Hey everybody,
I'm new to the whole blogging thing, but seeing as everyone wants details on my life as I pick up and move to Senegal, I will be posting some pictures, stories, packing lists, thoughts and requests here over the next couple of years.
Thus far, here's what I've got:
I am going to Senegal as an Agroforestry Extention Agent staging in Washington DC on August 9th, then we are flying out as a group to Dakar, the capitol of Senegal on August 10th. From there, we will take a 2 hour trip to Thies (pronounced "Chess") where we will congregate at the training center and begin PST (pre-service training.) Bear with me on the acronyms. You'll get it all in good time.
As I start to gather my life and enjoy my last 2 weeks in the US, I'll keep you updated on my thoughts and preparations and answer some of the common questions that I get.
Here are answers to some questions I get all the time (FAQ, I suppose?)
What language will you have to speak?
The national language of Senegal is French, and the most common native language is Wolof. I will have to be pretty proficient in French by the end of training, and know at least a greeting in Wolof. My main language training will be in whatever native language I am assigned to, which may or may not be Wolof.
What is your job?
As an agroforestry volunteer, I basically help people plant trees that will help further food security in-country. There is a much longer, clearer explanation put out by the PC Senegal website here: http://www.pcsenegal.org/agfo.html Hopefully that answers some of your questions.
General umbrella questions falling under the category of comfort- running water, electricity, etc.
Electricity? Maybe, depending on to what region I am assigned, but agfo people tend to be more rural, so its unlikely. Speaking of which, I still have to order a trusty Solio. They're pretty cool, google it. Running water? Almost definitely not. Bucket baths all the way! Bring it on.
That's pretty much where I'm at. Stay tuned.
Over and out.
Emily
