chin gólben tey

after much anticipation i got to visit my site last week. my counterpart from the orranization i will be working with came to the peace corps training center for a little orientation session and then we were on our way. i am lucky it is beautiful. temperate climate, pine trees, and mountains.

talking to volunteers it typically seems that both their counterparts and the organizations they work for vary greatly in size and organization. some are working for multimillion dollar international NGO´s while others work for small community based organizations. i am relieved that my organization is locally centered and employs people from the community that speak the language (...apart from myself). even though they are relatively small they still appear very well organized and that they have a lot of passion for the work they do in the field of development.

it also seems like anything i´m interested in doing they would be down with. nutrition, appropriate technology, family gardens, education projects, reforestation... as long as it seems like a healthy step in the right direction they seemed enthused.

i also found a new home (my first own place...sorta). i was lucky to find something really easily. i will be moving into the home of a peace vorps volunteer who is finishing her service right now. pictures will be incoming... as long as i have space for a garden, i´m happy.

i swear to...

the big day arrived. yesterday we got dressed up in all our finery, went to the home of the us ambassador and officially became peace corps volunteers. i think ive been anticipating becoming a volunteer since high school or before. its very crazy to be here now. surreal at times.

all of us got to bring members of our host families and that was really great to share the day with them. i think living with them has been the best part of my service so far. i am overwhelmed by their warmth, kindness, and quick wit. the night before the ceremony they surprised me with the traditional apron that the women in their community wear. i was so excited and proud to wear it.