, everyone. I'm going to try to catch up on another 3 months. It's hard to believe I've almost been here 6 months. Anyway, here goes...
I'm working at a senior secondary school in Basse (Nasir Ahmadiyya Muslim Senior Secondary School). To summarize, the 10th graders didn't start class until the 8th week of school. So I had them for 4 weeks before Tobaski and exams. Not ideal, but things went okay. I'm teaching two 10th grade math classes (they say "maths") and two 11th grade computer classes (mostly just Microsoft Word and how to type). It's hard to try to motivate the kids, which is surprising. I imagined going somewhere that looks like the bush of East Africa and teaching kids in a one room school that have never had the chance to go to school and would be really excited to be in school. Instead I am in a large town with kids who would rather be playing soccer ("football") or who have tons of chores to do (the girls) at home so they can't study. However, sometimes I can see that things are making sense and it makes me feel better. This next term I'm going to try to start staying after school and tutor anyone who's interested for an hour or so each day.
I've been getting more interested in agriculture work. If you haven't heard, there's a bit of a food crisis going on. Rice is more expensive and people are still poor. We're encouraged to start gardens in our compounds so our families will have some vegetables in the food bowl without having to buy them in the market (if they even have access to a market). I want to get my school to start a garden. They have space where they used to garden, but they just don't do it anymore. Maybe because the pump is broken. Not sure. But I'm going to look into that more. I mean, not everyone loves maths as much as me and there aren't a ton of jobs here for people who know math. However, if the kids can get some practical education in their agricultural sciences classes, that will be very useful in the future. I'm also trying to take care of a tree nursery that a couple of agriculture volunteers started in Basse as well as a garden.
My host family is nice, especially my host dad. He's tiny and nice and I love him. He tells stories sometimes about how he used to play basketball and he was very good. He was a guard and he was very quick. And he was very good at three point shots. He used to train all the time. And then another time he went into this story about how sometimes at the end of games they would have free shots and sometimes they would choose him. He then proceeded to show me how she shot them...granny style. People laughed, but he was very good. Like I said, he's awesome.
People here think everyone in America is rich. They don't believe that there are homeless people. Everyone has a car. I am rich even though I just got out of college. No one has debt. No one works that much ever. It's sad. And frustrating. Everyone talks about how they want to go to America or Europe. They don't understand how expensive it is and that you need a good education to do well. They think that even if they were farmers in America they would be rich. They don't understand that it's hard for small farmers to make a living anymore. Or how much time people spend at work. I'm rambling. Anyway, it's frustrating.
Day to day schedule (lately at least)...
Wake up around 6:30 or 7. Go water the garden and tree seedlings. Come back and shower and have breakfast. Go to school. Do whatever I do that day. Come home. Eat my lunch around 2 or 3. Get really tired. Usually take a short nap and sweat. Or sit outside with my family. Go water again around 5. Come home and read or something (my family watches tv...I'm not really interested). Go to the Fula kid from Guinnea that sells boiled egg or potato sandwiches. Talk to him in Fula and teach him a few English phrases. Eat a sandwich or two. Go home. Maybe read some more or write some lesson plans, etc. Go to bed (no consistent time, just whenever I'm tired).
Someone who wrote a letter asked what I do for leisure. Well, I don't really exercise because I've been pretty tired. I'm planning on adjusting my diet when I get back to site. That should help. But it's also cold season now so I've had more energy because of that. I don't play soccer, because the guys pretty much already play it all the time. And I don't want to encourage them. I want them to spend some of that time studying. I read a good amount. A couple of books I would recommend are Ancient Futures by Helena Norberg-Hodge, Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and some other guy, Benazir Bhutto's autobiography. I've read some more but I can't think of them right now. Oh, but back to leisure...gardening. Talking to my host dad and attempting Pulaar conversations with other family members. Biking sometimes. Playing my mandolin. There's a girl nearby who also plays the mando, so we get together and play sometimes. She's much better than me and has taught me a few things, so that's been cool. That's pretty much it. And I'm sure that sounds boring, but it's actually really nice. I don't miss television or even the internet that much. It's nice to be able to communicate with people back home and share information about what my experience has been like, but other than that I enjoy not having it. I like the simplicity.
