What an Amazing WEEK!!!

This has been such a terrific week! Where to start...

I woke up 04/06 at 5 am sick. I took medicine because I was getting on a bus, so after that, I felt much better. I was basically running around trying to get last minute things done. When the bus came, I was ready! And, I gave some money to my neighbor, so hopefully, everything will still be turned on when I return! I hung out in Bamako until Monday morning when a car came to pick me up at the airport. There was some miscommunication (surprise! jk), but I made it in plenty of time. Apparently, this particular airline only leaves at 3:30 am, so needless to say, their were many travelers there. I stayed awake and managed to get on the plane. I fell asleep for 2 hours or so, and then I had a great conversation with a Canadian. It was so interesting getting another point of view of Mali, coming from a person who spent a few weeks there. (He loved it!) We swamped email addresses, so maybe someday I'll see him again.
I finally made it to NY, but it took me, oh 2 hours to navigate around the subway system. I was quite irritated because I didn't have a phone, and with all these cell to cell free calling, I was appalled that nobody had the same server as my mom. I hung out in McDonald's because the RPCV had class all day. But, at the time, I didn't know it. I only had 3 hours of sleep, and I once again realized how crucial sleep is to my sanity. She eventually came to the McDonald's (I left her a message), and we ended up staying up at talking. She is so sweet! It's such a blessing that PC has such an amazing community of people.

Tuesday morning, I got picked up at 3 am (I had enough fun on the subway), and went to NC. It was so wonderful seeing my parents!!

My Mom and me at the airport

I can't remember the rest of Tuesday, but Wednesday morning, I left for Indiana with my brother and Kt G. I was so grateful that they let me ride up with them so I could spend some quality time with them. We had dinner at Kt G.s house, and I fell asleep oh around 8.

Thursday morning, Kt. G, Jamie, and I ran errands. It was fun seeing where Kt G. grew up and shopping (or should I say marveling?) at stores. I could have spent a few hours at the Dollar Tree!! That afternoon, Jamie and I went to the library and more errands. I forgot how amazing libraries are!!! In the evening, we went out to eat with several aunts.

Friday was the day of the rehearsal. That morning, my dad and I went to Fry's. I really need a camera, but they didn't have exactly what I wanted. But, it was so much fun hanging out with my dad, grilling him about his time in the PC. He told us about some of his experiences when we were kids, but it brings it into a whole new perspective when you are feeling the same emotions and some of the same experiences. The car trip was special and a lovely memory. When I got back to the hotel, I saw Jamie's groomsman, Dan. It was pretty ridiculous because I haven't seen him in 7 years! It's always fun hearing what people are up to. That afternoon, my aunts, cousin, mom, and I got pedicures and manicures.

Aunt Donna and me getting pedicures

It was remarkable! The guy didn't even flinch when he saw my feet. I then went shopping at GW and got some great clothes. The rehearsal took 10 minutes, so we talked for a bit and then went back to the hotel. The rehearsal dinner was near the hotel, and it was so much fun! My favorite part was the slide show. (I had already seen it 4 times, so I didn't shed a tear.)

On Saturday morning, I woke up quite early. I had breakfast with my dad, and then took a morning nap. I then got ready for the wedding! I wore long johns under my dress.

Aunt Donna helping me get on my shoes

Good call!! It was 43 degrees!! And, compared to my typical Malian weather of over 100, I really needed those long johns. We went to the church, and as I reflect, I marvel at how fast the wedding went by! I cried (again, surprise), but was able to laugh by looking at my little brother's face. He is phenomenal at mimicking my "get it together" deep breath face. 5 seconds after I was escorted out of the church, my shoes were off! We took lots of pictures and then went to the reception. It was so much fun seeing family members I rarely get to see. After the reception, I took a 3 hour, much needed nap. I woke up and met some of Jamie's friends at the bar. I felt really bad because once I got out of the car, I checked my phone and it said that it was 21 and up, so my little brother and his friend couldn't get in. We stayed for an hour, and I had a great time chatting with Jamies' and Katies' friends and then got lost. Will was tired and wanted to watch a movie, so we went back to the hotel, and I drove to the other bar. I had such a great time. I think before PC I probably would have been insecure, but so many things just aren't a big deal. So what that I had a sweatshirt on and tennis shoes? It was great hanging out with their friends (even though most of them graduated from Clemson;)

On Sunday, my Dad, brother, and brothers' friend all drove back. Private transportation is so wonderful!

Today, I went shopping with my mom. I am continuously amazed about how excessive Americans are. I think I am going to have cultural shock again when I get back to Mali.

Just a few picts.

I gave Malian clothes to my family...it didn't occur to me that people don't really wear unique fabrics here.

The men going to the "man hole"

The MOG (mother of groom) and me

The happy couple