Almost Dry Season!

Hello! Dear friends, family, strangers, all protocol respected…how are things (the usual Cameroonian introduction lists 5-10 special people who are in attendance before beginning). I shouldn’t even say it anymore but sorry for not writing enough, it's difficult to muster up the energy when I feel like I'm so far behind. It is 9p.m., my usual bedtime, and I am wired. I was expecting a call from the manager of a bike tour company in Paris, I am hoping to work there next summer (everyone should comment on how I would be a great tour guide in case he reads this). Alas, he was busy today and couldn’t call so I'm winding down the day with a blog and a lollipop. Time has started to fly and I'm worried it will be June before I know it. I'm not sure what I'm doing after Peace Corps. I know, Ill lay out my situation and you can all give me suggestions. Here is my deal: First, I know I don’t want to be a doctor or a lawyer. I know that whatever I want to do as a career will require more schooling but I'm not sure what that is and its difficult (but not impossible) to apply from here. I could choose something I might be interested in like International Relations but unlike the sciences (which I'm not so sure I'm meant for anymore) its not paid for which means more debt. My plan is to delay grad school at least another year so I can properly research programs. Meanwhile I'd like to travel more, preferably to France or China. I don’t know why China appeals to me, but I loved Paris when I was there and would like to improve my French. If anyone knows any way I can go there while not going into debt please let me know. As far as a career choice goes, I'd like to be able to travel and somewhat choose my own schedule. Being a consultant or working for a think tank both sound like things I would be interested in but I don’t know what exactly to do to get there. Any advice is appreciated. Anyway I still have 8 months to go, but since the only training group here longer than us is about to leave in December I'm feeling the pressure.

I am very excited for the next few months. I am finally feeling at home so much here it doesn’t feel like im anywhere anymore, I'm just here. I am enjoying teaching my classes, hanging with friends and my alone time. Every once in a while I get frustrated with my situation or bored but far less frequently than last year and not as badly. I also have some guaranteed good times coming up. I am going to Yaoundé in November and will be there on election night on which I don’t plan on sleeping. You guys aren’t letting Obama lose right? I was serious about not coming back if he does. John McCain is alright (actually he's right-center...oh! I almost deleted this it's corny I no but better than no joke no?) I won't be too upset however it turns out. In December I have IST (a week on the beach with a bunch of volunteers) then my dads coming in December. Toss a few other small events in there (searching for elephants??) and time will continue to fly till I leave. I'm thinking about building a sty and raising a pig to eat at my send-off party in May. The only problem is it's expensive. I may get a goat and some chickens instead. Anyone reading this is invited it's gonna be the biggest party my town has ever seen.

I am really struggling as far as blogging goes. I'm not sure what to write about anymore besides telling you guys I'm okay. If anyone wants to know anything, please leave it in a comment I will address it for sure. Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday, I had a good birthday and I'm sorry I didn’t respond to everyone but I appreciated the thoughts. I will try to get to everyone in time. If I have ignored an email of yours please its not on purpose and send me an email "beep" (just tell me to email you back and say whats up). I'm going to do better starting…now. Until next time…

brad