The Doorknob

The Doorknob

an interesting article about the misconceptions of the Peace Corps

Preparations

I received my invitation to serve a little over one month before I ship out. So it has been crazy getting everything in order.


Packing has been fun (NOT).. I mean how do you pack your life for the next almost three years in 80 pounds (the allowed amount of luggage).. Not soo easy.. I don't even know what to pack, what i'll need, whats "essentials." I've been doing some shopping getting things i know I can't find in Senegal..  I got some tennis shoes, My first pair since the 9th grade, lol,.. And i got that one because I needed it for gym back them... 




I had to apply for a passport (its required even if you already have one) and also a visa, which is required.... Ive also been getting all my affairs in order, taking care of the home front. I've also been filling out all these paperwork for the Peace Corps. Getting required shots, meditations, etc.


Now, I'm just in the last minute phase getting everything else that is needed...


Pray for me that I can get all my stuff in 80 pounds.. But I figure I take less clothes since most things in my closet wont be appropriate. Ill just buy stuff there or get them sown. 

Salam Alekum

Hey Guys,


So lets do this again.. I just deleted my earlier posts. I'm still getting use to this thing..hahah...


Anyways, welcome to my blog. This blog is going to be about my experience in the Peace Corps. I've been invited to serve in Senegal as a small enterprise development agent.. We are scheduled to live on the 10th of August.


I am excited to start this journey. It would be 2 1/2 years.. The first 8 weeks there would involve training, so I'm not a volunteer yet till i'm sworn in.

My Worries

Ok guys... these are just a few worries I have for my new life but I'm sure I'll adapt..there is JUST NO OTHER CHOICE right? lol.. This is in no order although I think the toilet is my biggest issue..

1. Its majority MUSLIM.
• I'm not against the religion but its a  conservative one. And it been in Africa, it would be more traditional. This means I have to change my dressing and now looking at my closet must of my current clothes would not work in my new culture... this means Shopping. I have to wear longer things that cover up more of my body BUT its HOT. I guess after a while ill get use to it... 
• The 5am prayers i'm use to, because in Sierra Leone, i get that wake up call all the time anyways, when there..
• The diet won't be that different I guess no pork but  I don't eat it much now anyways. 
2. I don't eat/like beans
• So I was reading up on what's a staple in Senegal and its beans... I hate beans, peas, all types and all variations in this family expect string beans. We shall see how this goes because apparently its mixed in with everything.. So hopefully its sooo mixed in that I wont notice it or taste it..
3. We all eat together and with our hands
• I love the idea of family and togetherness.. All i have to say about this is I hope everyone washes their hands Properly before eating.
4. I'm I up to par
• Another thing is DO I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES..I know my job is in small business as I'm a small business development agent. Altho I don't don't know my exact job I know it involves writing grants, getting small business owners on their feet and less dependable on  handouts and loans..I had originally been nominated for youth development, but this is were I was placed so i guess if the Peace Corps thinks I have it in me I MUST. I just hope I will be able to serve the people I will be sworn to serve.
• I know I can do anything that I have my mind set on and this is one of them.. the Peace Corps thought I had it in me so I guess I do.. Plus we get more than enough training..
5. The Toilet

My New bathroom

This picture on the left will be my new bathroom system for both NO. 1 and 2. Its pretty much a shoot and aim.. I hope i can make it all the time especially for those No.2s that can get messy.. O well we shall see how that goes.. I'm sure I'll have some funny stories for you.