Oh yeah, I haven't left yet!

Man, I am having the worst time trying to stay focused on what I'm doing right now. I've been day dreaming about Guinea in all my classes. I spend all my time at work searching the Internet to learn more (It's ok, we're allowed). I very rarely remember my dreams, but now I dream about Guinea almost every night. It's really hard to stay focused when I know my reality is going to be flipped upside-down in a few months. I know that's not an excuse.

I met up with my friend Viva the other day to talk. She just recently got back from Guinea and Mali. I really enjoyed her metaphor for Guinea and Mali-Broad generization, but stil paints a picture. She says the energy in Mali has a gentleness and Guinea is more entergetic and firery. She compared Mali with the Elders in a community and Guinea with the youth. My roommate Jamie says I'll fit right in with the firery Guineans!

Black Star Journal

Black Star Journal is commentary on the news, culture, sports and current events of sub-Saharan Africa. Bryan, the author, served in the Peace Corps in Guinea. I just wanted to have his link on my site so people can check up on it every now and then.

Yes, Guinea is different from New Guinea

Guinea:


Papa New Guinea:


Ok. Now that that's clear. I found out last week that I will be serving in Guinea West Africa!! I couldn't be more excited! I don't have as many friends from Guinea as I do other West African countries. But I do have a fair amount of knowledge of the culture because of the simularities to Mali and Senegal. But that's nothing compared to how much I'll know when I complete my service.
I can't tell you how surreal everything feels. In less then three months from now my dream will become a reality. I have to admit I'm a little stressed about my assignment(which is Agroforestry) but Gretchen, a volunteer in Senegal has put my mind (slightly) at ease with her information about training.
This is the place to go to hear all about my little adventures, struggles, and revelations. I'm not sure how often I'll be able to update this after my training, as I may not be able to get to a computer for months. Just keep your eyes out and keep me in your prayers

Patience grasshopper, patience.

It's like a dog who hasn't seen his owners in 7 months and is anxiously waiting for their return. He hears the gravel crunch beneath tires. Without even looking out the window, he knows this is what he's been waiting for. So exited! He dashes around the house. Every corner of the house is in danger of his wild tail. Not knowing what to do with himself and finally stops at the front door. It's when they start to turn the door handle that he just can't contain his excitement any longer....And pees.

Yup that's the only way I can describe how it feels knowing your Peace Corps invitation is in the mail. It's going to tell me when and where I'm going to spend the next 2 years of my life. I have to admit I have my preferences, but I've been preparing myself to accept anything that comes my way. I can't wait to dig into every archive and talk to every native I can to learn more about the country. But until then I'm wagging my tail in front of the mailbox waiting for that package with the Peace Corps emblem on the front.