Hello Again!

So.... no one was using the computer, so i thought that I'd say hi again! It's raining a bit, and I'm really wishing I'd opted to bring the fleece!!! :-( However, things are going so well. I received my rabies shot and Hep A booster this morning! OUCH!!! Then, I had an interview regarding my teaching abilities. I'll finish with an interview with the Peace Corps M-car director, Bill Bull. This morning we had pancakes and french bread to eat, complete with M-car coffee. I showered with a bucket and some warm H2o. My walk to school is just beautiful-- I live in the rice fields and thus must walk past everything-- the entire market.

Welp... it's lunch time (we're having tacos!)
Maribeth

I made it to Madagascar!!

Greetings from Madagascar!!!

I just wanted to send a quick message to let you know that you made it safely. :-) After what seemed like days of travelling, we arrived in Madagascar. The weather is actually quite chilly, which is nice, because I feel a lot cleaner (if that's possible). Our town is very interesting. Although they are used to seeing trainees, it was quite exciting to walk to the PC training center this morning. I live the farthest from the school (almost a 2 mile walk), which is really exciting, because I'll get a lot of excercise!! I have a large house and my own room. We have electricity but no running water. I have a host mum and two brothers, ages 15 and 12. This morning I took a bucket shower, which was suprisingly refreshing. It's definetely overwhelming, but in a really good way! I've already started learning some of the language but there's a TON to learn. :-)

So... about mail: PLEASE SEND ME SOME SOON!!!
My address: Maribeth Black, PCV
Peace Corps Madagascar
BP 12091- Post ZOOM Akorondrano- TANA 101- Madagascar

If you write "Jesus Saves" and draw some crosses, we'll have the best luck of me receiving things. I'll be sending some cartes postales soon!!!

Well... I better share the computer. This is going to be quite an experiece. I'm definetely excited/nervous, but having a great time!!! The people are sooooo kind and considerate! :-)

VELOMA!! (bye in Malagasy)
Maribeth

Leaving on a Jet Plane....

Greetings!

So... in attempts to keep the world updated on my Madagascar adventures, I've created this page. I am officially leaving for Madagascar in two short weeks! I cannot believe how quickly time flies. The last few weeks have been filled with parties and ‘good byes.’ Now I must focus on packing up my stuff and finishing tons of last minute odds and ends!

I’ll be in Washington, D.C. for two nights before flying to South Africa and finally Antananarivo, Madagascar on June 15-16. It should be quite an adventure! For the first three months, I’ll be training with approximately 30 other Peace Corps volunteers. We’ll have intense Malagasy language classes, learn TEFL teaching techniques, and more. During this time, we’ll also live with homestay families, which will be an excellent way to gain a greater understanding of Malagasy language and culture.

After my three months of training, I will be placed somewhere in Madagascar, where my adventure of assimilating into the community will officially begin! Although I am sure there will be days when I’ll feel lonely, I am really looking forward to immersing myself in a new culture, learning how to view the world from an innovative perspective.

So…..Where do you come in?! I WOULD LOVE MAIL and promise to respond to all those gracious enough to send me some love.

Below are some sending details:

My current address in Madagascar until September 2007:

Maribeth Black, PCV
Bureau du Corps de la Paix
B. P. 12091
Poste Zoom Ankorondrano
Antananarivo 101 Madagascar

Some mailing tips:
-Mail may take up to 3-4 weeks to arrive.
-Number your letters
-Red pen or other religious insignia may help expedite the delivery process.
-Write soon!! Write often!! Write TONS!!

I PROMISE to write back!!


Stay tuned for updates and photos!! Let the life adventure begin!