Okay, so it's almost midnight. I should probably go. No big plans for tomorrow, but I'm tired. I do, however, plan on going to the beach in the morning. If i can't be home I'll at least be on the beach. I'll try to post again before I head back to site if I think about it. I'll rant about tourists giving out candy (minties) or pens or any of a number of other things or something like that. Or tell about what kind of food I get. Or put up some pictures and put a link to them. That would be good. Okay, well I hope everyone is well back home. Thanks to everyone who has written me. I really appreciate it. Mail is great here. That's it. Take care.
I'm working at a senior secondary school in Basse (Nasir Ahmadiyya Muslim Senior Secondary School). To summarize, the 10th graders didn't start class until the 8th week of school. So I had them for 4 weeks before Tobaski and exams. Not ideal, but things went okay. I'm teaching two 10th grade math classes (they say "maths") and two 11th grade computer classes (mostly just Microsoft Word and how to type). It's hard to try to motivate the kids, which is surprising. I imagined going somewhere that looks like the bush of East Africa and teaching kids in a one room school that have never had the chance to go to school and would be really excited to be in school. Instead I am in a large town with kids who would rather be playing soccer ("football") or who have tons of chores to do (the girls) at home so they can't study. However, sometimes I can see that things are making sense and it makes me feel better. This next term I'm going to try to start staying after school and tutor anyone who's interested for an hour or so each day.
I've been getting more interested in agriculture work. If you haven't heard, there's a bit of a food crisis going on. Rice is more expensive and people are still poor. We're encouraged to start gardens in our compounds so our families will have some vegetables in the food bowl without having to buy them in the market (if they even have access to a market). I want to get my school to start a garden. They have space where they used to garden, but they just don't do it anymore. Maybe because the pump is broken. Not sure. But I'm going to look into that more. I mean, not everyone loves maths as much as me and there aren't a ton of jobs here for people who know math. However, if the kids can get some practical education in their agricultural sciences classes, that will be very useful in the future. I'm also trying to take care of a tree nursery that a couple of agriculture volunteers started in Basse as well as a garden.
My host family is nice, especially my host dad. He's tiny and nice and I love him. He tells stories sometimes about how he used to play basketball and he was very good. He was a guard and he was very quick. And he was very good at three point shots. He used to train all the time. And then another time he went into this story about how sometimes at the end of games they would have free shots and sometimes they would choose him. He then proceeded to show me how she shot them...granny style. People laughed, but he was very good. Like I said, he's awesome.
People here think everyone in America is rich. They don't believe that there are homeless people. Everyone has a car. I am rich even though I just got out of college. No one has debt. No one works that much ever. It's sad. And frustrating. Everyone talks about how they want to go to America or Europe. They don't understand how expensive it is and that you need a good education to do well. They think that even if they were farmers in America they would be rich. They don't understand that it's hard for small farmers to make a living anymore. Or how much time people spend at work. I'm rambling. Anyway, it's frustrating.
Day to day schedule (lately at least)...
Wake up around 6:30 or 7. Go water the garden and tree seedlings. Come back and shower and have breakfast. Go to school. Do whatever I do that day. Come home. Eat my lunch around 2 or 3. Get really tired. Usually take a short nap and sweat. Or sit outside with my family. Go water again around 5. Come home and read or something (my family watches tv...I'm not really interested). Go to the Fula kid from Guinnea that sells boiled egg or potato sandwiches. Talk to him in Fula and teach him a few English phrases. Eat a sandwich or two. Go home. Maybe read some more or write some lesson plans, etc. Go to bed (no consistent time, just whenever I'm tired).
Someone who wrote a letter asked what I do for leisure. Well, I don't really exercise because I've been pretty tired. I'm planning on adjusting my diet when I get back to site. That should help. But it's also cold season now so I've had more energy because of that. I don't play soccer, because the guys pretty much already play it all the time. And I don't want to encourage them. I want them to spend some of that time studying. I read a good amount. A couple of books I would recommend are Ancient Futures by Helena Norberg-Hodge, Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and some other guy, Benazir Bhutto's autobiography. I've read some more but I can't think of them right now. Oh, but back to leisure...gardening. Talking to my host dad and attempting Pulaar conversations with other family members. Biking sometimes. Playing my mandolin. There's a girl nearby who also plays the mando, so we get together and play sometimes. She's much better than me and has taught me a few things, so that's been cool. That's pretty much it. And I'm sure that sounds boring, but it's actually really nice. I don't miss television or even the internet that much. It's nice to be able to communicate with people back home and share information about what my experience has been like, but other than that I enjoy not having it. I like the simplicity.
