Well, I'm here...now what?

First day. Exhausted. I tried to sleep in but it was very noisy and SUPER HOT in my room. I came on outside about 9:30 AM to see a group of volunteers finishing up breakfast. I found Nina, the only team leader on site at the moment. She has been going over some basics and answering questions. She has only been here for a month, so I feel comfortable since she was just recently in the position I am in. Today is a public holiday so schools are closed and the volunteers are getting a Swahili lesson. I am very excited to get back into speaking it with the locals. Though most of the people I will interact with will speak English, they appreciate the effort and I am sure it shows your willingness to work with them.

As I type I am sitting outside and it is very relaxing. The radio is on and with this constant breeze from the beach I almost feel like I am on vacation! The humidity, however, is off the charts. I cannot stop sweating. Good thing I am used to this type of weather :) I am drinking loads of water but I have not really had an appetite. I am hoping lunch will be good, then I think it will be time for a nap!

The shower did not work when I got in early this morning (3 AM) so I have officially not taken a shower since Monday morning. Luckily I have a mother who knows best and packed me plenty of wet wipes for this occasion. YES, I have toilet paper (I know you wanted to ask)! Of course that is the least of my worries. With water and power going and coming as it pleases, there will be days when I won’t have water or internet. Who would have thought that internet would be more important to me than food…go figure.

I was a little overwhelmed when I got in last night and had a few tears. There really is no way to comprehend 6 ½ months away from your family, friends, and pets. I knew leaving Jon would not be easy, but my first reaction is always just to call and say hey. That usually helps when we are apart. But with my current cell plane that costs $4.99/minute to talk, I really can’t do that! Skyping will have to suffice, but I know it will not be easy. Between the power outages and the actually time difference of 8 hours, talking everyday is out of the questions.