And so it begins...

I've been in the country for 12 days now and I don't know how to begin. There are so many different stories and such a variety of emotions that I'm sitting here staring at my computer thinking how i should organize my thoughts. Since i'm not going to get anywhere with this strategy, I'm just going to start typing and see where it goes. I'll try to start from the beginning and put in all the interesting tidbits. So this journey finally began on March 7th as I left home for DC...

Staging in DC
As I boarded the plane, I knew that one of my fellow PC members was on my flight thanks (to the social network that is Facebook). We ended up next to each other and it was refreshing to talk to someone about to embark on the same adventure that I was. The west coasters were flown in on Sunday night because registration for staging was at noon on Monday, so we met up and started to get to know each other. The next day was a flurry of paperwork and information. Staging was very informative and it was nice to be around people who were in the same boat as me. We didn't have the awkward icebreakers that I was dreading (Thank goodness), and didn't have any trouble making conversations.

That night, Jonny and Kristi came and took me out for one last dinner in the United States. It was so nice to see them, since I hadn't seen them since their wedding reception. I think it was at that point that it hit me that I was leaving the country the next day. I still had my phone with me, so I was able to make/receive last minute phone calls and texts, but it was finally happening- this was the last time I would be seeing my friends in the states for a while.

Tuesday morning came before I knew it. It was off to the health department for shots, then to the airport. I kept thinking that the fact that I was leaving the United States was going to hit me suddenly and that I would panic. I landed in Senegal without a panic attack and the excitement just kept building up.

Senegal
We landed at 6am and when I deboarded, I was hit with the smell of the ocean (so comforting!). I can't even describe what was going through my head at that moment- a ridiculous mix of exhaustion, excitment, anticipation, nervousness, fear, and probably 7 other emotions. We all gathered our ridiculous amount of luggage (not so ridiculous when you remember that we were all moving for 2 years), and boarded the PC buses for Thies. That first day, we had a series of "interviews" to help determine our languages, our placements, and medical status. As exhausted as I was, I was able to make friends, get through the interviews, and partake in the dance/drum circle. I'm pretty sure I was running on pure adrenaline. The other PC trainees are awesome and I feel so connected to people already. I thought that I clicked quickly with the other Summer Seminars counselors, but this is a whole other level.

Training
For all the people who were wondering what I would be doing for the next 2 years- I still can't tell you for sure. However, our program has a great framework with concrete goals outlined. I do know that I am expected to plant a garden and create a 100 sappling pepiniere(tree nursery) every year (eek)! I am learning so much about Senegalese culture, family structure, gardening, development strategies, and myself. It's been interesting to discover that what i thought were my limitations, don't actually exist. I just keep going and although I'm usually hot and sweaty, I find a way to get things done. One of the most interesting experiences that I've had has been entering into my homestay and not speaking any of the language.

Oh, the homestay- what can i say about that. I learned on Sunday that my language was going to be Fulakunda (Pulaar du Sud). From that, I can narrow down my ultimate site to two regions. We had one language class and left for our homestays on Monday. When the bus dropped me off in Mbour, my baaba (one of the few words I know because it's the same as in Cantonese) was there to pick me up. We had the shortest conversation ever because it ended at hello. The first night in my homestay was an elaborate game of charades mixed with my attempts at speaking french. A lot of volunteers have said that the first night was one of the worst of their service- if that was the worst of it, then I CAN do this.

My homestay family is adorable. There is my Mom and Dad and three little brothers! Coming from a family of 4 girls, it's really cool to have brothers =). There's Seegoona, whose 4 and is my counting buddy. Then there's Ous Semane who is 3 and didn't talk to me at all for the first 2 days, but then stopped being scared of me and now thinks I'm the funniest Tubab ever. Lastly, there's Boubacar. He's 18 months old and has these big eyes and will come and sit in my lap whenever he wants. My family is so patient with me and helps me with my language. I'm pretty sure that they think that I'm dumb because they have to repeat everything and things that I understand one day doesn't stick with me the next. But I'm trying (seeda seeda!). I feel like I'm starting to be part of the family. I have a Senegalese name: Faatumata Balde! Also, the other day, during dinner, my Dad told me that his home was now my home and I need to eat more. Love!

I've already gotten some marriage proposals, including from my "uncle". In my limited Fulakunda, I was able to understand that and refuse multiple times. haha! Other than that, we are the center of attention in our quartier. We obviously stand out and we are the entertainment. I've gotten really good at laughing at myself and making the best of everything. Thank goodness all the other PCT's are great and keep me up. This crazy rollercoaster ride has been full of ups and downs and I know the upsidedown turns are still to come.

More to Come....,
This has been a horrible entry and I know I'm missing so much, but I'm facing major writers block. Forgive this monotonous entry and hopefully I will write something better next time. Oh! I have a cell phone here: 221-77-116-9578! You can call me =). AND, ask me questions! I will write what you want to know...

--Peace Out (JAM TAN!)