Greetings from Burkina!

I made it! After two days of training and orientation in Philadelphia, I along with 39 others boarded the plane in New York and headed off for Burkina. What an amazing experience this has been. I have been on sensory overload since I stepped off the plane. Upon arrival into Burkina, we were greeted on the tarmac by a host of PC staff and a number of locals. Flying into Ouaga is unlike any other airport Ive ever visited. Throngs of people everywhere and total chaos. Welcome to Africa. After gathering up all of our luggage, we loaded onto the bus and headed to our hotel that would be our home for the next two nights. Looking back now, I see that they were easing us into things. Each morning we feasted on pain du chocolat and cafe and had bottled water around the clock. Our room was a modest but very nice two person room, complete with AC and a shower. Those days were filled with a host of medical inspections, 7 shots and endless hours of do and donts in Burkina. We were also told that our pre staging training would be hosted in Ouahigouya (OHG), the third largest city in Burkina.

Sadly I didnt get to spend much time exploring Ouaga but I expect that there will be plenty of time for that in the months to come. On day 3 we drove two and a half hours to OHG where I have been ever since. The people are absolutely beautiful here in Africa!!! So happy and friendly despite their circumstances. I am living with a family of about 20 people which as you can imagine means that there is never a dull moment. In addition to French, I am also learning Moore and my family is very patient with me as I stammer along. All is well here so far no sickness to report of. Promise to write more soon but now Im off to another lesson.
Wena kon Bilfu... (see you soon!)