Finally...an update

Since the holidays ended in December and January I have been completely irresponsible with my postings.  The rainy season really dampened everything, including my motivation to write, but let me begin today by trying to fill in where I left off.

January and February marked the start of the rainy season and the rice planting season.  Like everyone else I also planted a crop.  More than anything it was a chance for me to get my hands dirty; to participate in the one thing that everyone talks about. Both in planting and harvesting I attracted quite a bit of attention.  My field was right out my front door and near the road.  It is not everyday that people see a "vazaha", soaked in sweat, pulling weeds.  

The rains of January and February also made most roads impassable.  By February, tractors and adventurous bicyclists are the only things able to move.  Without a tractor I became the latter.  Thank goodness for the nice bikes Peace Corps provides us.  

By March I was on my way to the capitol to train the newest volunteers.  Away from site for a full month I helped provide technical and cross-cultural lessons as well as answered an endless variety of of questions.  It was a ton of work - being part of the staff put a whole new perspective on trainings - and it was interesting to reflect on how far I have come in my own service.  To think that Peace Corps and the trainees would and did trust my advice is incredible (..y laughable?).  All in all I feel good about my time there and may do the same in the year ahead.

Since my arrival at site in April life has been moving quickly.  Another world map project, the construction of a village sales house for local weavers, and the arrival of an intern at my ecotourism site have kept me very busy.  This work will hopefully continue for the next several months,  The majority of tourists arrive from May to August and I have high hopes for my projects this year.  In just a few days I leave for the capitol again and my mid-service conference.  A chance to learn, relax, and catch up with friends are what I look forward to most.  

Sorry, no pictures yet.  Sitting at a friends computer in Ambanja, two hours south of my site.  In town for a birthday party and the chance to borrow an internet connection.

Love,

Ted