These past few weeks have been crazy with lots of work and changes. The new group of Volunteers swore-in at the Ambassador's house at the end of September which was really exciting. Now they are all at their posts learning the ropes. I can't believe it was a year ago when I was in their position...crazy to think about how time is flying by. I also had my mid-service medical exam and did a bunch of tests. I am healthy as ever which was a relief to hear.
The rainy season has stopped up north and right now we are in the 'petite chaleur' which is a small hot spell. Hopefully it won't last too long and we will be able to get some more rain before the harmattan comes (the dry wind from the Sahara). Our workstation has two guava trees and the fruits are starting to get ripe so much of my time is spent looking for good ones to eat. I haven't really tried guavas back in the States and I don't know what I was missing because they are delicious and apparently good for you. I am all set up at my new post and have been really busy with fixing various things at the workstation, getting to know people and visiting Volunteers in my region. As PCVL, I visit all of the new Volunteers in my region and find out what kind of projects they're working on, any problems they need help with, etc. It's one really cool aspect of my job. Although, I am surprised at how busy I have been with administrative stuff and repairs to the workstation. It seems as if something is always breaking (mostly electrical) and getting things repaired isn't particularly timely. But I am learning a lot and I hope to think that I am getting the hang of things.
Aside from my post in the north, I went down to Cotonou on my birthday to do some admin stuff. The ride down takes about 12 hours and can be done in a day but we got stuck in Bohicon of all places because the road was blocked from an accident and night fell. I was a little bit upset that I wasn't able to make it to Cotonou and eat Thai food for my birthday but I was stuck with some good volunteer friends and we celebrated in Bohicon...and even went swimming at midnight in the hotel pool!
Tomorrow I finally get to return back up north. I am so excited because I miss it already, have lots to do and my postmate is back from vacation and she is going to help me meet potential work partners. Sorry for the scattered thoughts and the fact that I haven't posted in a while!
