Alright alright, I'll do more blogging. You do need to realize I am in Africa getting at least 4 shots now (yeah and I didn't even flinch), learning how not to get malaria, learning 2 new languages, playing soccer (vital to my mental health) and then taking a bucket shower. Well now Caroline what is a bucket shower? Good question Suzie, but I think the answer should be rather obvious, you take a bucket, go to the nyuegen (a box where you do everything you would do in a bathroom) and try to scrub the grim off your arms at least. When I get back to my mud hut I can use the baby wipes to clean my feet more throughly(note to readers, send more baby wipes, the word cosco comes to mind). I know you are cringing Mindy and that is why you're not doing the PC, I can read minds, ha!
Honestly so far it feels like Camp Mali. Yes a 6th grade science camp you stay at to appreciate things like running water. But camp is fun right?! We'll see how I feel in a year. At this rate I will be tanner and skinnier than a bride at her own wedding (motivation Andrea....?). We had a cultural fair inside the training compound so we could buy some Malian clothing and eat on the floor with our hands!! It looks like fun, but not as easy as I thought. Best part though, getting down on the dance floor (dance dirt?) Malian style. Needless to say I didn't need to play soccer yesterday. Other than that the days seem to entail: eating breakfast at 7am (yes I am dressed and "showered" that early, stop laughing), doing language training (I am learning Bambara first and then French), health education (no really guys you DO have to wash your hands here), safety training (don't go anywhere by yourself, and if you do carry a stick, jk mom stop freaking out), soccer until we pass out (one more goal, one more goal!), then delicious dinner (sometimes with our hands) and then my dear readers I play a card game called Caroline is Faster Than You (aka any game I decide to play, thank you Meghan). Although now I have the reputation with my good friends that I am competitive, if they only knew my family....
Over all it has been great. All of the type of people that do Peace Corps are amazing, I'm almost always amongst friends. Tomorrow we start the part of training where we stay with local families. I will be one of 7 Peace Corps Trainees (PCT from here on out) in a village with a local that is employed by PC to teach us Language and Culture (otherwise known as LCF's). This is scary, but where it really all starts. We stay there for 12 days. Needless to say I won't have internet (needless, Caroline, we thought you won't have internet at all! funny guys, really funny). So I won't post anything, but hopefully I will have more time to write at night and I will post 2 when I get back.
Note about the picture situation, someone (aka mom....) didn't tell me I need a certain type of AA batteries (alkaline) for the camera so until I can snag some from my friends, you will just have to enjoy my witty banter. OK, ok I'll get on that fast, stop foaming at the mouth!!
Love you all! I'm sure I will miss you as soon as I have time to breath.
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4 comments:
Caroline, my world wanderer... thank you so much for taking the time to phone from Africa. It made me breather easier, at least just a little. Maebe is doing great. She loves the shower, the dirt, chasing horses.....we are working on that one. Pics will follow in a few days. We love you mom.
Hi Caroline: It is Nancy from Starbucks. Just wanted to say HI and tell you that I am following your blog. How interesting! Hope all is well. Key Bank was super slammed yesterday as there ar $2 coupons for cold drinks and they were wild. Take care
I bet you're glad you cut your hair, given the shower situation, huh?! Sounds awesome, but can you really play soccer in those mom sandals and a flower skirt? I can't imagine that being easy... Also go easy on those wingnuts. They're probably all really nice and easy going, which (needless to say) is not the type you're used to competing against. Or hanging out with, or going to family reunions with, or meeting at a bar... You get the gyst.
Just wanted you to know that Maebe is sleeping peacefully on "your bed" in my office. She sneaks in here any time the door is left open. She plays tag every morning and evening with Pongo. It is fun to watch. Hope your 12 day home visit went well. Love you mom
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