Peace Corps Update

I'm going to SENEGAL!!!

For those of you who have been following this saga, you know that I've been waiting for a really long time (since last February!) to find out where the Peace Corps was sending me. I was trying my best to be patient, but with my expected departure looming in March I was starting to get a bit concerned. That combined with the fact that I was planning on leaving for a two week Christmas vacation prompted me to send a polite little reminder to my placement officer, which resulted in me receiving my invitation at the last minute before we left for the cruise. So, for all of you who have been holding your breath with me, here are the particulars:

Country: Senegal
Program: Preventitive Health and Environmental Education
Job Title: Environmental Education Extension Agent
Dates of Service: May 2010-May 2012
Date of Departure: 12 March 2010

I don't really know what exactly I'll be doing because a lot of that depends on the specific needs of the village that I'm assigned to at the end of training, but I'll do my best to answer the most common questions that I've been getting from people. Some of these answers come straight from the info packet that came with my invitation.

Where the heck is Senegal?
On the Western coast of Africa, near Mali.

What languages do they speak over there?
French, Wolof, Pulaar, Mandinka, Sereer. I'll be brushing up on my French in the next few months but I won't know what local language I'll be learning until Pre Service Training.

Where will you be living?
"You probably will live in a hut in a Senegalese family compound, reasonably close to your work zone. The hut typically will be made of mud bricks or cement with a grass, wood or metal roof and a private latrine...in most cases you will have neither electricity nor running water."

What will you have to eat?
"Staple foods in rural Senegal are rice and millet or corn with vegetables and fresh or dried fish. Most water comes from wells, and it must be treated before drinking. Meat is a rarity."

Will you have internet?
I'll probably have fairly regular access to it during pre service training, but once I'm out at my site I probably won't even have electricity so internet is out. Unless somebody wants to hook me up with a solar charger for my laptop and satellite internet (hint hint). From what I've gathered people manage to get online once every month or two, so I'll try to update this blog as frequently as possible. Apparently I'll have some sort of mail service, so letters and care packages will always be appreciated.

Is there climbing in Senegal?
Not that I know of...but maybe I'll find somewhere to put up some first ascents! Since I'll be over there for two years I'll most likely take the opportunity to travel to Morocco, Mali and maybe even Europe. It might be tougher to find a climbing partner than it will be to find places to climb, but I'm going to bring my rack and rope and hope for the best!

Can people come visit you?
Absolutely! Although there are some time restrictions so it might be best to check with me instead of just showing up in Senegal ;) Consider this your opportunity to broaden your horizons!

Thats pretty much all the news for now. I'll keep updating as I find out more information. If this all comes as a complete shock to you and you're wondering what the heck I was thinking applying for the Peace Corps in the first place the answers to that question and more are in this post.