2011 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps. There are many celebrations and events going on this year, leading up to this anniversary.

Here is a link to a congressional statement made about the Peace Corps.

http://csce.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContentRecords.ViewDetail&ContentRecord_id=404&ContentType=S&ContentRecordType=S&CFID=29430344&CFTOKEN=52729968

We should all be very proud of our children who are currently serving!

I was just wanting to a note on here. I will not be needing this blog anymore as my son Mattthew is in the process of leaving the p.c. He felt like he was going no good over there and is coming home to help here instead. I really appriecate all the post that have been on here. I will miss all of you. May God Bless you all and keep you safe.

Sincerely

Margaret Combes

http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/54-volontaires-au-total-a,13447.html

Newspaper article with pictures of the swearing in ceremony. How's your French?

The memory card from Dacia's camera arrived. Mom figured out how to collect the photos, back them up, and get them up to the web. But she failed, as yet, to get the slide shows working. Here are web addresses to some of the photos. More will be added later.

Dacia in Niger:

http://picasaweb.google.com/dacia.hartford/BloggerPictures#

Peace Corps Stage Friends: http://picasaweb.google.com/dacia.hartford/PeaceCorpsStageFriendsInNiger#

Madagascar!

http://picasaweb.google.com/dacia.hartford/MadagascarTrainingArea#

Our kids are really busy right now, completing their home stay, getting ready to give presentations in Malagasy, preparing for another language proficiency interview, looking for something nice to wear for swear-in, thinking about packing up for another move, and dreaming of finally settling to their new homes

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!

On Monday the trainees will leave the training center and go to their host families. In three weeks after that, they will be sworn in as Peace Corps Volunteers and go to their assigned posts. The past 2 1/2 months have been a time of excitement, stress and change, not only for the trainees but for their families also.

I pray for each of the trainees as they start the new year in a new country; that they take their talents, excitement and knowledge to their villages.

I pray for the Peace Corps Staff who have taken our children under their wing and prepared them for the task that lies ahead.

I pray for the people in Niger; that the situation may change there and the people get the help they so desperately need.

I pray for the wonderful people I have met through this adventure of our children. They have become a support circle for me. I hope we will continue to exchange stories and ideas as our children venture out and start their service.

This will certainly be a challenging year, but with what these kids have already been through, they will be able to meet any challenge head-on.

To all - have a happy and healthy new year!!

December 27, 2009

We just spoke to Jessica on the phone. The connection is amazing through Skype.

She said that Christmas was wonderful. They played secret Santa. Chantel was her secret Santa. They had a FEAST which included ham, turkey, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, shrimp cocktails, veggie tray, fruit tray, ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies and mint chocolate brownies. (This is definitely NOT the Peace Corps I remember. )

The day after Christmas, the trainees did a camping trip to Antasi Bay National Park. There were 3 large tents – each holding 8 people and other smaller tents. She and Hayley shared a 2-person tent. She said the lemurs were amazing and made sounds like whales. They brought a cook along with them to the campsite. (This is NOT the Peace Corps I remember). Their guide was a former Madagascar PCV, Shawn Peabody, who gave them an excellent tour.

They are back in Manta Soa now. They will be sworn in as Peace Corps Volunteers on Jan. 26, 2010. They did receive their onward assignments. Jessica will be going to a town on the Northeastern side of the island called Fananmbana. She will have to fly from Antananarivo to Sambava and then a 3 hour drive. She saw pictures of the house she will be living in – 3 rooms. Electricity is available only 3 hours in the evening and the bill is calculated by the number of light bulbs she will be using, (approximately $1.50 per light bulb per month). There is a well for water in her compound, but a pit toilet and bucket shower. (Now, this is the Peace Corps I remember!) She said she will be working at a “CSVS” which is like a health dispensary. There is a doctor and a nurse there, but her job will strictly be health education. She will have banking and internet access in a town 30 km away called Vohemar. She will probably be able to get into town once a month when she will pick up her mail and update her blog.

