Yesterday our Stage swore in at the home of the American Ambassador in Dakar and officially became Peace Corps Volunteers. The ceremony consisted of speeches from Peace Corps staff and volunteers, the Ambassador, and a representative from the Senegalese government. Most of the speeches were in French and I was pleased by how much I understood. After we took an oath 'to defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic' (not exactly what Peace Corps is all about, but whatever,) We had a reception with excellent food. I ate past the point of being full knowing that soon my diet will consist of rice and leaf sauce.
Tomorrow at 6am we leave for our permanent sites, this means I have an 11 hour un-air-conditioned ride ahead of me. I get a few days in Kedogou to unwind and buy furniture for my hut before I officially move in on the 17th. After install volunteers are expected to attempt the "Five Week Challenge" which consists of not leaving one's site for the first five weeks of service. After this the average volunteer spends a night or two at the regional house a couple of times per month. I'll try to post again once I arrive in Kedogou but don't expect any posts for a while after the 17th.
Also, I'm not sure if I mentioned it earlier but my camera broke and I haven;t been able to take pictures since volunteer visit. I've got a new camera coming in the mail so I'll be sure to take lots of pictures as soon as it arrives.
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