Odds and Ends

This is going to be a disjointed post but I havent blogged in a while and am quickly running out of time on the internet.

My birthday was a week and a half ago and turned out to be pretty disappointing. I was in village so couldnt really celebrate or even spoil myself with expensive junk food from the the small grocery store in the city. Hopefully next year when I turn the big quarter century I will be able to plan a big fete or something!! I did really appreciate all of the cards from friends and family! I feel so removed from life in the US that its wonderful to hear from you. Thanks!!

My family raises animals as I have said before and it appears that it is birthing time as we have had lots of baby goats and sheep including a cute one born on my birthday. I named him Kirstin which my family though was super funny since they dont name animals ever and this one happened to be a boy!

The Harmattan began early this year around my birthday. Usually this doesnt come until December or January but like weather patterns everywhere else, its all screwed up here too. It is very dry and dusty which I think led to me becoming sick last week. I got a sinus infection and cold so was feeling really under the weather. It was my first time sick here though so I have been very lucky compared to many of my fellow trainees that have suffered through lots of diarrhea already. I am better now except for a runny nose and sore throat that I think it more from the dry weather than anything else.

I visited a current volunteer this weekend that lives in a village three km from my village. It was fun to see how she lived. I also was able to visit the site of one of my current trainees since he was nearby. It was exciting to see the house he will be moving into soon. I cannot wait to see my own house and community. One more month to go!!

I wanted to write about Thanksgiving plans but will have to wait to tell you what actual occurs. I want to say thanks for all the great friends and family that have supported me in this adventure and hope you have a great day with your friends and family at home!!