Okay, so it's almost midnight. I should probably go. No big plans for tomorrow, but I'm tired. I do, however, plan on going to the beach in the morning. If i can't be home I'll at least be on the beach. I'll try to post again before I head back to site if I think about it. I'll rant about tourists giving out candy (minties) or pens or any of a number of other things or something like that. Or tell about what kind of food I get. Or put up some pictures and put a link to them. That would be good. Okay, well I hope everyone is well back home. Thanks to everyone who has written me. I really appreciate it. Mail is great here. That's it. Take care.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Training, Site Visit, Swear In
Alright. Time to try to summarize 10 weeks as quickly as possible. Here we go.
I spent most of the past 10 weeks in a village called Fulla Kunda, which is about a third of the way up country on the south bank. There were 3 other trainees in the village with me. The village was the smallest of the 4 training villages my group used, with about 150-200 people total. My family was pretty much incredible. I had one mom and dad, 6 siblings, and a 14 year old uncle. But my favorite was my little sister Dami, who was insane and in her own world. She would run all over the place and just talk and talk and talk and not be concerned with the fact that I could never understand a word she said and just kept saying "mi famani, dami" (I don't understand, dami).
A typical day involved language class at 8 (I have been learning Pulaar). That would last until 11ish and we would usually take a break somewhere in there so I could eat my coos porridge. Then we'd have the massive Peace Corps lunch bowl around 1pm. Then we'd lay under a mango tree or nap in our huts or drink ataya (really strong and sweet green tea that all the men brew). In the afternoon we might ride bikes or run, study, garden, etc. Throughout this we were supposed to be mixing with the community and working on language, but it's hard when you don't really know how to say anything. By the end of the 10 weeks it was a lot easier, and on my final test last week I got Intermediate High, which is pretty good. I was happy with that.
Also during training we had technical training sessions together with the whole group. This was everything from personal health to alternative discipline to anything else you can think of that has to do with teaching or living in Africa. We also had a week of model school. They paid some kids to show up to school for a week so we could practice teaching them. It was a very good experience, but the kids clearly didn't care about what we were telling them. I can't blame them. It was their summer break. I wouldn't have wanted to be there either. However, they were pretty well behaved and the week gave us a lot of perspective about what to expect behavior-wise and in terms of where they are academically compared to where they should be.
We had site visit about a week and a half ago. I'm being posted to a school in Basse. I'm not really sure what I'll be teaching yet, even though school started last Monday. My headmaster said we'd discuss it when I got back. My host family is really nice. Especially my host dad. The house is nice; bigger than anything I need. But I'm okay with it, because now guests will have a place to stay. I have well water, so we'll see how my stomache feels about that. I pour it through cloth into my filter, then apply some bleach after it filters. I should be fine. I can always boil it as well.
Basse should be great, because I can get fruit year round. And there was some yogurt. And icees the size of my fist for 5 dalasis. Icees are the greatest things on earth, by the way. Different flavored juices frozen in plastic bags. Basse is also nice because there are a few other volunteers within a reasonable distance that I know pretty well. That'll be nice when I get stressed out.
I realize I haven't said anything about what I'm actually doing or how I'm actually benefiting the country, but that's because I really haven't yet. Sorry. I'll get on it soon.
Oh, I nearly forgot. We swore in yesterday. The ceremony was held at the U.S. Embassy, which was kind of cool. I had never been to an embassy before. We sang both national anthems, listened to some speakers, took an oath (which I'm told is the same as the one the military takes?), shook hands with the Secretary of State for Education, the Ambassador, and the PC Country Director, then sang a song in Wolof. So now we're volunteers. Hooray.
