Settling In

I havent been on in a while so i apologize. im trying to stay away from technology, and live like the hcns (host country nationals). some people here learned how to dial into the internet through our cell phones, and i will admit that i miss my computer, but im also a little bit happier this way. the culture here is not dependent on technology the way that americans are, and its kind of nice. i would love some mail though. i havent gotten any yet, and the mail system is now taking about 5 weeks to receive anything. phone calls would be great too. i heard there are a lot of inexpensive phone cards at justphonecards.com.

so things are going well here. every thursday the class has a big football (soccer) game, and a few teachers and hcns play. its a lot of fun, and ive been on winning teams both times. i play defense, and act as a 'human shield'. really, i just stand around until the ball comes my way, and let the ball hit me. i end up covered with red clay at the end of the game. yesterday i attempted to be goalie. i had a few saves and then one got past me. it was kind of a bummer.

last night we had a birthday party for 2 of the girls here celebrating bdays this weekend. after school we all went to the market then started cooking. the power was out, so we cooked by candlelight. my official job in africa is as designated potato peeler. my host mom told me the other day that im slow, but i dont waste much potato, so she will let me continue. anyway, we went with a mexican theme for the party, with enchiladas, spanish rice, and mashed potatoes and crepes which didnt really fit the theme. all of my classlates were there and it was really fun. at one point, we did pull out the rent soundtrack for some singing, which was not appreciated by all. we even got to stay out past our 7pm curfew, and i went home at about 11oclock.

this week should be interesting. immersion starts monday, so classes are in french only, and if we are hanging out at the school we must speak french. well see how that goes. thursday we find out our site placements, so i will know where i am moving in august. the next weekend i will visit my site so that should be interesting too. it will be nice to finally know.

i finally got sick here, and i thought it was dysentery, but i was told that it was only food poisoning. i was only sick for a short time though. i did get a bug bite that made me break out in hives (well; one hive), but that was kind of weird.

host family is going good. i had to babysit the kids for two days while the parents were out of town. i sort of learned how to light a lantern. well, i guess thats it for the moment, so everyone keep in touch! miss everyone tons, and hope all is well at home.

oh, and im having trouble uploading pics, so ill post when im able!