Where do I begin....

I have officially been living in Keleya, Mali now for about two weeks, and I could not love my homestay more. I am living with 7 other trainees (Ashley, Sara, Peter, Diane, Rabayah, Caroline, and Danny) in a small village of about 3000 people. I can honestly say that I love my training group so much. They are all so full of personality, that no matter my mood or physical state that day, they can always make me laugh. My family is wonderful, espcially my host mom and brothers. I truly believe my host mother is the most hard working person I have ever met in my life. Not only does she take care of her whole family, but she has an amazing sense of humor and is the only one I can understand in Bambara. She may also be preggers with a 4th little bean eater but we are not yet sure...... I also hope to bring my little host brother back to Ameriki with me, as he is the most precious 2 year old man ever....... okay I am just kidding but I will bring pictures.

We have been language and cross cultural training each day in Keleya with two LCF's who are always so helpful and understanding, even if we are tubobs (tubob is what Malians call white people). I am currently reviewing and learning more Francais, but I have a feeling I am going to need to learn Bambara. As of now I depend on the 3 other trainiees who know how to say more than greetings, my name is, and you eat beans; which is the extent of my language skills. I have only had one really bad day so far, and it was in home stay. There are some social norms here in Mali that I am not accustomed to, such as physical violence in the home, which I have a hard time handling. Now do not get me wrong and think that I am being culturally insensitive; I am not. I am just stating that there are some things acceptable in Mali, which I will never be able to consider as acceptable moral behavior. But I also have to remind myself that I do not have to think its okay, but I do have to live with it for now.

On a happier note I am in love with Mali still... the honeymoon stage, and I feel so strongly that I am right where I am supposed to be. Earlier this week I arrived back at the training center and found out my permanent site. I will be moving to a large town named Djenne, located in the Mopti region, working in the Tourism sector. If you google Mali, or Djenne you will find pictures of a mosque, which I will be living right by. I will be replacing a previous volunteer and contiuning with his plans and projects, though I will have the oppurtunity to begin my own as well. I am very excited as of now, espeically because I have running water and electricty in my apartment....;)

For those of you who have heard through the grapevine that I was in the med unit this week, no need to worry I am doingwell. I had an unexplainable bump on my head which has been taken care of with painkillers and is finally beginning to shrink. It was extremely painful at first, but is now just slightly bothersome and I only notice when I sleep. The nice part was being in the capital for the night, where I was able to eat great food, sleep in air conditioning, and drink beer. I have decided I will probably have to get sick once more during my time here........ hehe!

Other than that life has been different and exciting and unexplainable. I am really happy with everything so far and sincerly appreciate hearing from all of you. Take care, be safe and keep in touch.
All my love,
Elizabeth

In Mali

We have been in Mali now for 4 days and will be moving out of the training facility and into our host family communities tomorrow morning. So far this experience has been beyond anything I might have imagined, and we have only been in orientation (fondly known as Camp Peace Corps). I have met an amazing group of people who I have already found true connections with, and the staff and PCVs in country are extremely welcoming and helpful.
Currently I am a PCT, Peace Corps Trainee and will not be a volunteer until I pass training and swear in some time in mid September. As a PCV I will be working as an NGO, speaking French, and possibly working with a team mate; I have yet to find out where I will living during my service but I scored an intermediate low level of french and will only need to go up two stages..... which is really good.

To give you a couple notes as to the events that have taken place I will provide a list below:
Hot weather, but mild at night
Beautiful skys
Amazingly intelligent and passionate people
Mosquito nets are a must
Flys are everywhere
I love it!
Shots..... almost everyday so far
Small mud huts with cold showers
We eat with our hands
And the biggest of all
>>
>>>>
>>>>>
I cut 13 inches off my hair and have a pixie cut!!!!

I will update this again in about two weeks, which is probably the next time I will have access to the internet. Thank you for all your emails, they are greatly appreciated!
Love,
Elizabeth

My address

If you would like to contact me by written mail please email me and I will let you know what my address is.

My email is still elizabeth.jaenicke@gmail.com

If for some reason you need to contact me in an emergency situation, speak with my parents and they will be able to get a hold of me. Remember that this is only in the event of a dire emergency! Their phone is 847.639.1051.