Alright, well I think that's going to be it for this post. A couple of people need to use this computer. Basse doesn't have internet, however, so mail mail mail. And if you are interested in sending me a package (which isn't necessary but would surely be appreciated), magazines, books, and protein powder are all good ideas.
Oh, I grew out a goatee throughout all of training. And I shaved my head. As in BICed. But now I have a creepy mustache. It's pretty great. Alright. I'm done. I hope everyone is well. Oh, and if any teachers out there are interested in having me write their class or vice versa, let me know. Take Care.
I spent most of the past 10 weeks in a village called Fulla Kunda, which is about a third of the way up country on the south bank. There were 3 other trainees in the village with me. The village was the smallest of the 4 training villages my group used, with about 150-200 people total. My family was pretty much incredible. I had one mom and dad, 6 siblings, and a 14 year old uncle. But my favorite was my little sister Dami, who was insane and in her own world. She would run all over the place and just talk and talk and talk and not be concerned with the fact that I could never understand a word she said and just kept saying "mi famani, dami" (I don't understand, dami).
A typical day involved language class at 8 (I have been learning Pulaar). That would last until 11ish and we would usually take a break somewhere in there so I could eat my coos porridge. Then we'd have the massive Peace Corps lunch bowl around 1pm. Then we'd lay under a mango tree or nap in our huts or drink ataya (really strong and sweet green tea that all the men brew). In the afternoon we might ride bikes or run, study, garden, etc. Throughout this we were supposed to be mixing with the community and working on language, but it's hard when you don't really know how to say anything. By the end of the 10 weeks it was a lot easier, and on my final test last week I got Intermediate High, which is pretty good. I was happy with that.
Also during training we had technical training sessions together with the whole group. This was everything from personal health to alternative discipline to anything else you can think of that has to do with teaching or living in Africa. We also had a week of model school. They paid some kids to show up to school for a week so we could practice teaching them. It was a very good experience, but the kids clearly didn't care about what we were telling them. I can't blame them. It was their summer break. I wouldn't have wanted to be there either. However, they were pretty well behaved and the week gave us a lot of perspective about what to expect behavior-wise and in terms of where they are academically compared to where they should be.
We had site visit about a week and a half ago. I'm being posted to a school in Basse. I'm not really sure what I'll be teaching yet, even though school started last Monday. My headmaster said we'd discuss it when I got back. My host family is really nice. Especially my host dad. The house is nice; bigger than anything I need. But I'm okay with it, because now guests will have a place to stay. I have well water, so we'll see how my stomache feels about that. I pour it through cloth into my filter, then apply some bleach after it filters. I should be fine. I can always boil it as well.
Basse should be great, because I can get fruit year round. And there was some yogurt. And icees the size of my fist for 5 dalasis. Icees are the greatest things on earth, by the way. Different flavored juices frozen in plastic bags. Basse is also nice because there are a few other volunteers within a reasonable distance that I know pretty well. That'll be nice when I get stressed out.
I realize I haven't said anything about what I'm actually doing or how I'm actually benefiting the country, but that's because I really haven't yet. Sorry. I'll get on it soon.
Oh, I nearly forgot. We swore in yesterday. The ceremony was held at the U.S. Embassy, which was kind of cool. I had never been to an embassy before. We sang both national anthems, listened to some speakers, took an oath (which I'm told is the same as the one the military takes?), shook hands with the Secretary of State for Education, the Ambassador, and the PC Country Director, then sang a song in Wolof. So now we're volunteers. Hooray.
Alright, well I think that's going to be it for this post. A couple of people need to use this computer. Basse doesn't have internet, however, so mail mail mail. And if you are interested in sending me a package (which isn't necessary but would surely be appreciated), magazines, books, and protein powder are all good ideas.
Oh, I grew out a goatee throughout all of training. And I shaved my head. As in BICed. But now I have a creepy mustache. It's pretty great. Alright. I'm done. I hope everyone is well. Oh, and if any teachers out there are interested in having me write their class or vice versa, let me know. Take Care.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
We had some free time
I found some more free time to write on here. It's tough, because there are only 4 computers in the PC office. Anyway, I thought I could write some more.