Talked with Megan for two hours Sunday morning. I'll try to put here what hasn't already been put on other posts. She said the training site is like a resort. The Embassy uses it and so puts money into it for its upkeep. The food is good. They have had chicken, fish, pork. And fruit - mangos, papaya, etc. The food has had an American flair to it. This week they will start eating food with a Malagasy flair to it.

They are all learning Malagasy - it is understood all over the island. They will be split into groups this week to learn the specific dialect they will need for post.

They are going into the rainforest at Christmas. They are going to camp and look for lemurs. Sounds fun!!

Got a list of clothes and other items she needs sent since the climate is totally different!

They are all very anxious to get this training stuff over with and get to post!

We also got to talk to our daughter this weekend. How fun to hear about Madagascar and to get an updated list of needs. Food is no longer on the list, except the makings for hot soup and hot tea. She said while Madagascar is amazingly beautiful, their appreciation is even greater after preparing to live in Niger. She said conversations and study notes are odd right now as so many languages are floating through their heads and English isn't always the first reference. Pictures of Niger and Madagascar will be coming but they are riding the slow mail home on a memory card.

While we wait, check out the videos and pictures posted by two Madagascar PCVs who have completed their service. http://blog.faithandtom.com/

Here is a link of 144 pictures from Niger before they left.

http://s888.photobucket.com/albums/ac87/wisecajl/NIGER/

Many of the group are in them. Highlights are more pictures of the fashion show; The compound and family they were living with; The school where they did language training; Feast of Tabaski (including slaughtering of the sheep); Riding the camel; hair-braiding.

Jessica dittoed Ryan's remarks that Madagascar is beautiful. She said picture everything about Niger and Madagascar is just the opposite. They are apparently in a town Mantasoa on a lake, two hours from the capital of Anantananarivo. (There are some really cool pictures of the place on google maps. ) They have cooks and are eating basically American style food. She said the weather was cold - 70 degrees. Compared to 120, I guess 70 degrees is cold. They were able to buy long sleeve shirts in the market. She also said that she, Carolyn and Erin walked 45 minutes this morning to attend a Church service. They sat in the back of the church on wooden benches and the children just stared at their very white faces. They got there at 8:30 and left at 11:00 and the service was still going on. They didn't want to miss their lunch which was being served at noon.

They have no access to internet. And, like in Niger, they have not yet found the post office. I guess that is just not on their priority list. So don't expect any letters.

I talked with Ryan yesterday - Madagascar is awesome and he's very happy! Although they were very sad to leave Niger, they are quickly adjusting to their new country. The training compound is surrounded by a lake - they have been canoeing but no swimming. They will live in the compound for the next 3 weeks, then move in with a host family for 3 weeks. On December 21st they'll get their site assignments and be sworn in on January 26th.

Ryan said the food is amazing - lots of fresh fruit and fish. He is really enjoying Madagascar. There's thunder and lightning during the night but it clears up during the day. Right now it's summer - both the hot and the wet season. Not sure what their plans are for the holiday - but they are planning to hike in the rain forest the day after Christmas.

We heard from Nicki today, and she is loving her new home. She says they over look a lake and that everything is super organized there. She thinks they'll be sworn in pcv workers in 6 weeks. She had a great time in Paris and she just "loves her life". Can't be anything but happy with those words. We found it is .28c a minute on skype to call Madagascar. For any of you book readers, she mentioned THE EIGHT CONTINENT, is a good book about Madagascar, which she just started and recommended.

This picture was posted on Alison's blog page! How cool! I hope Alison doesn't mind that we re-posted it here.

Can you find your child?? (Click on picture to enlarge)

Good morning from very chilly (10 degrees) Montana

See the new posts and pictures to the Peace Corps Journals for Niger from several of our group today at the link http://www.peacecorpsjournals.com/?showcountryinfo,ng, and from Katie at http://katiebrowne.blogspot.com/

Are there any other sites we should be watching?

Bobbie

Hi Everyone,Sorry this is a week and a half late, my daughter finally helped us out!

