Holy Cow, only a Week Left!

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Here I sit, with WalMart bags surrounding me and clothes spread throughout the room, preparing for my trip to Benin, Africa. I leave July 4th for Philadelphia, the ultimate destination for any true freedom celebrater. Fifty people from the United States will meet in Philadelphia for three days before we all leave for Africa. We arrive in Cotonou, Benin on July 8th, where we will begin our training. For three months, I will live with a host family in Segbouhe, Benin, not far from Cotonou, and will learn how to cook, clean, live, and play like a true Beninoise. Along with French, I will learn a native language, and I will learn the cultural rules of the society. (If this includes wearing skirts everyday, I might be in trouble....)
I am very excited to go, to meet my fellow volunteers, and to finally speak French in a real francophone society! But, I am nervous, too. Somewhat scared of the unknown, as is to be expected.
I also have just returned from one of the true loves in my life- Yellowstone National Park. There are some pictures in the gallery of that trip, and some others of Kentucky.

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Photos

Summer Sun
Lana and I were sharing some ice cream on a walk when I stopped to take this picture. I love the wildflowers at home!

Comments

[Erika]

I love this page erika! you have very exciting pictures. I hope that you can keep it updated with more great pictures from africa. I love you a lot erika beth! ~Lana

[Chrissy K]

Hard Core, Peace Corps
Erika, You are beautiful and amazing and gorgeous. I love you so much. We will be with you in spirit in all that you do. Thats a nice shot of Eb, he is such a handsome dog. Have lots of fun, and remember; you're more than hard core, you're peace corps.

[Akane]

Good luck!
You are awesome! I'm so glad you made the travel blog, so that we can keep up with how you are in Africa. I'm so excited by your pictures from Benin. Good luck and travel safe! ~ Akane

[Josh Strohm]

Good Luck EBK ...
Hey Erika, I think its pretty cool that you have set this up. I look forward to hearing from you and all about your journeys. No matter where you go, what you're experiencing, how good or how bad your current situation may have you in ... remember that God is in control of your life and the circumstances of life. He will guide you, protect you. Remember that, and keep him close to all that you do. Even if we can't be there for you, He will be! I know you probably won't have much chance for internet connection and you may have limited time, but check out my website for updates on what's going on with us (if you are able). I'll have pictures and news up there once a month. Take care Erika. We'll be praying for you and we look forward to your return. Josh

[Jamie]

Hey
Hey girl- I hope you enjoy your trip!! You will be in my prayers!! I look forward to hearing from you and seeing more great pictures!! Eb will miss you too! Take care girl! - Jamie

[DanQuinn]

Hey!
Erika, Glad to see that you set up this site. Hope that your trip there will be a safe one. Watch out for the bugs, especially the ones that you can't see. Let me know if there is anything in particular that you might need in the way of a care package. Take Care, lots of luck, and God Bless. Dan

[Donna]

LOGGED ON!!!!!
Love ya!!!

[Jordan & Mary D.]

How cool is this?!
Erika, We thought of you when we were in church last Sunday and the air conditioner wasn't working right. Boy, was it warm! Hope you are staying cool. We can't wait to see how life is in Africa. Good luck, stay safe and have fun.

[Josh G]

bon voyage
Erika, sorry I had to miss your going away - I'm sure it was quite a momentous occasion. Hope you are getting settled in nicely and enjoy receiving some acculturation from outside the US. I know I could sure go for some. I'd type something French but I think all I remember are swear words. =/ Get us some nice pics on this blog soon, but in the meantime take care of yourself and live it up!

[Cindy]

You're so smart!
This travel blog is a great idea. Your pictures are incredible. Can't wait to see the Africa pictures.

[gpa Stuart]

Brandon and I are giving your blog a trial. Do you hear me now?? BB and Gpa

[mom]

family
Tell your family thank you, thank you, thank you!

[Stuart]

Hey
(I'll spell half of this stuff worng so bar with me)hey erika i can use this instead of writing you letters!! yes! :P no but dad and i just got back from the curent river trip down to arkansas and i think you might be happy to hear that we saw TONS or great blue herins and like 6 bald eagles. oh it was so cool! we jumped off 60 ft cliffs swung on rope swings anddid lots of fun things. well i'll talk to you l8er bye bye.