So...we went to the beach today? What? We started the day by going to a boarding house where PCVs stay while they're in town. It's a nice clean place for volunteers to stay for a small fee. Anyway, one of the agriculture and forestry (apparently they're called "Ag Fo") volunteers showed us around the gardens that have been started all around the compound. It was really interesting. They have three pretty sizeable compost pits and gardens everywhere. Cucumber, tomatoes, brocolli, lettuce, and some local stuff. We heard a little about different ways they're trying to encourage gardening in the villages (especially with the impending food shortages due to high prices) and how we can help. We'll be learning more about this in our training villages and we'll be given handouts and other resources. I'm really excited to start a garden.
I say that, but I might be in a city for my actual placement. We still don't know.
A little about the schedule...
*Arrived Wednesday,
*Spending a week here before going to training villages,
*10 weeks in training villages where we'll be living in family compounds (which I will describe more when I get back),
*We'll be placed in our actual placements for the remainder of two years (where we have to start building relationships all over again...yay)
Oh, yeah. Back to the beach...yup. We went to the beach in Fajara. And it was beautiful and relaxing and amazing. We had some free time and we were being educated about bumsters, which are people who beg for money or are part of the sex tourism that apparently goes on. From what I hear it started with Europeans coming and asking for it, so now it is a way to make money for some people, which is really unfortunate. But we didn't see any. I actually haven't had many experiences with any people on the street. After India, The Gambia is calm. People leave you alone for the most part. You might get called "Toubab" from time to time, but whatever. I am a toubab (foreigner).
Alright, well it's dinner time. I'm trying my best to put on weight. It's not working.
So...we went to the beach today? What? We started the day by going to a boarding house where PCVs stay while they're in town. It's a nice clean place for volunteers to stay for a small fee. Anyway, one of the agriculture and forestry (apparently they're called "Ag Fo") volunteers showed us around the gardens that have been started all around the compound. It was really interesting. They have three pretty sizeable compost pits and gardens everywhere. Cucumber, tomatoes, brocolli, lettuce, and some local stuff. We heard a little about different ways they're trying to encourage gardening in the villages (especially with the impending food shortages due to high prices) and how we can help. We'll be learning more about this in our training villages and we'll be given handouts and other resources. I'm really excited to start a garden.
I say that, but I might be in a city for my actual placement. We still don't know.
A little about the schedule...
*Arrived Wednesday,
*Spending a week here before going to training villages,
*10 weeks in training villages where we'll be living in family compounds (which I will describe more when I get back),
*We'll be placed in our actual placements for the remainder of two years (where we have to start building relationships all over again...yay)
Oh, yeah. Back to the beach...yup. We went to the beach in Fajara. And it was beautiful and relaxing and amazing. We had some free time and we were being educated about bumsters, which are people who beg for money or are part of the sex tourism that apparently goes on. From what I hear it started with Europeans coming and asking for it, so now it is a way to make money for some people, which is really unfortunate. But we didn't see any. I actually haven't had many experiences with any people on the street. After India, The Gambia is calm. People leave you alone for the most part. You might get called "Toubab" from time to time, but whatever. I am a toubab (foreigner).
Alright, well it's dinner time. I'm trying my best to put on weight. It's not working.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Arrived
This probably won't be very long, but I wanted to let people know that I arrived and am doing great. It's not really any hotter than KY right now, so that's good. Plus, we've been spending most of our time under the mango trees (which are huge) anyway. I'm a little unclear about where exactly I am. I think it's called Kombo and it is either part of Serekunda or very near it. We'll be here until July 9 I think until we head to our training villages.
We found out today which languages we'll be speaking. I will be learning Pulaar along with 3 other people (of 15 that I am with). Apparently Pulaar is useful all over Africa, so that's exciting. We'll be in the training villages for 10 weeks. This is where we'll be having our language, cross cultural, security and safety, and technical training classes. We had a few hours of language today trying to learn greetings in the 3 main languages and then more after I found out I was learning Pulaar. "Salaamaleenkum" is useful for all languages. I like the languages a lot.