We received a call from Tom Nov 21. although after waking early (we thought he would call at 7AM) and not getting a call until 9AM, we thought we might never hear. It was SO nice to hear his voice and speak with him. He did say he sent us a letter and mailed it but we have not received it yet. Good to report though that he seems to have received all of our mail so far.He sounds happy, and it sounds like a throwback to the dorm, being "locked in" with 30+ other kids to play cards, volleyball, chat and socialize. He finds the people in Niger friendlier than the people in Rwanda, where he spent 2 months this summer. He was surprised to find that in the land of sand, that there wasn't enough on the volleyball court, and he ended up cutting his foot on a rock...so is out of commission on running for a few days.He was enjoying his host family and living with Jackson, the other PCV.He says the weather is becoming "cooler" and more tolerable, or that perhaps he is just getting used to it!Sounds like we may know soon? if they will be staying in Niger. It will be a shame if they have to leave.Nikki and Jerry (Tom)

I talked to Nicki today and they will be spending 24 hrs in Paris. They are excited to beable to explore the city before going on to Madagascar. They are going to Niamey on Thurs for the day and will have internet excess. Sounds like sometime Sunday they leave Niger. She is so happy it is so evident in her voice!

This is a little slow because I am just figuring out how to get in and do this. Anyway, Monica said that she is living with a the only divorced woman in the village. Apparently her husband wanted to take a second wife and she said no; so she is now divorced. Monica says the woman is doing really well she is strong and someone to be admired. She has a child and Monica will miss them. I sent a pretty fabric with Monica to use as she saw fit and she said she was giving it to her as a thank you gift. She is sad to leave Niger but looking forward to getting settled again and going forward. I am calling her again tomorrow to see if she has her assignment yet and to talk before she leaves. Dianne

The new address for the Niger/Madagascar Trainees is:

NAME, PCT

Bureau de Corps de la Paix

B.P. 12091

Poste Zoom Ankorondrano

Antananarivo 101

Madagascar

From the Madagascar Welcome Handbook:

"Mail takes a minimum of two to three weeks to arrive in Madagascar. Some mail may simply not arrive (fortunately this is not a frequent occurrence, but it does happen). Advise your family and friends to number their letters and to include “Airmail” and “Par Avion” on their envelopes. Packages take six to nine weeks by airmail and about six months by surface mail. If someone is sending you a package, it is a good idea to keep it small and to use a padded envelope; that way it will be treated as a letter."

"Volunteers in Madagascar may receive packages but are responsible for all duty fees, which may be imposed on food and cosmetics and are based on the items’ value. Also be aware that packages containing valuable items may occasionally get lost or held up."

I was able to talk with Ryan today. His Christian family didn't observe the Tabaski holiday. However, he attended a goat slaughtering celebration in the village - which he found very interesting! He also went to other trainees host homes and was able to dine on goat - they eat all parts of the goat.

He and Aaron packed up and left their host family today and moved back to the training compound. Their Mom was extremely sad and cried, their Dad was away on a 7-day missionary trip. He left his Mom with sunflower seeds, but is hoping to pick up a "gift" at the market on Tuesday for his family.

The tentative schedule is that the trainees will be at the compound thru Wednesday. They will spend Thursday in Niamey and fly to Paris late Thursday night. Ryan is really disappointed to be leaving Niger - but looks forward to Madagascar.

I wasn't expecting a call from Megan today since she doesn't have a phone and she is back with her host family for a few days. But she did call today - borrowing a phone from another trainee in the same village.

They just finished their Tabaski celebration. Her host family killed a goat for the occasion. She said they eat every part of the goat - she ate what was there but didn't ask any questions about what part of the goat it came from!

She sounded a bit disappointed to be leaving Niger for Madagascar but says she's sure everything will turn out ok. She is especially sad to leave her little 2yr old host-brother. She took pictures and will share them as soon as she is able. She never did tell me his name but says he follows her everywhere.

She doesn't know if she will be doing small animal husbandry/sustainable agriculture in Madagascar or if she will possibly do small business enterprise. They are supposed to find out Monday.

It will be another whilrwind week for all of them as they gather and then travel to Madagascar. The weather, clothing, etc will all be different. She said they will start their training (8-9 weeks) all over again once they get to Madagascar. I don't know if that means they will extend their time - will their 27 months start over once they get to Madagascar?

