We are here!

We made it to Mali safe and sound! I work best in bullet points, so read on:

- Orientation in Philly was pretty awesome, except that I had to take out my nose ring (bummer) and that our train from DC was stalled for a bit due to "road obstructions." We got to the hotel, did some icebreakers to get orientated, and went out to have some cheese steaks and beers before my no drinking kicks in, Africa style. (Yes, everyone, I am going to go two whole years without drinking. It is not culturally appropriate for women to drink or smoke, and it is not worth the risk of being asked to leave in ANY WAY).

- Our flight out of JFK (yes, we drove from Philly to NYC on buses... yay, government!) went smoothly, but we were stuck at Charles de Gaulle in Paris for a few hours. We finally made it to Mali after nearly a whole day in transit!

- The airport pick up in Bamako went really smoothly, and out of our entire group of 80 (yes, we have a HUGE group), only 2 bags were lost. I think that's pretty awesome. We came back to the Peace Corps training center outside of Bamako, and we've been here ever since!

- Initial impressions: Africa is AWESOME. The weather is like DC but much cooler at night, and there are more bugs. But, I actually don't mind them because they are cool to look at (red in color with a million little legs) and because I am safe inside of my bug net where nothing can hurt me. I haven't even had any diarreah yet!! (Knock on wood...I will probably shit my pants soon enough).

- I feel like I'm in international girl scout camp. We start learning our languages tomorrow (Bambara and French), we get cultural training starting tomorrow, and we start at our Homestay on Thursday. That means that on Thursday, we move in with a family in a village on and off for two months for training, before we are actually sworn in as volunteers - here, we get the primary training and learn to integrate ourselves into the community. It will get us ready for our actual villages! (Which, I am actually excited about because they take "family situations" into account and made note that I need to be in communication with my immediate family if the need be... awesome! And, my APCD (boss) says congrats to Jean Soja! :) )

- So, for about the next two months (AFTER THURSDAY), I will be off the grid at Homestay. I do have a cell phone if you want to call me, but I will try to email around the number once I get it. WARNING - it will be expensive to call me, and I don't have the cash to call you. So, please send me letters and include some non-lick envelopes so that I can write you back!!! I can buy stamps here, but maybe no envelopes. And, I would love to hear from you! The address is on the main page of my blog, and remember to WRAP AND TAPE UP EVERYTHING YOU SEND TO ME!!

- We also had a great 4th of July! We went to the "American House" where we had volleyball, tug of war, hot dogs, burgers, cake, and American music. We also go to mix and mingle with all of the Americans in Mali - there are a lot! It was fun.

- Finally, here is a SHOUT OUT to ALL of my WONDERFUL friends and family who have sent emails to me!!!!! I read them and smile and it is amazing. When I miss you guys at my Homestay, I will be able to look back on the emails I have downloaded to my phone (HOLLER, IPOD TOUCH) and read them when I feel like I will never integrate or learn a language.

Overall... I am very content with my decision to come here. I'm sure my "Honeymoon" phase will be over soon, but I'm going to revel in the cold showers, electricity, and good food while I have it...it will be nice to remember when I'm taking bucket baths and trying to impress my host family with my uke skills at Homestay. :)

Peace and Love!