Ghana...here i come

So, yesterday I woke up really sick. I was going to leave for Bamako, but it just wasnt happening. I left this morning, and about half way through, some guy in an army cowboy hat entered the bus. He was passing out traditionalle medicama. I thought it was hilarious how people were saving it, and even buying some! I dont see him being very successful on public transport in Ameriki.
Well, the airplane fell through....grrrr. So, im trying to mentally prep for a 40ish bus hour trip tomorrow...

Leaving for Ghana Next Week

This month has gone by soo fast! I can’t believe I am going to Ghana next week!

Really, nothing of interest happened this week.

Oh, I did go to a funeral last week. I forgot to put my friends blog link last time, so here it is http://chelseamali.blogspot.com. The men and women were seated separately. When we arrived, somebody was yelling blessings through an intercom. At 9 am, we had rice and pasta and delicious meat. Chelsea told me that they bought 20 Kilos of meat the day before! After eating, we greeted the 2 wives, the mother, and the village chief. Then we chilled.
Laura’s mom took Laura and me out to dinner. It was so sweet of her! I had such a fabulous time! She is a RPCV, so it was interesting hearing how different she pictured Mali.
I was sick yesterday. The 3rd book in the series still has not arrived. I am trying to be patient…AHHHHHHHHHHH.

I have to pack and clean this weekend to get ready to go on my trip!

1 Year Mark! Oh, yeah

This week, I’m hitting the one year mark! Some days, I can’t believe how fast this year has gone by. Other days, I feel like I’ve lived here for about a decade.

I had tutoring the other day. It’s been a while, and it’s so nice feeling like I’ve improved!

Trinh and I watched 27 Dresses yesterday. It is a stereotypical chick flick. I loved it! Drama, predictability, happy ending. What’s not to love? We ate popcorn, cookies, and drank soda.

I also began running again yesterday. I was annoyed that so many people would greet me while running, so I decided to listen to music and tune the world out. I mean, I really do appreciate people wanting to greet me, but when I’m running?! I don’t think they understand it’s like if I stopped their soccer game to greet. Nobody would do that. Running is my soccer. I wonder how many people I ignored yesterday.

I am going to my friend’s village this weekend for a funeral. There was a horrific well accident last month. Typically, you are put in the ground the day you die. Then, they have a funeral that day, 7 days later, and then again at 40 days. I am going to the 40^th day funeral, which is typically the largest because people can arrange for transportation and such. While it was such a tragedy for the whole community, I remain amazed at how strong my friend is and just how supportive her village is. Check out her Peace Corps experience at .

Flash back: Swear in day, September 9, 2007

Sikasso Kaw, The Breakfast Club: Still Going Strong!!

Pictures Galore!

View from my roof: Sikasso

The bat (it was WAY BIGGER when walking/hopping)


After the bat incident

Anna and me in Bamako...waiting for the BEST CHEESEBURGERS EVER


The 4th of July 08 in Manitali

Manitali is Beautiful!
Sikasso Kaw!
Our bus

View from walking up the side of the hill
me at the top of the hill

Getting back on the bus

Malian women who came over to greet us when we had a flat

I don't do rats, I don't do bats

Last Wednesday evening, I was packing for my upcoming trip to Manitali. I am excited, but also a bit anxious because I like to leave my house clean when I leave (thanks Mom). Well, I see in the corner of my eye a black, flog like thing and completely FREAK OUT! I can't remember the last time I screamed so loud. I told Linds she better come and deal with this "thing". After she moved the furniture, and it showed it's ugly face again, I realized it was a BAT! Linds went down stairs to get help. I have amazing neighbors and they were already at the back door! They came in a delt with it. I <3>

The next day, Linds and I went to Bamako together. We left earlier than the other group, but got in later.

We went out to eat at an amazing burger place! Cheeseburgers are delicious! The next day, we went to the bus station at 7 am. Our bus was suppose to leave at 9 am but we didn't roll out until 10:30 am. It ended up breaking down 2 K away from Kita, so we walked. From Kita, we waited, oh, 4 hours to get on a van. Sigh. But, we did get there! It made my heart smile when a boy was riding a bike with a trunk on the back of it (from what I understood, it was for a sick woman and her child) , and our driver let him put his bike on top of the car and ride with us. Nighttime was quickly approaching, and he still had a good 15 K in front of him.

When I saw Manitali in the day light, it was absolutely beautiful! I did see some monkeys, but unfortunately, the hippos weren't around when I was. The 4th of July was a lot of fun! Most of the people in the region didn't host, so it was a bit confusing. Nobody was really in charge. On the way back, there were 18 volunteers in the basche. We had to walk up the hill so the basche could make it. It was at an inclince...I kept on thanking God that I didn't have a backpack on my back!

I am in Bamako for my midservice health exam. Lots of people were talking trash about the dentist, but he said "Your teeth are very good." So, I didn't have any problems.

I went to the Ghana Embassy today. It's official! I'm going to Ghana! I am going with Becky and Anna. They are so sweet! I know we are going to have a blast!

I will try to add some pictures tomorrow. The video application is ridiculously slow.