I pray for a safe journey and a great experience in Madagascar!

Most of our PCT group have been reassigned to Madagascar due to continued security concerns in Niger. They are sad to leave Niger, but as new PCTs, still learning the language, culture, and customs of Niger, they would be at risk to place alone in villages. Also, with two regions of Niger closing, and the remaining PCVs needing reassignment within the open regions, the total number of volunteers needed in the country is reduced.

Our group will be treated to more of the culture of Niger over the next few days; Tabaski, a culture fair, and more French lessons.

The Peace Corps Journals site for Madagascar is http://www.peacecorpsjournals.com/?showcountryinfo,ma. It includes links to the packing list, fact book, and welcome book for the country. This is the type of information our group members each received on Niger. It is very interesting reading.

Standby for news of arrival in Madagascar! Should we call our blog "Peace Corps Niger to Madagascar"? If the name changes, we will let you know by email.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! I hope you can gather with family and friends today or connect by phone or computer. I am so thankful for the safety of our young adults, for their opportunity to grow and learn more about our world, and for their patience and endurance through the past weeks. I am thankful for the security we enjoy in this country relative to much of the rest of the world. I am grateful for the incentive my daughter has given me to learn about another part of the world. I am thankful for this new circle of friends. Our PCTs may be on the adventure, but they have brought us along for the ride. Thank you for sharing with us.

Bobbie

News from Marica (JaJa's Mom)

We talked with Jaja Saturday morning, she sounded a little sick (coughing)and has moved inside to sleep. Nights are getting cooler and the kids from her host family are wearing "winter clothing" even though is 95 degrees outside! She received the envelope-package we sent in about 2 weeks - but hasn't rec'd our letter.

We talked to Dacia, Ryan, and Megan today, but not necessarily on the schedule we received. We hope some of you had the chance to talk to your family member too. We think we got the message about the call, but our trainees maybe didn't. Dacia was surprised I called at the appointed time. Ryan checked in later, and Megan later still. The shortage of phones and lots of visiting with each may have caused others to run out of time.

They all indicated that things are going well. They are getting to know each other better than most stages do, due to the extra time together. After completing the first LPI (Language Placement Interview) on Saturday they enjoyed a dance party in the evening. Thanksgiving dinner plans are in the works. It sounds like the girls are the planners and dinner will be delicious.

They look forward to returning to their host families, hopefully soon. Training will continue through December. There is no news on placements yet. We may know more mid week. Please share your stories with us.

As always, if you have special concerns, contact Sue, Lynn, or Bobbie by email and we will try to help.

Bobbie, Lynn, and Sue

In the midst of uncertainty, here are some comments from Dacia you might enjoy.

When the moon is full, it is like a flashlight shining on your face.

When the moon is gone, there are more falling stars in one night than you can imagine.

One night we saw an amazingly brilliant meteor falling through the sky.

Life is hard for people of Niger, but they are the happiest people I have ever met.

Taking a 5 minute walk in the village takes 30 minutes because there are so many friendly people to greet.

My "family" makes the best tasting sauces! They are delicious.

There are many language instructors. Each has some unique words for words I thought I knew.

Roosters start crowing about 1:30 in the morning and goats can talk most of the night.

We also got an early morning call (6 am is not bad) with a number to call back in 3 hours (I think the bell rang). She was happy to have a phone, uncertain what the future is but happy to take each day as it comes. She says they are being spoiled right now and fed very well. She has received a couple of packages and letters seem to be coming through to her. They have plans to cook a terrific sounding Thanksgiving dinner with chicken and all the trimmings. My stove-top makings for apple pie and berry tarts in a box may make it by Christmas. She checked up on her Griz football team. A language proficiency check is coming up in the next few days and they may have more news on Wednesday, but call back on Sunday anyway. She just sounds awesome!

Ryan called at 4:15 this morning! It was great to hear his voice. I love SKYPE! We talked for 40 minutes for $7. What a deal! He was very positive, really likes Niger - said the people are so friendly.

