The Double R

My Peace Corps Service began when I arrived in West Africa in March 2011, and today I officially completed my Close-of-Service (COS) and am getting ready to head back to the United States of America as a Returned Peace Corps Response Volunteer (RPCRV).

Three stops, two plane changes, 9,500 miles (15,200 km)

Finishing with my Peace Corps service and leaving West Africa is bittersweet, but I'm also really looking forward to seeing family and friends back home. My paperwork is done, my flights are booked, my good-byes have been said, I'm mostly packed, and I feel ready to go.

Adieu, Peace Corps ~

And now I'm somewhat at a loss as how to wrap things up. I feel grateful to have so many wonderful and supportive people in my life, and could devote an entire blog to thanking everyone - relatives, friends, neighbors, colleagues, drivers, host families, Volunteers, complete strangers - who has helped me out, mailed me things, fed me, given me gifts, sent me messages, kept me company, or wished me well. So many thank-yous.

For now, I'll just say that I hope you enjoyed the blog, and I wish you and your family good health, good luck, safe travels, and a very happy year. À la prochaine!

Cadeaux!

Last week I got a lovely care package from my friend (and Senegal RPCV) Sarah K. (Thank you, Sarah!) 

It was filled with all sorts of fun things - Starbucks Via (which really is the crème de la crème of instant coffee packets), Clif and Luna bars (so good) and a nice mug (hot liquids in plastic cups = the worst).

Pumpkin Spice is Everywhere. 

I don't have all that much time left in Guinea (somehow it is December already) but it was still nice to get a package, and America really is excellent at making well-packaged, palatable, durable, portable food products - nothing like living without refrigeration to make a person really appreciate the usefulness of preservatives.