Steep Learning Curve
June 11, 2008
I wanted to write a bit about the training and how impressed I am with the Peace Corps, so far. This morning we received our language interview result. I was placed in Intermediate Low. The system is based on the ACTFL guidelines, splitting into four major groups: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Superior. Within Novice, Intermediate and Advance, the levels are…
Read MoreNew Ideas!
June 10, 2008
I feel energized by the conversations that took place this evening among other PCTs. This is one of last free evenings together; starting Thursday, we will be disbursed among host families after training hours. The great conversation began at dinner when the young married couple, Thryn & Gavin discussed a great business idea to me pertaining to non-profits. I told…
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Welcome to Africa!
June 9, 2008
This morning, I woke up in the middle of the night at 3:30am and could not fall asleep for the life of me. Usually, I am not the type to lose sleep or have insomnia. Perhaps it’s the malaria meds, but I felt horribly uncomfortable and craved a shower. The malaria meds haven’t given me wildly weird dreams or make…
Read MoreFirst Day!
June 7, 2008
After more than 24 hours of travel, all 38 of us arrived to Cameroon safe and sound, as did ALL of our luggage. Now, that is a miracle in and of itself. The journey was quite long, but I slept through nearly all of it. When we arrived to the airport, PC Cameroon staffs welcomed us and took care of…
Read MoreThe Malaria Diet
June 5, 2008
Our time in Philly is wrapping up! Tomorrow morning, we all go to the clinic to get shots and then off to the airport for a very long journey to Cameroon. We’ll fly 7ish hours to Paris, 8ish hours to Douala, then another 50 min. to the capital. It sounds bad, but not as bad as 14ish hours of direct…
Read MoreHere Goes Nothing!
June 4, 2008
This is what moving to Cameroon for two years looks like: My bags are packed. I am ready to go. The above luggages weigh less than 100 lbs. Those are both the check-in bags and carry-ons. I still was on the over-packing side, brining more books than necessary. This afternoon, I was all kinds of nervous while tying up many…
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Book List
June 2, 2008
Madame de Lafayette: La Princesse de Clèves Le Barbier de Séville – Beaumarchais Le Cid – Corneille Phédre – Racine The Shadow of the Sun – Kapuscinski Snow Flower and the Secret Fan – Lisa See Suite Française – Iréne Némirovsky 一行禪師說佛陀故事 – 一行禪師 The Book of Mev – Chmiel 愛別離 – 鍾文英 On Beauty – Zadie Smith The Opposite…
Read MoreLong Locks – Gone.
May 31, 2008
This afternoon, I had coffee with Jess, had lunch with Dr. C, had a pedicure with Jess (Chris said, “you will be the only person with pedicured toes in Africa), and had 8 inches of my hair cut off. It is official. The last time I had hair that short was probably 6th grade? can’t remember. This is a big…
Read MoreThose Hips Don’t Lie
May 24, 2008
In two weeks, I will be either on my way onto the African soil, or already there. That is absolutely nuts. I’m quite tired from the traveling, but wanted to jot down a few observations. • Today the family went to the Polynesian tour and I learned that the Samoa people don’t allow the women to cook. The men do…
Read MoreHawaii Before Africa
May 21, 2008
I have graduated from college. Those four years went by quickly and is living proof that the next 27 months will go by at an even faster speed. ‘Tis a good thing. Regardless how difficult things may be over the next 27 months, I simply need to think of how quickly the last four years went by, and I shall…
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