Sitting on the main S. highway.
How are you all doing? I can't believe it Dec. I'm picturing you all bundled up against the cold and the holiday season is in full swing. Here it is still about 90 degrees during the day and around 75+ at night. Well I'm in Kombo (what they call the city area) for another week, which is full of more training.
My Peace Corps crew. They're awesome!
At the end of the week I will go to the markets to gather up all the stuff I will need for the next two years (things like a stove, bed, dishes, etc.) then I will head out to my official site which is on the South side of the country right off the Gambian highway. It's a sweet little village and my host family (Njie's) are awesome!! They are so happy, kind and thoughtful. I'm the 14 volunteer they've hosted so they understand Americans a little more than most, so that's nice. My job is working with Kiang West National Park, Gambia's biggest natural park. As far as my work...it's wide open. I'll do what ever is needed, which is a lot. It's a beautiful park with lots of hiking and wildlife (African wildlife:)
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My Thanksgiving in a really fancy home with all the PCV's in The Gambia. Sorry it's blurry.
I LOVE my house! It's big with a little back yard that's big enough for a small garden and my home is shaded by a big tree. I'm really eager to get done with training, move into my place, unpack the suitcase I've been living out of, start to get to know my family and community better and start some actual work. I will be in my village for the next three months solid (PC calls this the 3 month challenge) it's a crucial time to get to know your community and for them to get to know you.
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Hiking with a boy.
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Rice field art.
I will not be able to write during this time or anytime that I'm at my "site" because there are no computers by or in my village but I will be getting a cell phone in the next couple of days so a chat is very likely. I will be heading into the Kombo area at least once every month though so I will continue to write and post photo's after 3 month challenge.
Write again before I leave.
Big hugs,
Amber
PS Any names or details (my phone number, name of my village, etc) will be sent to personal e-mail accounts. That's just the way its got to be.
3 comments:
I love the foto of you pouring tea. It makes me think hot, and probably really sweet! All of the fotos are good. You said you cannot write in your three month crucial period because there isn't a computer, but can't you handwrite letters?
Thanks Amber for writing your initial impressions on you blog. I'm sure your journal is filling up with much more than you post on the blog.
I have been meaning to get a hand written letter off to you, but I've been really really busy with setting up the grad school project, which seems a world away from what you are doing. I will be getting something off to you real soon.
I will be working on a jaguar project in northern Mexico beginning in mid-Jan. I was offered this graduate position, and turned down the other position working in Patagonia...I often wonder how you're making out there gazelle girl...grrrrrr
have you met any bird guides yet?
beso y un abrazo grande (a kiss and big hug to ya)
Esteban
Hi Girl!! Your comments and pictures are so great! It sounds like you are really busy and enjoying what is around you. We are anxious to hear anything from you. Did you get our letter that we sent the first part of Nov.? I felt so bad that what I had planned to send you would have cost a small fortune. I just hope you are able to get the necessit-ies that you need. We are trying to get in the Christmas mood, but its just not like it used to be---somehow the fun and excitement are not the same--(maybe this old grandma just needs to lighten up!)
We think of you so often and al- ways remember you in our prayers. Also, I keep your name on the pray-er roll in the temple. Some of the kids came over for Thanksgiving, but didn't stay long.Brock and his friend, Amber, ate with us, but left early. Maybe you know her, she is a friend of Lisa and has a little boy named Cash. Ethan is doing quite well in school so far this year. Also getting better and
better on the violin. He is now in
the seventh Suzuki book, there are ten. Not bad for just four years of lessons. His teacher thinks he is awesome. Will sign off now for this time. Much much love, Gram.
Hi amber,
I love your blog The photos are awesome!Sounds like you are having a great time :)Love Dawna
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