Last Phase of PST

After what seems like forever (and in reality has only been a little over two weeks), we are finally back at the training center. We are getting ready for the fourth and final phase of pre-service training after which we will be sworn in as offical Peace Corps Volunteers...Inshallah!

Despite continued political upheaval in RIM, Peace Corps is operating pretty much as usual from what we've been told. There has been one public rally in support of the coup here in Rosso. During that time we stayed safely at home with our host family. We will be sure to post more in the coming weeks or if anything develops. However, rest assured that Mauritanians are very passive even during times of political unrest, and we have never felt threatened in any way.

On August 30th we will be moving to our new location of Nouadhibou and should have much more regular access to Internet as well as time to post. This year September is the month that the Islamic holiday of Ramadan will occur. That's where Muslims fast during the daytime (including no water), and not a whole lot gets accomplished for about 30 days.

We promise to post more soon and respond to emails too. We have received several care packages...thank you very much to everyone for sending them. We are aware that the international postage can be very expensive and we really appreciate it. From what the other volunteers have been telling me, the cheapest option is to purchase a flat-rate box or envelope and then you can stuff it with as much as it will hold (making sure that it won't burst open of course).

Today is Debbie's wedding!
I miss you guys!