Post One of the Day

From Her:
(Written about a week ago -- our swearing-in was Thursday, 7/26/07)

We did it! We’re officially volunteers now. Our swearing-in ceremony was held at the U.S. Ambassador’s house in the capital city. It was a gorgeous, balmy, humid day. Everyone dressed up in their formal dresses and ties. Girls wore their hair down for the first time in two months (it’s too hot to wear it down here). We were serenaded by a steel-drum band that played hits by Lauren Hill and Celine Dion. They also played our national anthem, which was still surprisingly inspiring to listen to, even when performed on a steel-drum. Speeches were given by His Excellency, the Ambassador; the country director; the Minister of Health and a representative from the Ministry of Education; and the best speech of all was given by one of the trainees, whom we appointed unanimously to give the speech for us. After being sworn-in and receiving our pins and certificates, we enjoyed a variety of appetizers, including chocolate éclairs, chicken curry pastries, tuna balls, and chicken and vegetable pastries. Two members from each host family were invited to attend as well. Our mom and dad attended the event.

The highlight of the day was by far the party that we threw for all volunteers, host families, and staff. My partner and I were involved in the planning committee, and with everyone’s help, the party turned out to be a great success. We were glad to help with it. After all, we planned a wedding….this was no big deal! The host families helped to prepare the food, which was delicious! The menu included:

Phoulouri dipped in Mango Sour (fried balls made from split pea flour)
Dhal Puri (Roti with the yellow split peas inside)
Chicken Curry with Potatoes
Cookup (Rice and Beans)
Channa (chickpeas with spices)
Fruit

If we were to plan our wedding again, I think this would definitely be my new menu. The food here is amazing. The party was a great time to talk with current volunteers and to get to know them a little better. This was also the last night to be able to spend time with our host families. We will definitely miss them! I know I will be making frequent phone calls to ask for cooking help (it was agreed by everyone that our mom was the best cook in our village).

While on the subject of food, we are no longer in the lap of luxury that we had during training. We will be making all of our food from here on out. Luckily, I did learn how to make some of the dishes and wrote down instructions for them. We just got a refrigerator delivered, and we bought an electrical two-burner range top to do our cooking. The first night we couldn’t get the range top to work, so we ate barely cooked okra. I would not recommend it! We’re looking forward to going to the market on Saturday and asking them to kill and pluck a chicken for us. I think I might have to look away as they do this.