Almost time for my host Family :)

I am having a great time here in Cotonu, Benin. All of the people are very nice and helpful no matter what I need. I changed my money at the Western Union today--bring $100 bills and you can get the best exchange!!!! I take malaria pills everyday and shots such as typhoid on Wednesday! I had my first tutoring session today with my teacher--he is very nice---I am in the Novice Low level but am very determined to learn as fast as I can. The staff here is great and I have 100% confidence in them! :) I am going to have training tomorrow for the motos!! (main transportation here in Cotonu! I also had my interview discussing my post-I have really no idea where I will be posted though. We shall see! Also, I do not know how I am going to get all of my stuff into a taxi to get to my post! I have now a moto helmet, bike, bike helmet, french books from my teacher and staff, and my 80 pounds of things I brought from the USA! If there is a will there is a way!! Haha I am having a great time and will try to keep my blog updated. Can't wait to meet my host family so I can get some clothes made for me!

IN BENIN!!

Arrived in Benin, do not have much time! Having a great time! Everyone is so nice and I am going to start learning French tomorrow! Oh, I am so excited!!! I will be getting a phone soon! Have to change my dollars into FRANKS!! Ok, dont worry!! I will try to keep in contact more when I am at my host family and post!!

Off to Benin I go...

Leaving in the morning to go to Philly then we have a not so wonderful bus trip to JFK airport to fly to Benin, Africa! Had a wonderful weekend with the family even though it started to rain!! I practiced some French in the car, but I might of practiced the wrong pronunciation!! Haha Oh well, I am very excited to meet some new people and start learning FRENCH from a teacher! I am all packed up; hope I have everything I need! It is going to be hard to leave the family for a couple years, but I know I will see them again! We will keep in contact all of the time! Thank goodness for technology!!! I will try to keep the blogs coming! Training might take up a lot of my time! But hey, it will be great!! Thank you to all my supporters out there! It really helps me feel a little more comfortable!! Love you all!!

Only days away...

...from arriving in Benin...packing is almost done and I am going on my final vacation with the family to Letchworth State Park in New York. I am going to spend my last couple of days relaxing around a campfire and hiking...The family and I are going to enjoy every second!!! It is going to be really hard to leave everyone for so long, but I know I can get through! I cant wait to meet all of the wonderful Peace Corps volunteers already over in Benin patiently waiting for the new arrivals!!! :) I have some requests as well that I will be bringing to Benin from the United States! Hahaha. See everyone soon!!! Can't wait!!!

8 DAYS!!

The weekend was amazing. My friend from Maryland came to stay with me for a couple of days...we had a great time! Even got to go to breakfast at Cracker Barrel (our favorite place) with my dad on the way back from the airport...that was nice and yummy!!! My parents planned a very fun going away party for me as well! Love you guys! Went shopping for some comfortable sandals that I will need for riding my mountain bike and hiking all around Benin!! I also found a cute, yet appropriate skirt below my knees...it is important to look respectful so the people are not offended in Benin....it's ok with me...I am going to learn and become acquainted with a brand new culture...I can't wait! :) I am getting a little nervous though as the days are moving faster and faster! Learning French and getting used to the pace of life there is going to be the hardest part for me...but who knows, maybe I will learn French pretty quick...oh boy my fingers are crossed! I THINK I CAN...I THINK I CAN!