Anna IS in Kenya

I've safely arrived in Kenya! Initially we were told we would have access to the internet/telephone service, which proved to be untrue, so in the meantime I've been sending smoke signals back to the US. Hopefully you've all received them.

I'm in Kitui now, living with a host family and taking Kiswahili lessons. I know how to say hello and good day, which has proven to be very helpful when walking down the dirt road and getting funny looks. I'm here for the next 3 months living with the family and training all day with the Peace Corps. Right now I'm typing from the post office computer (with dial-up internet), which seems to be the most popular place in town before 5pm.

I'm doing well and so far malaria-free. I'm taking bucket baths every morning, using a pit latrine and negotiating with large bugs about who gets to use certain chairs in the house. It's only day 2 here in Kitui, but so far so good. Also, I heard Lindsey Lohan has been arrested for a DUI. Don't ask me how this important information has made it's way to this town.

I'll write more as soon as I can. Hope all is well.

In the city of brotherly love

Spent the last day and a half in the basement room of Sheraton here in downtown Philadelphia for our staging event where they try to cram expectations and a briefing into 24 hours. There are 49 people from varying ages and walks of life in our Health group, so it's quite a sight. Today we started our anti-malaria meds. I took them at lunch, and so far no sign of malaria, so I think it's working. The possible side effects sound pretty horrific (unexplained anxiety, depression, hallucinations, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, confusion) so I imagine that malaria must actually be worse.

Tomorrow we take a bus to JFK airport and fly to Kenya with a layover in Amsterdam. I've been designated the leader of our small group to get us safely to Nairobi. My job is to help orchestrate departure from the hotel, travel to the airport, check-in at the airport, and travel to Kenya, as there are no Peace Corps staff accompanying us. Provided myself and my 9 other group members arrive safely, the next time I'll write will be from Nairobi.

bon voyage!

Shedding

In a few hours I'll be on a plane from BWI to Philadelphia for my staging event. Perhaps I can win "shortest distance travelled and probably should have taken a train/bus". It is during this time that I will meet my fellow trainees and attempt to make a good impression, but I will likely spend more time trying to not lock myself in the hotel bathroom. Maybe I'll luck out and some of my vaccinations interact to produce hallucinations, making this a bit easier.

Kenya's cultural attitudes and customs do not consider body piercings to be appropriate or acceptable, so I removed my nose ring to ease my integration into the new community (now if I could just do something about my pale skin...) I took a photo as a token of the piece of metal that has been lodged in my face for several years. I sort of miss it, my mother does not.

Packing

This is not Survivor, people.
I am packing for 2 years and managed to fit my belongings into 3 bags, just shy of the weight and size limits. I am told not to panic and that everything I need can be purchased upon arrival in case any essential items are forgotten. Nonetheless, I made sure to pack a roll of toilet paper and a floppy hat. Oh, and TONS of sunscreen.

(and yes, that is a 4.5 lb. bag of candy I'm taking along. I plan to be the most popular trainee among the local children)

Anna's in Kenya

...for 27 months to be an Peace Corps HIV/AIDS Educator. My adventure begins May 21, 2007 in Philadelphia, PA for two days of "staging" and then we ship off to Nairobi. The next 10 weeks are spent in Kitui (bless you) for training where I learn Kiswahili and other such skills. During this time I live with a Kenyan host family and am referred to as a "Peace Corps Trainee" (PCT). I will probably have some Internet access during this time, and am able to also receive something called regular mail. My address until August is as follows:

Anna Lucas/PCT
PO Box 30518
Nairobi, Kenya

(include "air mail" and "par avion" on the envelope, otherwise it may never get here)

I am looking forward to the fan mail. I might even write back!