Settling In....

Hi everyone! I keep putting off writing a blog entry so I can make it really intricate. I promise I will write a good one soon enough, but I promise it's coming!

For now, I just wanted to give you a quick update of what I'm doing. I haven't started teaching yet, because my first priority is to get to know my community and everyone's needs. For now I've been going to seminars and conferences for community leaders and health workers. I also work at the hospital whenever I have free time. Soon I will start doing my community interviews. I'm really looking forward to that and doing an analysis of what's next.

I'm trying to settle into my house as well. I'm getting better at choting water and cooking, etc. I also have started decorating a bit...that's a long, dramatic story. Basically, I thought my dad's painting skill and knowledge would somehow magically be passed on to me. I figured a little experience mixed with my analness would make it all work out, but since I didn't know you can't paint ceiling boards with oil paint, I spent a few days locked up in my house, muttering angrily to myself and getting high on paint fumes. I have since figured out to switch to water based (although i already wasted considerable time and money on it). I'll be in "Trading Spaces" mode again in no time. (Thanks for that obsession, mom.) Try explaining to people in a third world country why clean walls and curtains that match your bed spread matter...I guess I've questioned it myself to a certain extent, but I think I've concluded that an appreciation for asthetics is a good thing. So I'll enjoy the beauty of my home and attempt to do it on as much of a budget as possible.

Ok...out of internet time! I'm heading to a nearby expat's house for a going away party for some of the outgoing volunteers! Should be fun...Hope all is well at home! Keep in touch!