We've eaten like gods so far. We're all pretty sure they're just trying to fatten us up for when we go to the training villages. Last night there was a get together at the house of one of the associate directors' houses with great food that some other volunteers had made. There were two people from Ohio who had had Cincinnati chili mailed to them and prepared it. Cincinnati chili in Gambia. Crazy.
Alright, well I really don't know when I'll get to write anything again. Possibly no more posts for 10 weeks. But please, send mail. Apparently I'm going to be in a very small village. I'm sure I'll need something to read. This is all the time I have for now. Take care.
We found out today which languages we'll be speaking. I will be learning Pulaar along with 3 other people (of 15 that I am with). Apparently Pulaar is useful all over Africa, so that's exciting. We'll be in the training villages for 10 weeks. This is where we'll be having our language, cross cultural, security and safety, and technical training classes. We had a few hours of language today trying to learn greetings in the 3 main languages and then more after I found out I was learning Pulaar. "Salaamaleenkum" is useful for all languages. I like the languages a lot.
We've eaten like gods so far. We're all pretty sure they're just trying to fatten us up for when we go to the training villages. Last night there was a get together at the house of one of the associate directors' houses with great food that some other volunteers had made. There were two people from Ohio who had had Cincinnati chili mailed to them and prepared it. Cincinnati chili in Gambia. Crazy.
Alright, well I really don't know when I'll get to write anything again. Possibly no more posts for 10 weeks. But please, send mail. Apparently I'm going to be in a very small village. I'm sure I'll need something to read. This is all the time I have for now. Take care.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Where I'm Going, What I'm Doing
I'm going to Africa. To be more specific I'm going to The Gambia, which is in West Africa. Yes, "The" is actually part of the name. I leave Monday June 30 for 27 months of service with the Peace Corps. To be honest, I'm not sure exactly what I'll be doing. I've been told that I'll be teaching math/science, possibly starting computer labs or libraries, developing classroom resources, and training other teachers. I'll either be teaching at a rural middle or high school or at one of the two colleges. I won't find out which until I arrive. This means that I also don't know where in the country I will be living. (It's possible that I'll be in a rural village with no electricity or running water.)
If you're not sure what to expect from this blog, you're not alone. I have no idea what the next 27 months will hold for me. However, I expect that I'm in for quite an experience. As I arrive in the country and begin my service, I'll share any interesting/funny experiences that I have and provide insight into life in The Gambia and as a Peace Corps Trainee and Volunteer. I'll also do my best to post some pictures of my living arrangements and the people who will be in my life for the next two years.
If I don't have electricity, I certainly won't have the internet. However, if this is the case, I will be making periodic trips into larger towns or cities. I'll do my best to post some updates while I have internet access on these trips. In the meantime, feel free to send me some mail. My address for the first 10 weeks will be
Joshua Caswell, PCT
U.S. Peace Corps
PO Box 582
Banjul, The Gambia
West Africa
But toward the end of August, start using this instead:
Joshua Caswell, PCV
U.S. Peace Corps
PO Box 582
Banjul, The Gambia
West Africa
Apparently the difference in PCT and PCV is important. Who knew?
Okay, well now I have to go pack and start freaking out about leaving for 2 years. Wish me luck.
If you're not sure what to expect from this blog, you're not alone. I have no idea what the next 27 months will hold for me. However, I expect that I'm in for quite an experience. As I arrive in the country and begin my service, I'll share any interesting/funny experiences that I have and provide insight into life in The Gambia and as a Peace Corps Trainee and Volunteer. I'll also do my best to post some pictures of my living arrangements and the people who will be in my life for the next two years.
If I don't have electricity, I certainly won't have the internet. However, if this is the case, I will be making periodic trips into larger towns or cities. I'll do my best to post some updates while I have internet access on these trips. In the meantime, feel free to send me some mail. My address for the first 10 weeks will be
Joshua Caswell, PCT
U.S. Peace Corps
PO Box 582
Banjul, The Gambia
West Africa
But toward the end of August, start using this instead:
Joshua Caswell, PCV
U.S. Peace Corps
PO Box 582
Banjul, The Gambia
West Africa
Apparently the difference in PCT and PCV is important. Who knew?
Okay, well now I have to go pack and start freaking out about leaving for 2 years. Wish me luck.
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