Quick Update

Hello loyal readers! I have a very quick update. Pictures aren't uploading right now, but I might be able to post them later.

I just finished the last portion of my Peace Corps training and in just a few days I will swear in to become an actual Peace Corps Volunteer. That's right, I've made it-- take note all of you non-believers out there...

We left our homestay in style, with everyone arriving to our meeting place as part of a parade. Mine consisted of a homestay brother and nephew who had strapped my luggage to the back of their bicycles and my little sisters who helped to carry my wash buckets; my mother followed along behind us. The night before, we had a photo session at my concession with everyone posing and then pulling me to the next set of people to take their picture. It was tons of fun knowing that the next two years I will always be able to return to this group of people to hang out, laugh, cry and feel very very welcome, regardless.

My other sister got married last week... something that I was not expecting AT ALL. I was actually quite shocked and didn't believe when they first told me, but then sure enough, there she was in her wedding dress. Just a day earlier, this had been the young woman who had cooked my dinner. Just a week earlier, she had been pulling my water for me. And just a month ago, she had been the first family member to really befriend me by teaching me local games and answering all of the now ridiculous questions about how to survive. I'm so glad that she's only moving to the other side of town to her husband's house and not to a different village, so I'll be able to see her, too, whenever I go back.

I'll write more later when I can add pictures.