Site Announcement (and Christmas!!)

SITE
Well, I have finally found out where I will be spending my two years as a volunteer (after training). In February I will be moving to a village named Bintimodia near the city Boke (pronounced Bo-kay) in the region known as Basse Cote, or Lower Guinea. and approximately 150 miles from the capital city of Conakry. Boke lies on the Atlantic coast of Guinea and is one of the most important bauxite-producing
areas in Guinea. I will be working with the chief of the health center in my village to help implement my programs, specifically in educating the people living there in malaria and diarrhea prevention, among
other health related topics. In the surrounding area, there are two Agroforestry volunteers, another Public Health volunteer, two Education volunteers, and one Community Economic Development volunteer. I am really excited to be so many other volunteers and hope to have an opportunity to work with some others on joint projects.

In a few weeks, I will be meeting my counterpart on a weeklong visit to my new village. During this time, I will have the opportunity to meet some of the community members and begin learning about what
Bintimodia has to offer. I also have a chance to check out my house and such so I can begin planning what items I will need/want to buy for it. This is one of the highlights of PST and everyone is greatly looking forward to it.

CHRISTMAS
Ok, so we are in Conakry, at the volunteer house, to celebrate Christmas. Last night we had a gift exchange which was very entertaining and fun for everyone, even those who did not participate. Some of the most desired gifts were: ketchup, cheese (laughing cow), beer, and cookies. As my swap, I gave capri suns (also suprisingly desired), and received: lolipops, bar of locally made soap, laundry detergent, a candy bar, and a chocolate cookie. I am very happy for my gift, both because it is practical, but tastes good too (thanks to
whoever put it together!).

Besides the gift swap, our big celebration will consist of lunch. We  were able to go to a Western grocery store to buy "American" food. Many people are making different traditional Christmas foods and we are all super excited to eat something besides the rice and fish sauce we all get each night.

So, the menu for lunch is as follows:
Stuffed Goat-thanks to one of the trainers here
Fried Chicken
Corn Bread
Macaroni and Cheese
Mashed Potatos
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Brownies
Homemade Eggnog

Unfortunately, I don't have any other exciting news right now, but hopefully after the counterpart workshop and site visit I can offer you all something fun to read. For now, you have that post to look forward to. Hope you are all doing well in America.
Miss you tons <3 Brittany

PICTURES (sorry for the random ordering)

                                                        Volunteer House in Conakry

                                                                       Cascades

                                                            Murials at the Volunteer House

                                                           View from Volunteer House

                                                           Other view from volunteer house

                                          Local Artwork--this was made with Nescafe (instant coffee)!!

                                                   More Peace Corps Property in Conakry

    

                                                               Soccer (Football) Game

                                                         Gourd string instrument and drum

                                             List of Services and Prices from the Hospital in Dubreka

                                                      Items used in local religious practices