In San Fran

So, I made it to San Fran safely! I am stunned that some peoples' parents are here....really?!

Anyway, my blog, gmail, and facebook might all be blocked in China, but we are looking aways around it.

More later!

On the road again...

My month home was probably one of the fastest months of my life! I leave for San Fran tomorrow morning and then on to China on Tuesday!

Some highlights of my trip home include: visiting my brother and my fabulous sister-in-law and going to a symphony on a lawn, visiting my aunt in Texas, taking Kramer to the park (twice), margaritas with friends, hot chocolate with former neighbors, sending two packages to Mali for Sikasso Kaw, presenting a slideshow about Mali to my church and a community college, shopping with mom, dining and shopping (and ICE CREAM!) with gramma, shrimp and grits with my uncle...needless to say, I had a hectic and quite enjoyable trip home.

I will continue to update weekly, and hope that I will be able to continue to write about my life overseas.

Right off the airplane (my dad isn't photogenic...he looks this way in all of them, but i like to think he was smiling on the inside)

Kramer and me

Last post from Lala

I leave for the airport in 30 minutes, and I have no idea where to begin. This day is finally here and now that it is, I don't know how/what to feel.

So, I just got a call and the plane is broken. TIA. So, I won't be leaving in 30 minutes, but hopefully I will leave tonight.

This past week has been a whirlwind of emotions for me. I hope I never forget the lessons I've learned or the people I've met.

the quote for Malians
"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to a new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same."~ Flavia Weedn ~


the quote for my amazing PCV friends
"Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget."~ G. Randolf ~


the quote for me
Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.” ~Dr. Suess~

Lindsey's Village

I had a great time at Nana's (Lindsey) village. There was a fete (with dancing of course!). We also did a lot of greeting, card playing, and reminiscing.

Eating degay on the bus before it left

The lizard that scared the bejebezs out of me (a kid came in the house to get it)

Dancing at the fete

Lala and Ya at school (her dad is a director)

Video- 5:53 am

Beef...it's what's for dinner

Hanging out by the side of the road...I have seen happier days
The broken down bachee...I waited 2 hours and then got my bike down and biked to a nearby village and grabbed a bus home

Paris

Yea! I finally went out the right door and was able to find the right bus! Beautiful garden I stumbled uponI don't think a ped egg could help my feet, but I'm trying it.

St. Eustache Museum D'Orsay

Museum Rodin


Notre Dame

View from the bell tower of Notre Dame

Pizza + me = all smiles

The Louvre

Paris was amazing! Maybe after China, I'll end up living in Paris. Who knows?

May 3
After my moms' experience with Air Marroc, I didn't check any bags. The flight was uneventful. In Casablanca, I laid down on the floor, near some statues, but out of the walk way. I was next to a statue, so I can only imagine how many pictures I'm in! (When I woke up, lots of people were posing next to the statues). I slept for a few hours. When I awoke, I went down to Air Marrocs' customer "service". According to the customer service lady, my mom's bag is in Atlanta. She sent them a message. Sigh. I wish I believed her. I safely made it to Paris and was going to explore, but fell asleep instead.

May 4

I woke up and had a divine chocolate crossant with hot chocolate. My morning consisted of searching for a place that would convert CFA to euros. I could not find a single place that would take my CFA.

I'm out of time. More to come!

Busy, busy, busy!

I am so busy right now! It's a nice change.

A funny thing happened today. I was walking out of a store today and I stepped on a CHICKEN! I screamed and there were so many people around. They laughed, I laughed. And then I thought I injured the chicken because he didn't move. I bought some stuff at the market and then walked back. I walked passed the store and chuckled when I saw the chicken, upside down, tied to a moto. I have a feeling I will be dinner table conversation this evening.

The formation so far is going great! (Sigh of relief!)

I got "the call" today...I've been medically cleared to serve in China for a 3rd year! Whoo hoo!

I'm exhausted. More to come!

Lala Maiga goes to CHINA!!

Unofficially, I am going to CHINA in June! I have to get medically cleared and then I will be on my way to extending in China! I am so excited:) The two anxieties I have about extending my PC service to China is 1. language 2. being cold. Before Mali, I was anxious about scorpions, snakes, being robbed...so many things. Not so much anymore.