So after our amazing site visit we have to return to our rigorous language training and back to our host families. This also means we will not be near a computer for the next 20 days so if anyone wants to talk feel free to call our phones, we love hearing from you all! (Aunt Debbie, the beeping is normal, that is what the ring sounds like here, so you are on the right track, I just have to answer next time :) )
Anyway, these are the things we get to look forward to in the next 20 days:
Language Training- a necessary evil
Our language test, in which we have to be at intermediate mid to be sworn in as a volunteer-eek! And God-willing we both will PASS!!!
Felid Trips- to various places to helps us with our technical training (me for education and Joe for environment)---this also includes trips into the capitol city, where you get to dine at "american" style resturaunts---always a plus
More rice and sauce---okay this one is questionable-- do we look forward to it, or dread it
Getting clothing made-We have to wear tradational Malian clothing for our Swear-in Ceremony at the US Embassy so we get to go pick out the fabric and visit a tailor---I am more excited about this than Joe.
Getting packages from our loved ones
Hanging out with our LCF's or Languange/Cultural Facilators---which are two guys, who are completely opposite, one a traditional Malian and the other a Westernized Malian, we always laugh alot together
Making a furniture list-we get to buy all new furniture for our "little italian villa"
And on Day 20--We are offically done with training and are on our way to being official volunteers and not trainees.
I MISS YOU GUYS!!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry I missed your call today..I was in a stupid meeting for school...I would have much rather answered my phone. Next time I'll know...I'll answer in class I dont care! :-)
I have been back to work...poo! It's been hard leaving Trinity, but I just have to trust that God is in control and no matter the cirumstances I know my little girl is as precious to Him as she is to me, so she'll be okay. :-)
Sounds like African life is going well for both of you. Ash I can just see you in your "African Garb" getting swarn in...dont' worry your outfit will still be the cutest there!
I love you guys...and Trinity misses you too...you should see her crawling around..it is SO stinking cute!
Love you,
Aubs
Hi Joe and Ashley,
ReplyDeleteThe next 20 days seems fun and exciting. So I take it, that you will be done with your training at the end of these 20 days. Then the fun begins right!!!! I can't wait to hear how things will go after your training is all over with. I always like to see pictures too.
Ben and I are just waiting for this baby to come. I have another doc. appt. Aug. 21 We will find out more then I hope. The baby weighs about 8 pounds.
Take care love
Ben, Body and Baby B
Do Work Son!
ReplyDeleteAsh, what's your email address?
ReplyDeleteWill you email me when you get a chance?
You are precious. I admire you learning a new language. Wowzers. Keep on keepin on !!
ReplyDeleteSounds exciting so far! If I can figure out the time difference I'll try calling again. When is a good time for you? Remember, we are an hour behind TX and IA.
ReplyDeleteAsh, I think you look great in oranges, yellows, cream colors. Joe, go with different colors of blue. Just my opinion for your swearing in garb! I'm sure you'll post pics!
We're headed to Las Vegas in Oct for Lila Mae's 80th birthday. Just the adults (yes, that includes me!) Looking forward to that.
We've been watching the olympics here. I'm watching the closing ceremony now. It went by so fast!
Continue the good work. Remember, you're not just helping people there. You're helping all of us at home who grow so much in faith simply by hearing your story. I'm so proud of you both and thank God you're in my life.
Hi Joe and Ashley,
ReplyDeleteHow have you been? I'm sure staying busy of course. I wanted to write and let you know, If the baby doesn't come on it's own by Sept 3rd, which is a Wednesday, they are going to induce me. We will see how that goes and I pray it works out that way. We can't wait to see and hold this baby.
The baby weighs about 8 pounds and 4 ounces. Joanna's friend Amy had her baby on Aug 23 or 24 and they had a girl and she weighed about 6 pounds.
We will keep you updated and take care.
Love Ben,Body and Baby Behnke