And so begins PST (Pre-Service Training)

Hello again! I figured I would send out one more post before I head to my new host family's house because usually there is very limited to no internet access. We received the names and photos of our host families today. It was pretty neat. They put each picture up on a screen through a powerpoint presentation, distributed the picture and info to the volunteer, then everyone applauded. Tomorrow, around 8:00 A.M. we will be taken on an old school bus (which is typical means of transport here) to our new home where we will be helped in with our luggage, then left : ). I heard that one volunteer actually has a toilet, so we'll see if I get lucky as well. : )

Training seems like it is going to be pretty rigorous. We had our language assessments yesterday and got placed into our language groups today. They didn't tell us our exact level, but I am assuming I am either Intermediate High or Advanced being that I was in the top group. Now, this may seem like exciting news, BUT, apparently since we are in the top group, instead of 11 weeks of language training that everyone else will get, we are only going to "need" 2 weeks. I guess it makes sense considering our language requirement is to only be at an Intermediate Mid level. Then, we get to recruit some high schoolers to come up with a community-based project to do with them. In addition to that, with a partner, we are going to do another community-based project with elementary students from 3rd to 5th grade which will consist of making a vivero (nursery), as well as making composte (not sure what that means). Should be interesting though.

So, right now I am feeling a little overwhelmed with going to meet a new family, trying to think of the project I will be doing, on top of the other projects I'll be doing, plus reading all of the materials they have given us to read, which consists of about 5 books and at least 7 Peace Corpsmade binded books, and on top of all that trying to do ALL of this in Spanish. It's definitely going to be a challenging 11 weeks to come, but I am so excited for all that I am going to learn. Keep me in your prayers, especially in the weeks to come and I miss you all!