Last Tuesday Katie had her first oral language test…. And she did fine. There will be one more oral exam, and this test must be passed before moving to your permanent village posting.
It is rainy season in Mantasoa. There is rain every day and morning temperatures are quite cold before becoming really hot in the afternoon. I suspect quite cold in Madagascar is very different than quite cold here in Minnesota. Katie has had a cold and fleas! Actually, the fleas are gone, but I can’t imagine that was much fun. It reminded me of our head lice experience in first grade. Ick and double ick! Fortunately, her host Mom helped with washing all the bedding, etc. It’s a Mom thing, no matter where in the world you are I think.
All the volunteers are going on a week-long technical training trip. They will travel to 3 different towns near the east coast and conduct Malaria information festivals. During the trip, they will stay in hotels. Katie is looking forward to possible improved shower conditions - even more than the possibility of internet. Once she returns, she will have one week with her host family before moving back to the training center for the final weeks of training. In addition to continued language training, the training is also focused on nutrition and other health issues specific to the area.
Katie is intrigued by the local animals and found a really cute little rodent one day. She gathered her host family around only to find out it was the equivalent of a squirrel…LOL. There are always farm animals and cats and dogs wandering around the village.
Still no internet connection robust enough for Katie to post or email, but hopefully that will happen eventually. She sounds very happy, so we are happy too.
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