So now I’d like to sit down and write a real post. Not just a quick update on my life. This ‘blog’ thing has been really hard to figure out and I’ve been sitting in the Natitingou workstation with our high speed internet (woot woot) trying to figure out how to post pictures…because a blog [...]

Just finishing up some work and taking money out from the bank before heading back to post. I’ll only be there for a couple of days though and then I’m headed to Cotonou before going to Ghana! So excited. A little bit worried about money. Peace Corps provides us with more than enough to live [...]

Alright in three more weeks I’ll have been in Benin for a whole year! I can’t believe it! I’m in Parakou doing some work at the workstation. Girls club is next week! eicks! Hopefully it goes well! (Knock on wood) In other news…school’s been out. Last week I just worked with students on grades. It was [...]

Quick what’s up! Everything’s is going well. My postmates and I are working really hard to make the Pehunco girls camp awesome. It’s a lot of work. It’s all my first time working with womens’ groups. It’s fun but a little frustrating. I’m going back to post tomorrow and I will be there for a little over a month. [...]

So school’s out for Spring break, which I’m really excited about. I came to the big city in the Atakora region, Natitingou where the  workstation is. Unfortunately this is not a ‘pleasure’ trip. I’m filling out grant proposals and trying to grade exams (among other things).  The Pehunco volunteers and I are really trying to get this [...]

the last post I actually wrote a couple of weeks ago, but I forgot to post it. I will add more but right now I don’t have my journal. This past week has been really hard. A fellow PCV and friend was found murdered in her house. It’s so shocking and horrible. I’m still trying to [...]

Ok, so I decided to take some time to write down what’s been happening at post. I knew once I sat down at a computer my mind would draw a blank so I decided to bring my journal along to help out. It’s edited of course, not because I have scandalous secrets to conceal but [...]

I’m alive. I realize I have so much to write but I have a week to write it. I’ll whip out my journal tmmw and tell all about my life in Benin. The lady is kicking us out of the cyber. Miss you all (seriously)

So this past week was PSW. Which means that TEFL (the english teachers) got together and discussed our first 3 months at post. By the way, my 3 months at post will officially be over Dec. 5th. Really, it just means I’ve overcome the ‘hardest’ hurdle of Peace Corps. I’ve been three months at post [...]

im so excited t,mmw were going to grand popo and ill be able to get some much needed sun on my legs!! plus no classes! and model school is over! and i had my last language exam! and only a couple more days till swear in! im so happy for this break.. ive been stressing [...]

In Cotonou… So I’m in Cotonou right now getting some medical tests because I’ve been sick for a while. It’s nothing too serious, I think. But I had to do a stool stample and a blood test (I KNOW you wanted to know that). The doctor already gave me her diagnosis but we’re still waiting for the [...]

…and it couldn’t come any sooner. Model school has been really draining. All of TEFL is really stressed out (overworked and underpaid!). That isn’t to say that I don’t love it here. I’m starting to love teaching which is totally bizarre on so many levels. But i do, and I love being around the other [...]

So I’m totally excited to be writing on an American keyboard at the Natitingou workstation in the Atakora region of Benin. It’ll be my workstation from now on; a place I can come to surf the internet, pick up books, use an actual toilet, etc. It’s a few hours away from my post, I believe. [...]

Hello everyone! Voila here is my first mass email! So I’ve had a hard time writing this email, only because it is so hard to describe Benin adequately and to give you a good description and accurate account of my time here. I first want to apologize that there have not been pictures posted yet, I [...]

Things I will miss (not in any particular order) My mom Easily accesible Mexican food Sushi (Spicy Tuna Rolls! Salmon Sashimi!) My sisters and brother. Mes amies  M&Ms Phil  Things I won’t miss Paying my student loans My car My uncontrollable craving for Taco Bell (DAMN YOU!) Feeling like I have so much to do even when I don’t. Downey Gas Prices Feeling unfulfilled at work. Things I need to buy [...]

Yesterday was a shopping extravaganza. I looked everywhere for ankle-length skirts and couldn’t find them (even online!). Finally Phil and I stopped by Ross and score! long skirts far as the eye can see. I bought three good quality skirts, and only spent about 35 dollars. I heart Ross. They saved me in the Rainboot [...]

Just a quick note before I get back to my work. I’m so proud right now to live in a state that, under a heavily Republican influenced State Supreme Court, ruled in favor of gay marriage. It has helped pave the way for the rest of the United States to follow suit. I know it’s not [...]

The months of anticipation are finally over! I’m heading to BENIN!   I had sort of guessed this is where I’d end up…but it doesnt make it any less wonderful;) Can’t wait!   Shit….now I REALLY have to start getting everything ready! Selling my car, quitting my job, buying loads of crap, visiting friends/family, saying goodbye!!!! [...]