Greetings from Niger! It is the beginning of week 6 in Niger and so much has happened it is hard to describe. My stage has 25 other members from all over the United States. I am currently living in a village between Niamey and Hamdallaye. I sleep under the stars (which sparkle and are so bright here!) in a mosquito net and it has begun to be cold enough to wear sweat pants at night! “stageing” in philly went well but was really short…Charles DeGualle airport was aggravatating as always but service on air france is amazing (the food is so much better). Upon arriving in Niamey we were greeted by Tondi (the training director) and a bunch of current volunteers we will be working with during training. Then we had dinner and all went to bed fairly early. The 3rd day after two hours of language class (I’m learning Zarma or Djerma if you are French) we moved in with our host families. I am living in a village 11 K from the training site so I bike in on Tuesday and Friday of each week. The rest of the time I have class in my village. We are the first volunteers to live in this village so they are happy to have us. We are constantly surrounded by children and being asked questions that I have recently just begun to understand. My host family is great I have a sister that is my age and not married which is really unusual for this culture. She knows French and some English so we speak in all languages. Overall I really love Niger I live in a mud hut and have many “pet” baby goats and sheep. I found out that I am going to be placed about 25K north of Gotheye and 110 K Northwest of Niamey for the next two years and I’m right on the river which is amazing! I will be doing work like environmental education, hanging out with villagers, and working with trees like morengia and gum Arabic. I have heard great things about my village. I have already started thinking of amazing West African adventures Mali, Burkino Faso, Ghana, Togo, Morroco(to see Taryn!) etc. I miss everyone and hope everyone is well. Contact my dad if you want my new address. Love everyone! Thanks for the comments keep them coming!
3 comments:
so do you have a nigerian name?? ramatou? is that it?!!? i miss you carrie, so much! but cant wait to reunite in ahhhfffrrica! ahhh im exploding with excitement and wonderful feelings for you and your adventure. hug yourself and pretend it is from me. i love you!
Hey, girl! Glad to see the update! Love the new digs and especially the old school wheels....
We think of you often..my brother is going to africa tomorrow for 2 weeks (not years) and will be resorting so I doubt you'll see him:)...Enjoy those stars...remember when God promised Abraham more than he can count the stars.....I wonder if he tried to count them? I am praying for your blessing for your dedication and love to others....
Enough of the sappiness.....we miss you and can't wait to hear more adventures...
ps...don't eat crickets for thanksgiving...something about that just doesn't seem right
love, heather
Carrie! I heard that you will be near hippos. That is cool. Maybe you can arrange for me to ride in on a hippo instead of a camel for my destination wedding at your village. Seriously though, I know you will do great things for your village (and even the village you are in now temporarily). Simply seeing the light that emanates from your smile will make an impact everywhere you go. I'll miss seeing you this holiday season. You know we will all be thinking of you and sending you BIG HUGS. Love You! - Aunt Amy
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