Hello From NY Hey Steveo. I am so glad to here that you are doing well. everything that you are doing is so... well actually its a turn on. ha. I can't believe you've been there for a year. Its seems longer. I just calculated it and you will be back in the states in september of 08. I know that I don't write at all. but that doesn't mean that my thoughts aren't with you. I will try to be more consistent. you be safe now. T
thankvo kodjogan stevo c'est danny je suis bien hereux de ton travaille dans mon pays car j'ais bien aimer tout tes proger et tu serais un bon chef de se club un jour
i wich u all the best take care and talk to u soon
danny
yes, delve into exploring... ... the culture you find yourself in, the town, the priorities of those around you, the food, the alternate attitudes and ways.... But it's good you have the open mind and out-going personality necessary be happy in the first place, and then secondly to be of service to those you are volunteering for. It takes a lot to survive in a foreign place for months on end. Some are forced to do it for years on end, such as my immigrant parents in the States. A key, as you seem to know already, is to appreciate (not necessarily to accept wholeheartedly) the people and their viewpoints to the degree you are comfortable with. And hopefully that will be enough for you and everyone around you.
Fascinating account of AIDS, aspects of gay culture and attitudes there, teambuilding American-style, and relating your cultural heritage (for example, the Valentine's Day tradition) to any Togolese who want to assimilate a little something too. Africa, according to the news, seems to be imploding, yet there also seems to be a lot of hope there too. And certainly things the West can learn, or relearn. Anyway, I think you're a great example of America abroad. Most of us Americans are easily proud of people doing what you're doing. Keep up the great blog of Togolese life, give yourself some more breaks, and then go do some more!
Alors, tiens bon, et bonne continuation.
steeeeeve! I'm jealous sitting here in cold rainy seattle, reading your words and reflecting on life in other spots... I got back from Tanzania almost a month ago and am already iching to get back, for longer and to do more and all that..... miss you
Togolese life I volunteer my time translating business plans for Togolese entrepreneurs applying for micro-credit loans for Kiva dot com. Came across your blog while trying to find out what a "pagne" is. The dictionary online says it's a "loincloth"...! Thank goodness for your blog that I could get the insight I needed to do the translation justice. After all, a good translation means faster funding of a loan for that shoe maker in Lomé or the bouillie (a kind of mush or porridge???) merchant in Tsévié.
Hang in there and thanks for illustrating life in Togo for us in the State -
Courage, et bonne continuation -
Daniel
dkuey at yahoo dot com
Hi Steve Hello Steve, You don't know me but I found out about your blog from your mother and have been checking in occassionally ever since because of how interesting I found it to be. Your mother is such a nice person and is so obviously proud of what you are doing. I am so impressed and amazed that someone your age has such a desire to go to the furthest parts of the world, giving up all the luxuries of our everyday world, sacrificing as you are, to help and teach others. You are an inspiration and an American hero. Thank you for representing our country in such an admirable manner. I wish you the best of luck in everything that you do. I look forward to reading more about your adventures.
I miss you like crazy! Hey love, I can't believe I finally found you. I searched for you on myspace and found this address. I'm so glad to hear that you are safe and doing well. I'm very sorry for not being able to see you before you left. I knew nothing of when you were leaving (my fault totally) what a slacker I am. I'm not sure if you are able to e-mail or what but my e-mail address is erk_1119@yahoo.com if you'd like to drop a line. If not that's fine I'll continue to check and see how you are and of course send you lots of love. I love you so very much and it is absolutely wonderful to hear that you are well. Good luck with everything Steve, hope to hear from you soon.
Love Erin
Hey, Steve,
Great work! What a week of intense exercise in addition to all the trainings. When I was in Zimbabwe I heard about someone using sawdust to fill bike tires so they wouldn't puncture when going through the bush. This was in the context of trying to construct a "bicycle ambulance" - where a bike could pull a litter through the bust. I never actually saw one, but was told it worked.
Keep up the good job you're doing. And keep having fun.
Warmly,
Nancy
Europe says BONJOUR STEVE Hey Steve, here's your little South-African friend... I've sent u an email but I don't know whether ur able to read that frequently.
I'd love to send u some stuff but I can't find ur address overthere. Would u mind mentioning it again or mail me? I'll send Irish stuff however :) I'm going back to Vancouver in 3 weeks which will remind me of my visit to u & Norris last year. I'm really impressed with all the stuff ur doing overthere and I really hope I can fly over to Togo once to visit u. Lots of love and a big hug!!
