Hard Sun

Yesterday was Kristy's birthday, and 2 days before was one of our site mates, Mariam. We have been celebrating and relaxing quite a bit. It has been a good time all around. We were able to make: salad, fettuccine Alfredo with garlic cheese bread, peanut butter M&M cookies, pasta salad, pizza, and a cake! The food was fantastic!

Ramadan is over 1/2 over and school should start soon afterward. Kristy and I have accomplished a fantastic goal, we have acquired a house. We spent a bit of time moving some stuff in today and will keep on bringing stuff as the days tick by until its all at our new home. We plan on looking for at least one roommate to help us share the bills. We really think that with a bit of help there should not be too much of a pinch financially.

Our house is great! or will be when it has some maintenance done for it. We have 3 bedrooms, a salon, a kitchen, and 3 bathrooms! (only 1 really works right now) 2 of the bathrooms are attached to bedrooms. The room we are 99% sure we are going to take is on top of the house so we have a terrace too! Some of the other benefits of the house include being within 2 min walking to the lycee (high school) and around the corner from Matt. I know I know pictures are worth 1000 words but I just brought my camera to the house today and have yet to even take any pictures.

Update on the military stuff - apparently there was an attack on Mauritanian military where some soldiers have been killed, it really sucks that these peaceful people that have opened the lives and communities to us have had to endure this violence thrust upon them. This tragic event happened on the exact opposite end of the country from Kristy and I. We are safe, and happy, don't worry. Much like the coup I have seen no changes. If you would like to pine over this latest development feel free to check the sidebar of my blog and there are some ominous sounding articles on the right hand side, but once again know we are safe and vigilant.

Hot Hot Hot!!!

Kristy and I swore in, the ceremony was long, official, and a bit low key because of the current situation. The swear-in party was a good time, it was great to see so many of our new friends and family members celebrating with us and letting loose. Stage is an intense couple of months; dancing the night away with loads of other Americans was a great time. I even heard a rumor that Kristy danced, although it is unconfirmed and she denies it.

Less than a week ago we moved to Kaedi, this place is great. It is fricken hot though. We do our best to stay inside during the heat of the day. We do not have a place to live as of yet, but the search continues. We ask at least 1 new person a day and have hopes of not living with a family. Our hope may be unrealistic, as our budget only goes so far, and housing is frankly, expensive.

We are still living out of our luggage and that is not good for moral, I really do not want us to grab up a place to live merely because it is better-ish then our current situation. We have gotten a few packages, an occasional letter, and some birthday cards in the mail. You know who you are – THANK YOU!!!!1!!1! In our current situation with all of our worldly possessions packed in bags we will strive to reply, as it will give my days some purpose. Almost all of the people I am assigned to work with are on vacation.

Oh it Ramadan, this means that life is slower and a bit more frustrating than normal. The entire Muslim population (with a tiny number of exceptions) is fasting during the day. That’s no water, no food, no tea, no cigarettes, and no sex while the sun is up for a month. Everyone around here is kinda lethargic. So people eat and drink, all night long nap eat breakfast before the sun rises and try to sleep as much as possible through the day as it is miserable in the heat here without any type of sustenance. We have not had the opportunity to break fast with a family yet, it’s a big deal and supposed to be a great time. We don’t know anyone yet really, and don’t have the gall to just walk into a compound and say we are breaking fast with you (this is totally an acceptable practice here and the people would welcome us with open arms).