He and Aaron are sharing a host family. Their Dad is a farmer - and sells alot of his "crops". The family is well-off. They have a TV, a DVD player and a cell phone. They watch movies in French. Aaron and Ryan share a living space. The family is very laid back - the women/girls eat with the men. There is one Mom and 6 very energetic kids - aged 2 months to 16 yrs. Their Mom makes an extremely hot soup-like meal that they eat with their hands. Said it burns your hands!

His family named him Shocko or Jocko after a friend of theirs they talk to on the phone quite frequently. They hand Ryan the phone each time they talk to Shocko - and its always the same conversation in Hausa "hi, my name is Shocko - what's your name". "Hi my name is Shocko too" LOL!!

During de-myst he was able to see the Niger River. He got very sick, some kind of bacteria-thing . . . he took lots of pills and feels fine now. The weather has changed - its cooler and the wind comes up at night.

He rec'd 2 letters and 2 packages from me, and a letter from Grandma. I forgot to ask if he had to pay for the packages. He has only written the one letter I rec'd yesterday.

What a great morning! He's calling again on Sunday. Whooo Hoooo!

Lynn

We received a phone call from Melissa at 5:45 am this morning (nearly 1 pm Niger time--they are 7 hours ahead of us). Luckily, I was up getting ready for work. She has her own cell phone now and gave me the number so we could call her right back. It took her less than a minute to give me the information and that call cost her $1.50...so it helps if we can call her. I used a $25 AT&T international calling card purchased at Sam's Club (we're in Minnesota). It worked just fine, although I had to dial the number several times before I got through. As near as I can figure, the call cost us about 18 cents per minute. She's doing very well...said she has actually gained weight since she left (!) and has had no problem adjusting. She loves sleeping outside but says the nights get cold and she is glad she has a sleeping bag. We know they are currently all together in their compound, but when she is with her host family she is there with Kelly. She is getting my letters and received envelope packages (mailed US postal--flat rate) that were sent the week she left. She's requested: a watch with an alarm, a baseball-type cap, shorts, baby wipes. It was great to hear her voice.

Well finally a letter from Ryan- mailed on Nov 6th! Other than being hot, sweaty and tired - he was very positive and is enjoying life in Niger. He is living with another PCT (but didn't tell me his name) and said his host family is really nice - but he can barely understand them. His Mom tries really hard to explain everything. The kids are great - they always get excited when they see him and enjoy when he throws the frisbee. Rice for lunch and dinner . . . send beef jerky! Great description of the "toilet" with flies swarming around. Still complaining about the Yankees, and wanted to know how the Blazers and Seahawks were doing. And said he'd call soon!!

Lynn (Ryan's Mom)

Greetings fellow parents,

I spoke with Jessica today. Thank you to Caroline's parents. If I owe you any money, please let me know. They are all well. She did receive two small packages we sent on 11-7-09, but she has not received the package we sent on 10-26-09. There is no rhyme or reason to the efficiency of international mail or even mail in the US. Actually, I am amazed it works as well as it does. I had to chastise her. Here is how the conversation went.

Mom: "Jess, I am concerned that the mail coming from Niger to here isn't making it. So far we have only received ONE letter from you."

Jessica: "Well, I've only written one letter."

Mom: "WHAT!@ I've written you six letters and sent you five small packages!"

Jessica: "I figure, why write, when I can call. I've got nothing much more to say. Plus, I don't have any Nigerien stamps."

So anyway, if any of you are communicating with your children (seeing as they are all together for a while) could you pleas ask one of them to sell some stamps to Jessica. Apparently she has not found the post office. Thanks. I hope you all have a wonderful and Blessed Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Dolores Wisecarver

I talked with Erin on Tuesday morning and she also said they had been called into the training center because of a kidnapping attempt. Of course, she didn't think there was any real danger and was more concerned about missing market day. I also spoke to my husband and he was able to find a report about the incident. He could not give me many details because it was classfied, but did confirm the kidnapping attempt and said it appeared isolated in nature. That really didn't make me feel better. Erin has not received any packages from us. It would be great if the packages could get to them a little faster.

Karen Mills