Pictures

I was hoping this would be accessible from the homepage on my blog but I don't see where it it so until I learn to use a computer... http://therehrview.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html

Arrival in Kolda

So, I can’t believe it’s only been about two weeks since I posted because they have been so action-packed that it feels like I’ve been in Senegal for six months already. Training is now over and I am writing as an officially sworn-in Peace Corps Volunteer. We traveled to Kolda yesterday and are in the regional house for a few days to shop and gather all of the things we need to install as a volunteer. I had a big shopping day today and I still have to buy a bike, mattress, and bed! I will go to my village on Wednesday and officially start my service. It’s such a strange mix of excitement, nerves, sadness to separate from the other trainees, and feeling slightly lost. I know that when I wake up Thursday morning, I’m not going to be totally sure of what to do but there’s no way to figure it out until I get there.

There have been several moments in the last few weeks that have made everything feel a little more… and a little less surreal. Things that have made me feel like I am not actually in the Peace Corps:

- A 2-day beach excursion in a mansion on the beach with my entire training group
- Staying in a hostel and going to a club in Dakar the night after swear-in
- Eating hamburgers

Things that remind me I am in the Peace Corps:

- Buying large buckets and a washboard to do laundry
- Swearing-in using the same oath of office as the President (besides the last few words)
- Spending two days working with my counterparts from my village to prepare for my installation
- Sweating… a lot
- Running around Thies to buy a gas tank that I can use to cook in my hut… that was a bit of an adventure

I have been taking lots of pictures and will continue to snap away but the internet remains a little lacking so I will upload as soon as I can. In the meantime, if anyone knows how to make a photo gallery page on blogspot, shoot me an email.

The Five Week Challenge

So, tomorrow is the day I install in my village and it will also mark the beginning of my five-week challenge. A very self-explanatory idea, Peace Corps Senegal encourages all new volunteers to spend as much time as possible in the first five weeks of their service in village and to not spend a single night in those first weeks sleeping anywhere else (visiting a fellow volunteer or staying at the regional house). Committing to the five weeks will help me rapidly improve my language skills, better acquaint me with my family and my village, and help me get over a major hurtle in adjusting to service. However, this also means that I may be even more out of touch than I have been. I should still be able to come into Kolda a few days in the next weeks to check in and charge up but in general, I am going to try and stay as unplugged as possible. I’m sorry I won’t be able to keep in touch super well but don’t worry, I should have some great stories come week six.

Here in Kolda, I can receive letters and packages and I would love to hear from anyone who wants to send something along. Packages can get pretty pricey though and can take some time to get here so no pressure at all! My dad is also sending one along soon though so I might use that as a test run to see how long it takes. My new address is:

PCV Nathan Rehr
BP 26
Kolda, Senegal
West Africa

Thanks for reading and happy trails!