I do solemnly swear,,,,

Well its official.... I am now a Peace Corps Volunteer. The swear-in ceremony was great. The ambassadors residence was wonderful. The speeches were great. Our clothes were quite frankly... amazing! The PCV's were out in full force. The past few days have been a whirlwind... we had the GAD (Gender and Development) Auction on Wed. where I purchased a few things... namely a $100 sleeping bag for about $8, a bracelet and another nalgene... and all in the name of gender equality. Then the PCV's hosted a BBQ at the Niamey hostel on Thursday. The food was amazing... I had pork and it was GRAND!!! Then yesterday was the ceremony. Its been really nice to meet the other volunteers but we're still the "newbies". The next stage lands Jan. 7 (AG & NRM) but they won't swear-in until March... and so it goes!

Henry McCoy, the Africa Regional Director, was in west africa and it was quite the treat. David Liner had introduced me to him about a month before I left. I had been looking forward to his visit plus the whole country was a buzz with getting ready for him. He was the first face I had seen from home and he had nothing but encouraging words for me and my fellow stage mates. He also said he'll be back in a year to check our progress... exciting times. Plus he gives a great hug... and on top of all of this he's a North Carolinian... does it get better... I think not!

It's bitter sweet that stage is over. I'm sad to leave my friends and the petit america that we have in Hamdy... I can't wear shorts really anywhere else. But i'm also anxious to start the work I came here to do. I will no doubt cry when I say good-bye to Suzannah, Texas, Germany.... and many others that I won't see for 2 months but its time. It time to give back to the people that have given me so much. I'm ready as I'll ever be so now its sink or swim... and I fully intend to be doing laps.

Well I miss you all and wish you well. I will be back in the capital in Dec. sometime. But for the entire month of Oct. I'll be in Doundibi.

So....
Happy Birthday Mom... Oct. 12 I miss you so much thanks for being my biggest cheerleader
Happy Birthday Brittney... Oct. 2 GO DAWGS!!! So here's the thing you need to come visit me.
Happy Birthday Karen.... Oct. 10 Oh wow... if I was there I'd totally take you on TCBY date!!! WHOOP!!!
Happy Birthday Ashley Shaw... Oct. 14 My 5489... um I'm going to have to ask you to come to Africa.!!!
Congrats... Sarah & Robin on the new baby that will no doubt arrive while I'm out in the bush.
(If I forogt you its because I have lost my address book... and don't remember your b-day off the top of my head.)

Kala Kayan.... Until I return.