Peace Corps Address

Joe's cell #
602-663-4353

Ashley's cell #
602-717-7071

Saturday, September 13, 2008

It is official

Yesterday, Friday, September 12, 2008 we offically became Peace Corps Volunteers. We were sworn-in at the US Embasay with 71 other Peace Corps Trainees. We had to take the same oath that members of the military and congress take. It was quite cool!


Ashley and I with our language instructors at the swear-in ceremony
On the grounds of the US Embassy (possibly the nicest building in all of Mali)


Ashley looking Malian

After the ceremony all "us" new volunteers headed to the American Club (a walled oasis) in Bamako to swim, play sand volleyball, BBQ (hotdogs and hamburgers) and hang out with this giant turtle.

Tomorrow, we are headed off to our regoinal capitol, where we will sit tight for a few days until a Peace Corps vehicle comes to pick us up and then they will bring us to our new home. It's go time, 24 months and counting!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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11 comments:

  1. grandmaSeptember 14, 2008 at 7:15 AM

    HI --CONGRATULATIONS--ASHLEY YOU LOOK SO LOVELY,AS USUAL, AND JOE YOU ARE HANDSOME---WE LOVE THE PICTURES---I WILL SEND YOU AN E-MAIL LATER
    OUR LOVE & PRAYERS
    GRANDMA & GRANDPA

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  2. Jonathan WuSeptember 14, 2008 at 3:44 PM

    According to a recent Newsweek survey, 77 percent of the 24 percent Peace Corps Volunteers thought that the Swear-In was "awesome".

    BTW nice narrative of your 2007 "Euro" trip,

    -Jon

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  3. krissySeptember 15, 2008 at 7:30 AM

    you guys look AWESOME, you're going to fit right in!!
    miss you guys!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownSeptember 15, 2008 at 8:01 PM

    Trendy and at the top of your game in Africa !! Gotta Love it !!
    love ya both,
    mom

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  5. JodySeptember 16, 2008 at 9:28 AM

    hi joe and ashley

    I like the pictures!!!!! You both look very good and the outfits too. I'm sure your glad to be done with all that training.

    Anna is doing good and she doesn't let me sleep too much. The third week now and she is a little more fussy. The doctor told me it's because she is going through a growth spurt. She weighs 9 pounds and 6 ounces about.

    talk to you later

    love Ben,Jody and Anna

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  6. jerry and sue wollersheimSeptember 16, 2008 at 6:22 PM

    SSOOOOOOOOOOOOOO PROUD!!!
    you two look Beautiful!
    I can see that you are very well liked, Like Usual!
    Can't wait until you move into your new home and see what is going to happen in your new life.
    How much would a home like that go for?? It looks nice with the court yard and all.
    Keep blogg'n we love it!
    Much Love from the Homefront!
    mom and dad

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  7. TheWrightStuffSeptember 16, 2008 at 7:47 PM

    Ash...you are so african! I love it! Only YOU could pull that off...Joe don't worry ...you look quite handsome in your "garb" as well! I am so excited for you guys...but even more excited that you got hotdogs and hamburgers....yeah for american food!
    love you both...hope to talk to you soon!
    Love,
    Aubs
    PS only 14 days until moving day for us! yeah!

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownSeptember 17, 2008 at 9:04 AM

    aAshley and Joe:

    First off joe:
    the new african look with the shades makes you look even more hollywood/tom "cruise-esk" then ever before:
    take it from someone that knows deflect the paparazzi by taking back roads and allowing your "peeps" to walk around you so they never get a direct shot!

    Second Ashley:
    I would have to second Aubrey with only you could make that look cute, I mean come on...
    you are in some of the most primitive living and you still be makin' it look good girl!
    And I love that you accessorized with the earrings: even in native african wear an accessory can make the outfit: I taught you well young one!

    I love you both so much and am so proud of you!
    And not going to lie i am a lot cooler now that i can throw out in conversation that my sister and brother in law are PC volunteers in Africa:
    bonus!

    Love you:
    sista spamy

    ReplyDelete
  9. Kim and RudySeptember 18, 2008 at 1:50 PM

    Congrats!!! Rock on!!

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  10. UnknownSeptember 24, 2008 at 10:07 AM

    Hi Ashley & Joe,
    Congratulations! You both look 'fabulous' and loved the pics! Looking forward to hearing about your new life and the 'villa'. Sending all good thoughts. Judy

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kylie and crew.September 29, 2008 at 9:55 PM

    Hey Joe and Ashley - It's time for another post from you two. How is it going? Are you hot? It's great to see pics and I can't wait to hear more about all that is going on! We love you and are praying for you.

    ReplyDelete

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