Sometimes I think about the way I portray my Peace Corps experience on this blog, and I worry that especially recently, it looks like I do nothing but take vacations.
In any case, I semi-recently had a visit from my dad and stepmom, in which we quite possibly saw every single individual animal in Kenya over the course of four different safaris. It was a wonderful time. I of course love staying in hotels, which have modern amenities like running water, sit toilets, showers, and other things that have to do with water, but on top of that I was happy to have them come and witness this place firsthand, even the parts that involved long, bumpy bus rides. Without any further ado, here are some pictures of animals.
And here are some pictures with people (I am not related to the guy with a chicken leg in his mouth):
Not long after my dad and stepmom left, my girlfriend came for her fourth and final time to Kenya. Again, wonderful. We traveled to Zanzibar and Ethiopia. Here are some pictures from Ethiopia, where we went to a fun New Year’s Eve event (they use a different calendar, so their thirteenth an final month ends in September):
ErinRose had helped me in the classroom many times, and the students were sad to see her go (and I believe the feeling was mutual). The time she spent in the library with portions of my vocational class allowed me to focus on a smaller number of students, so I am grateful as well. Thanks, ErinRose!
Not long after getting back into my routine (without any guests), I missed a week of school to go to my Close of Service (COS) Conference. This is when Peace Corps lays out the details of how and when I go home to America. I generally don’t comment on Peace Corps trainings because I get upset and frustrated, so I’ll maintain that policy here. In any case, it looks like the date of my return will probably be December 17, so I’ll be home for Christmas (again, PROBABLY).
In addition to the conference during the day, the volunteers who are in my group (meaning the ones who will go home around the same time I do) had lots of leisure time in the evenings, and we had productive gatherings like this one:
It’s worth noting that only 24 of our original group remain. I think we started with 41 or 42 or something. This is much higher than the usual attrition rate. We definitely lost some good ones on the way. If any of you are reading this, just know that you were missed at the conference and that we’ll all be back in the states soon so we can spend time reminiscing!
I’m reading this! Man, forget meeting up in the states, I’ll try to find you in Mombasa one more time before the 17th and you should let me know if you have any plans to visit Arusha.
Pole about the substance of COS, but I’m glad you guys had some good social time. I did a session at IST and even though I felt really lousy reliving the memories from Swearing-In, I was glad to see that some things had improved.
Safaris look like fun. Good luck with the last term and I’d love to hear what your plans for post-PC look like.
-M^2
Hi Paul,
Your Blogs are always so interesting and exiting,sometimes too much so.
You mentioned your numbers are down to 24 out of 41. Is there a commomon thread here or is it for a variety of reasons? If you dont reply , I can understand.
Good luck,good health,
John
Hi!
I am an AJWS volunteer and new to Kisumu Kenya. I just happened upon your blog and was wondering if you knew anyone in the area that might want a friend. I feel like I’m 4 years old but honestly I don’t know anyone here and I am quite lonely. Anyway, thanks for your time.
Tali