So, I leave tomorrow on a flight from Philadelphia to Niamey, Niger. From there I will go to a small town not far from Niamey, where I will spend the next 9 weeks participating in a pre-service training. This will consist of intensive language study, as well as a number of other classes. I won't have any contact with the internet during this time, so my blog won't get updated that often.

For those who don't know much about Niger, here are some videos that might interest you:

This is a 60 Minutes video about Plumpynut, a new combination of food that is helping malnourished children:

This video displays a common impression of Niger. It was recently ranked last on the United Nations Development Index. At the same time, many of the people that I have talked to who have been to Niger love it. They say that the people are incredibly kind and generous.

I will find out pretty soon.

So, I will begin a 27 month commitment for the Peace Corps in Niger on July 9, 2008 as a "Community and Youth Educator." I intend to use this blog to post pictures, stories, thoughts, links, and whatever else might come up. I hope to post on a regular basis.

I invite your comments and emails.