Salaamaaleekum!

I have finally arrived in Gambia after 28 hours of travel. I am one of 35 trainees who are apart of the environment program, like me, or the health and community development program. So far we have had two days of training including learning greetings in 3 languages, mandinka, wolof, and pulaar. Its pretty overwhelming to try and learn all three at the same time, which makes me even more excited to find out what language I will be speaking for my service at some point next week. Next week is when we move out to the training villages as well and I start living with a host family in a family compound. Right now we all live at the PC training house and are definitely being spoiled.

As the plane was landing I was struck by how amazingly green and gorgeous this area is. There are a ton of trees and beautiful flowers between and along the compound walls. So far the temps have been in the 90s, but we're told they should be cooling off in the next couple weeks. Sounds like perfect timing to be heading out to the village. I can't wait to learn what life is really going to be like for the next 2 years. :-)

I'll let you know what village life is like when I get back!

~Jenna