Valérie
Happy Birthday! Hi Steve! Hope you have a great 23rd Birthday tomorrow! I miss you, but i'm so glad you're helping people and getting to see new places and faces. Hang in there and keep writing blogs I love to read them. Love ya! Liz
hi Steve...I met your mother shopping for you at the OfficeMax in York. I'm a former PC Volunteer from Lesotho Sothern Africa...sounds as if people are a bit unfriendly there..take it easy...you are obviously a symbol for something in their lives....Francis(fsaitta@sciencedigest.org)
Still going strong! hi Steve, good to hear that you're okay. I can't imagine how it is to live so far from family and friends for such a long time (4 months in SA is compared to your experience in Togo too short). That's why I really admire you're attitude towards all that is new and strange to you. I know you will do well. I wish you all the best and take care.
Greetings and a big hug
:-) What you're doing is AWESOME Steve! Best of luck. I'll be keeping up with your blog to see how things are going. Take care and be safe.
nigelecampbell@gmail.com
Good Luck, Steve !! Hi Steve, it's Mom and Dad. Good Luck on your new venture. It sounds like you have your work cut out for you. We are starting to plan our trip over to see you. I guess we can stay in your "guest bedroom". Will it have a mattress?? I hope Elavagnon is a safe and friendly environ. Your college experiences in New York City and Seattle should help a little now. It sounds like you have your goals laid out, and you seem to have a way of accomplishing them, no matter the obstacles. Best of Luck, and try to stay Healthy and Safe. Love You, Mom and Dad.
Thanks for the up-date. Hi Steve. Thanks for the up-date. Your Dad and I are starting to plan our trip to see you, so I guess we can stay in your guest bedroom. I hope your plans work out okay for your "HOUSE". It sounds as though things are pretty much as you expected. Your experiences in Madagascar and Stellenbosch, South Africa are paying off. You got another mention in the Columbia U. magazine-they wish you well. I guess that's about it for now, so take care and stay safe. Talk to you again soon. Love, Mom and Dad.
Steve!! Hey Steve!
Im so glad you're enjoting your work in Togo. I'm in Nigeria right now, after months of working 9-5 in the States and Im dying to stay, and try to do something. Im in Abuja right now; I'll be in Lagos in a few days, and then off to Accra, Ghana. I wish I could go see South Africa as well...supposedly there's alot of opportunity, esp. for my field (entertainment/communications)
Anyway, enough about me, this is supposed to be a "comment". So, good job, good, luck, and God Bless!
Ita
italome.o@gmail.com
Hey from Alaska! Hey Steve good to here everything is good with you. This is the first time I ever read a blog... it is kind of cool. How will you keep us posted without electricity????? Will a car battery work? Be safe and take lots of pictures! God Bless you!
Sonora
Hellow fellow PCT So I am taking advantage of a hella good internet connection at a bar for free, so I thought I would say hello. I am into my second week of training and loving it. My group rocks and Belize is amazing. Good luck with all I will keep up with your blog when I can. Peace
finally... Hi Steve,
I finally read all your stories. It is so interesting to read about your stay in Togo. I can imagine the Togolese people being very happy that their football team is participating in the World Cup. Well, I will follow you on the internet and read about your adventures and wonderfull stories. I'm happy to read that everything is going well and that you're enjoying yourself to the fullest. Keep in touch and 'till next time..... Big hug
Pace of Life Hi, Steve,
Great to hear about your adventure to date. It sounds wonderful. Isn't is pleasant to be in a culture that seems to operate at a speed that feels like it's the one the human body was originally designed for?
I am picturing in my mind you running through the bush after the bush rat to provide for the agouti for your host family. Makes a good image!!
Continue to enjoy. Nancy
Go Togo! Hey Steven,
I miss you! I'm glad you're doing well so far. Let me know if you need anything from home. Seattle is good--but I'm leaving in 2 weeks for Iowa. A little pre-PC training on gardening, animal health, and being bored out of my mind. See you soon!
joelle
I'm a new Peace Corps volunteer in Togo, West Africa, originally from York, PA. I went to school in NYC and most recently Seattle, WA, for grad school. Interested in one day working in embassies all over the world...... full info
Tulie
non-member comment
Hello From NY
Hey Steveo. I am so glad to here that you are doing well. everything that you are doing is so... well actually its a turn on. ha. I can't believe you've been there for a year. Its seems longer. I just calculated it and you will be back in the states in september of 08. I know that I don't write at all. but that doesn't mean that my thoughts aren't with you. I will try to be more consistent. you be safe now. T