hold up

I think I did this in the wrong order. Here it is: I joined the Peace Corps. It's a super-long application process, which I started over a year ago. And now, my departure date is coming up: I fly out June 10th! So I'm finally allowing myself to get my hopes up that no, I won't break my leg, or commit a felony, or do any accidental espionage- you know, anything that would prevent my going. Although I still have five days, so who knows.

My assignment is in Burkina Faso- teaching science (Science!) to secondary school students. Because of the French influence in the country, the public education system is in french. (I will therefore be teaching science in french. Interesting.) I'll also learn a local language, depending where I'm placed in the country.

For the first three months I will be doing some intense pre-service training. So I'll be a "trainee" until I've successfully completed those three months and make the final decision to be a Volunteer. This will be my address for that time- I'll let you know if I get a new one at my site later on:

Carolyn Glidden, PCT
S/c Corps de la Paix
01 B.P. 6031
Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso


If you feel so inclined, please feel free to send me things! Letters, pictures, magazines, packages (if you're feeling particularly ambitious,) all welcome! Of course, it takes a while. Letters and packages should be sent by airmail, and apparently they typically take three to four weeks to arrive. And packages sent by post incur customs charges, so don't send anything too big or anything valuable. (DHL is supposed to be even worse.)


I've heard some suggestions of what people ususally like to receive:

• granola
• dried fruit
• powdered drink mixes
• spice mixes (also, mac and cheese powder)
  

And some things that I can think of that I want!

• pretty pictures
• personal drawings
• magazines
• mix cd's
• stories
• candy (preferably non-melting)

Not that you have to send me anything- I promise I'll still like you. I've just had requests for information on this front, so I thought I'd oblige. And I'm sure I'll have a better idea once I'm there!