Just before I hop on the plane
I have about 3 minutes to write, but just so you guys know. The prospects of regular update won't be likely. I'm thinking about mailing updates to one person and have that person update for me. It would be a more regulare occurence from what I'm told. My access to the internet will be more dismal than I originally thought. So for a few people who are checking this and I can't contact before I leave.
Mary-please continue to login into mail every month
Jayne-I may start sending you my updates, I'll try to contact you again regardless.
Other than that, I'm heading off tonite with about 50 other PC folks. There's a mix of business, health and women's empowerment. I'm the only one from a military background. I believe I'm the second oldest. I also think I'm the only one from a rural community, cause they thought when I worked on corn fields a real phenomenom. :-) Anyway, It looks a good group of over-achievers and solid volunteers. I hope to make some real good friends.
Just got my shots today, woo woo and I'm about to check out of my room. I'll start writing letters as soon as I get there. I hope to keep in touch with you all regardless. So, take care and see you again soon.
L
posted by laura @ 3:22 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Hey Laura, sounds like a wild ride you're headed on...a bit different from the past few years! I'll be looking forward to reading all your adventures in Africa. It's the kind of stuff you only see in the movies. Good luck and stay safe.
Jerry Hickey
Date of the letter : August 6 2005
Dear family and Friends,
It's my 5th day in country and so far so good. We've been pushing through serveral classes on policies, information, and language. Tomorrow is the first day we have free and many plan to go shopping. Several items that were on the Peace Corps packing list are useless and there are several items I wish I would have brought. Maybe they purposely told us to bring the wrong items so we can go shopping and boost the local economy. I don’t know, but I am getting desperate for a towel of my own.
Anyhoo, spending the last week a this group of trainees has been interesting. No one has really annoyed me in any matter, but considering I’m the second oldest trainee here and the only one from the military, my perspective is quite different from the rest of the group. A good number are straight from college and constantly remind me of that age. Their concerns seem petty despite the amount of traveling most of them have already accomplished. I tend to call the kids even though they’re still my “peers.” A few kids, I enjoy hanging out with more than others, but I have no solid corps of people I hang with. Several are already homesick and have attempted to call home @ some of the local telecenters in town. I suppose I should try to call home, but I tend to pride myself in not calling. I’ve been asked about the military in complete naiveté. A couple are military brats and have a semblance of the experience I’ve had, but most have no frame of reference. I guess they could say the same of me.
I’m continually surprised at some of the trainees need for instruction. Someone asked today, “Is someone going to show us how to wash our clothes?” I rolled my eyes so hard; I am surprised she didn’t hear it. I’m not perfect and I/m sure most everyone will adapt, but some still haven’t got why they are here. They do not like it and want to leave without the thought of facing the challenge ahead. It is a little disappointing. A plesant surprise came realizing that the smartest people here won’t necessarily be the best suited for the job. The ability to adapt and face difficult situations with aplomb is the most valuable resource now.
One of the most beautiful sites is the night sky. No cities traffic means no smog. So many stars, the regular constellations are hard to find. At night and especially early morning there is an exotic orchestra of music that radiates from the surrounding animals in both the village and country side. Its little wonder how music comes so easily to people here. Even flies and mosquitoes, albeit annoying, add to the chorus.
Some people do live in mud huts here, but most live in brick-structures. The ground and most structures are a bright reddish brown. The music that I do hear, on the radio or bars, is easily danceable and enjoyable to listen to.
Our current living conditions are excellent; we’re in a hotel until we are placed with a family for training. Each room has a ceiling fan, its own full bath, and is relatively clean. The weather upon arrival was humid and initially stifling. Today its breezy and mild due to a rainshower last night. Most of the instructors are Burkinabe and current Peace Corps volunteers. The locals seem to have an excellent sense of humor. They’ve put on skits which had us rolling. They are also quite patient w/our terrible French. The class I took in St Louis is paying off ten fold. I maybe butchering a few phrases but I am not afraid to communicate with anyone here. Surprisingly there are several trainees w/little or no French skills. They’re struggling, but I suppose the language training takes their level into account. Which leads me to believe that the peace corps is desperate to fill positions in Africa despite any language skills.
We’ve also begun to learn a little more but they are hesitant to teach us too much due to permanent assignments haven’t been decided & the need for other languages may occur. It’s a sing-song language w/no conjugation and simple rules. I like it a lot.
Still no internet connection in the foreseeable future but I can be reached at
Laura Curvey PCT
S/c Corps de la Paix
01 B.P. 6031
Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
If you get a chance send me a fly swatter
Laura
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