Well today is Monday, the beginning of a new week. I am finally feeling really comfortable here in Loitokitok, or at least I am getting used to the stares haha. We had our Mock LPI (the language test you have to pass in order to be sworn in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer) this past Friday, and everyone scored well. The real LPI is in 2 weeks on Friday, but I'm not really worried. We study Kiswahili so much, if we are at the right level currently in 2 weeks we should be fine to pass with flying colors. Obviously after the mock we all went out to the usual spot... no comment on that. It really is nice to have a place we all feel safe to go, because all of the other bars in Loitokitok are... questionable. Regardless, the weekend went by and was pretty uneventful.
We went to market on Saturday, which is like a huge farmer's market except it is every Tuesday and Saturday here and they sell everything from produce to clothes to random tools... you can find anything there. Except for good American food, that I still haven't managed to find. The market is what really made me realize I am starting to feel comfortable here. I was walking around and didn't feel out of place despite the fact that market days are like a huge cluster with a billion people screaming numbers in kiswahili. However, I have even managed to buy a few things at market! In Kenya it is customary for women to wear skirts below the knee, at least in more rural areas. Since we are trying to integrate into the community we are pretty much required to wear skirts most of the time, and in the market they sell fabric to tie around your waist like a lasso. I bought 2! I love the patterns. I also bought myself a Maasai cape, which everyone loves to make superhero references to, but I wear it anyway.
I am hoping to get more packages this week!!! I think I have 3 on the way from my calculations.. it really never gets old getting mail here. I am currently getting ready to send about a bajillion letters because in my move from my first host family I lost a few things, one of which was a bundle of letters that I just found this week! So now I have more added to them and will be sending them today. I am also continuously thanking the Lord that my mother decided to send me BWW Caribbean Jerk sauce because... well suffice to say I am eating it on everything- hellooooooo FLAVOR hallelujah!
I was able to borrow my friend's modem this weekend because also, new exciting fact, my computer decided to start working again! I plugged it in on Friday and it started right up... poor thing just needed some time to adjust, I wanted to just shut down when I first got here too hahah. We also had a girl leave training last week... it was surprising to have someone seemingly come out of nowhere and go home, but I think we all are glad that she made the right decision for herself, and I think we bring her up at least once a day. This is definitely not as easy as I thought it would be, nor can I really describe it on a blog. If you're thinking about Peace Corps, really try to understand what you're giving up. It's not just American food and friends, but a lot of simple communication. Despite being with people who are in the same boat as you (to an extent), its hard to not feel lonely sometimes. Also, you're giving up cheese. So just think about that.
On to more positive things! This weekend we are planning our first celebration together as a full group- its a combination of Fourth of July (yay America.), Rae's birthday, Mike's Birthday, Britnee's birthday, and my favorite couple ever (Britt and Brett)'s anniversary! Soooo we are getting two kegs and trying out our first African potluck... not sure how it's gonna go because its all of our first time cooking here really, so it definitely won't be an American barbecue. BUT there will be alcohol so we will make it work :) I don't think I'm the only one who is hoping Charles and Joseph will crash the party, they are part of the training staff here, and we've heard they have played beer pong in the past.
I think that's all I've got for now :) I'll write again in a week or so.
Love and miss you all, as usual!
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