Hello,

I started the reapplication process to the Peace Corp. If you want to know how its going, please visit my new blog at

http://travelinglvt.blogspot.com

Hello and I know, it's been awhile...If you read my previou entry you'll see my comments on how difficult it was to me to return home. So, what have I done since...

I had knee surgery on August 3rd and I'm just about recovered. It looks like I'll be ready to reapply in March. As far as I know I'll be going back through the same application process as I originally went through. But I really didnt mind it. When I previously applied, since my recruiter was aiming for my departure to be three months from the time I interviewed, I had to have my medical clearance in less than one month; in all honesty the time flew by.

In the meantime, as I go through the process I'll add entries (if your interested in applying for the Peace Corp). If you have questions in the meantime, feel free to ask.

I've kept in contact with six or seven Peace Corp Volunteers (PCV's) since I've been back too. In the next week or two I'll add their blog addresses to this site so that you can check them out too.

Until next time...

Salam Aleykeum (Peace to You)

Well everyone, I'm back in the states. I came back in the U.S. on January 27th. I couldn't get myself to add this entry to my blog any earlier. I did something to my knee and it looks as though I'll need surgery. However difficult the decision was to return home, it was necessary. Although I was able to finally motive myself to make this entry, this was very difficult.

If you've read my first entry, you've seen that my stay was suppose to be 27 months (due to my injury, I was there two weeks). I was encouraged to reapply as soon as I'm back on my feet again and I have every intention of doing so.

Niger was an incredible place and not only do I encourage people to join the Peace Corp but to also visit Niger. There are so many stories I want to share but I'll start with some photo's! I'll add some entries over the next couple of weeks detailing some of the experiences I had.

Thanks to everyone for their support! God bless...

~Meresa

For those that prefer to communicate via traditional mail (AKA "snail mail"):

Meresa Salisbury, PCV

Corps de la Paix

B. P. 10537

Niamey, Niger

If sending anything via DHL:

Country Director

c/o Corps de la Paix

Niamey, Niger

According to the literature, the mail takes six to eight weeks.

Good Morning. I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas.

Since I last journaled, quite a bit has happened. To first summarize I've had a going away party, confirmed my flight reservations, and made a trip to the Traverse City airport.

My going away party was phenomenal! I had a blast the night before preparing the food for the party. I made chili, maple drummies (chicken), mildly seasoned chicken, and parmesan balls. I put together a sort of chili bar so that people could customize their food to their liking; there was black olives, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, red onions, tortilla chips, etc... I love to cook, so this was the start to an awesome gathering! My Mother made her world famous split pea with ham soup. It was out of this world (she had a lot compliments too)! Approximately 30 people attended. It's beyond words to try to describe the evening. I was touched that at the last minute and during the Christmas season to boot, that everyone came out to show their support for me. That evening marked the start of my African voyage; I cant think of a better beginning.

My flight arrangements have been confirmed. I leave Michigan via Traverse City airport January 9, 2007. On my way to Philadelphia for staging (the Washington D.C. site was changed to Philly) I have a two hour layover at Metro airport (Detroit). I'll be in Philly for two days (for vaccinations and country information) leaving January 11, 2007, arriving January 12, 2007 in the capitol of Niger, Niamey (after a layover of undetermined time at the de Gaulle airport in France).

My Mom and I took a ride into Traverse City to get an idea of where I'll be checking in at. The airport was much larger than I anticipated (considering its Traverse City). I spoke with customs to verify what the new regulations were in regards to carry on material. The gentlemen was very nice taking the time to answer any and all questions I had. Mom and I walked down by the check in counter to see exactly where I go and then the realization sank in that I was leaving...very soon. My Mom and I sat down, both of us in a daze. She cried a little and of course I poked fun at her a little calling her a "baby." We both laughed (I hate seeing my Mom upset). We hugged each other and held on a little longer than usual.

Everything is starting to come together. I leave two weeks from today. Its funny how at times it feels like I'm in a time warp, everything is standing still. Than at other times I feel like a week just suddenly vanished. My excitement can hardly be contained thinking about going to staging in Philly, stopping in France, going to Africa for 27 months; what an experience awaiting me.

Talk with everyone again soon.

~Meresa

"The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps."

Hello and welcome to my journal! I started this journal so that I can take you along with me as a Peace Corp Volunteer in Niger (Africa).

I received my confirmation (invitation) November 28, 2006 from the Peace Corp to serve in Niger. I leave January 9, 2007 for Washington D.C. After staging I'll be leaving for Africa (1-11-07). My first three months (training)involves learning the language, getting to know the job, and provides information about the local culture. The Peace Corp of course expects you to perform whatever the tasks are that are assigned to you, however it is also expected that you integrate into society. Meaning I will be attending local functions and activities (I.e. weddings).

I'll be working in the sustainable agriculture, small animal husbandry unit. My title will be Peace Corp Specialist. At this point, although I'm told its not official until after training is complete, it looks as though I'll be working with goats. Excited is a drastic understatement.

The Peace Corp gives an excellent opportunity to do the following: to use the college degree and experiences I have attained/earned to help others, to learn/interact with other cultures, and to top it all off representing my country. Can you think of a better opportunity?!

I have several goals that I hope will be attained from writing this journal:

~Provoke interest in learning about Africa and Niger.

~Provoke interest in learning about other cultures in general.

~Provoke interest in learning of ways to use your degree and/or experiences to help those in your community, state, country, and worldwide.

~Provide information on activities and experiences encountered as a Licensed Veterinary Technician.

~Provide an outlet for those seeking interesting information!

I hope you enjoyed my first entry. Talk with you again soon...

~Meresa