Lessons Learned So Far...... by Taylor (via her mom)

These are the words of Taylor, transcribed by her mom. She has little to no access to the internet for at least another month, so I will be her connection to you as I speak with her at least one a week via cell phone. She is excited about her new post. She will be moving to Lama Tessi in the central region of Togo. It is approximately 18 km from Sokode, a large city, where 2 other PCV will be residing. She will be working with a local businessman who runs a non-profit there. She leaves for her post in early August. She will live in a new home (2 rooms) within a compound that may even have electricity!

Here are her lessons learned..so far...

  

   1.I am grateful for the dedicated team of Togolese instructors who are excited to have us and committed to prepare us for our work.
  

   2. I am learning to live with dirt: you are never really clean here.
 

   3. The humidity here is humbling.

  4.Training (aka French) is intense but running and a great group of  fellow trainees is keeping me sane.

Thanks to all who are keeping her in your prayers.
You can write her at: Taylor Schaa, PCV
                                   Corps de la Paix
                                    B.P. 3194
                                    Lome, Togo
                                    West Africa
Sometimes she is able to receive text messages. 
Her cell is 011-228-983-2165

Je suis arrive!

Salut!
We have officially landed in Lome, Togo! We got in late Friday night, exhausted and sweaty, but the travel legs went flawlessly, so no complaints! Great reception at the airport and once we got to our hotel.  Yes, I said hoTel not hoStel. Whoop whoop! RUNNING water (toilet AND shower) and electricity = not dying of sweating while sleeping!
Yesterday and today were filled with training goodness :)  Learning a TON of very valuable information from great trainers who are just finishing their first year here in Togo. Surrounded with a solid group of 22 other new PCV's.  Really thankful for them and the friendships that have already been created.  This is making all the difference.  Also, we are eating like kings and queens right now...the PC Togo staff here are incredible and very generous--  trying to savor each bite!

Another day of training tomorrow and then off to new sites Tuesday when we will meet the family we will be staying with for the next two months!

The anxieties and fears are still real when I stop to think about the length of this adventure... just focusing on being conscious and present in each moment. When I can do that, I am happy, confident and calm. :)

Pics to come soon-- hopefully! No guarantees in Africa! :)

Where I'm Suppose To Be

2 years in 3 bags

I'm where I'm suppose to be.  This morning I was up early finishing up last minute things.


The airport was tough.  Saying goodbye to some of my biggest supporters was painful.  With lots of hugs and tears I said goodbye to Maddie, Mom, Dad and Michael.  I'm sure people on my flight from Des Moines to Chicago thought I was a nut job ... who bawls their eyes out for that flight?! 


A quick gate change in Chicago and I was on my way to Philadelphia. About 6 other PCV's (Peace Corps Volunteers) were also on the the flight (easy to identify as we were the only ones hauling giant back packs) and we met up right away to find a shuttle to the airport. 95 and crazy humid in Philly...if we can tolerate this then we can survive Africa hot - right?


Staging (orientation) was this afternoon with the other 24 PCV's bound for Togo.  I learned the group is made up of volunteers like me, assigned to do Small Enterprise Development (SED) work while the other half is assigned to Community Health and Aids Prevention (CHAP).   As we read through the Peace Corps Act, the Mission statement and the Core Expectations for PCVs, a rush of excitement and assurance came over me and I knew I was where I was suppose to be.  The point of the PC - to promote peace through relationships, build bridges of cultural understanding, and help to meet the basic needs of the poorest of populations - is at my very core.  My undying desire to live, experience, and serve another part of the world is going to happen - is happening. While I still have fears and doubts, the aspirations far outweigh the anxieties. Don't get me wrong- I know the rough days will come ... so I'm going to ride this thrill of adventure for as it lasts.


A very big thank you to my friends and family - my cheering section - for believing in my ability to take on this adventure, for loving me a world away, and for supporting me on exciting, thrilling days - and, the more challenging ones.