Training Week 1

"If you're brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello." ~Paulo Coelho 

We're here! We arrived in Lome late last night and are staying at a hotel for the next few days before we move on to our official PST (pre-service training) sites outside of Lome. I am going to be an English and Gender Education volunteer, which is a brand new program in Togo.I will be teaching English in a middle school and also organizing other programs to help promote gender equality and education. That is the gist of my position so far. Over the next 9 weeks I will be living with a host family in a small town near Lome. I had a meeting with my APCD (Assistant Peace Corps Director) today to briefly go over general information about the program. I found out that as an EGE volunteer I will become TEFL certified, which is an excellent bonus to the overall experience. There are about 14 volunteers in the EGE program and I'm really looking forward to training, and getting to know them all better.

I LOVED meeting and talking with my APCD and current volunteers, who are guiding my "stage" through the training process. Everyone here has been very welcoming and friendly, which has put me at ease. Earlier today we had group lunch at the Peace Corps Country Director's house. It was a lovely day, and the food was delicious. The U.S. Ambassador to Togo showed up as well, and gave a brief statement and show of support for all of us incoming PCTs. This is the Peace Corps' 50th year in Togo, which will make our swearing-in ceremony a little extra special.

So far, so good for my health. I only felt a little nauseous this morning and I'm not very jet lagged. The humidity is not at all as bad as I thought it would be. It's WAY more humid than it is back at home, but we are pretty spoiled with our dry, cool air in the Pacific Northwest. Compared to the humidity in Philadelphia, it's not terrible. The food is good too. I have not tried some of the traditional dishes yet, like fufu or pate, but I'm sure I will get the chance while I'm staying with my host family. I'm looking forward to the next several weeks to train and get adjusted to life in Togo. Our hotel has free wifi, but I'm guessing that my host family will not have internet. I'm loving it here and I'm looking forward to the journey ahead!! Until next time, au revoir mes amis!!