Stay in touch with Annie
Arrival
Published on July 8, 2005 By Beninian Annie In Misc
So, they have come into country. It was a bit weird to think I will swap stories, laugh, cry, and fight with these people in the same way as I do with my volunteer friends now. It just was such am overpowerfulling comcrete example of how far I have come.

They arrived from the airport in our PC cars. There were about thirty of us who greeted then with cheers and then helped unload bags. They were clean, young looking - in experience only, and just generally nervous and excited. My favorite comment was when one of the girls asked me if this is what they would look like after a year. We were of course all dressed up in rather traditional attire. I responded with a chuckle, I hope not.

Oh well, they are all in bed by now and so I am heading that way as we speak.

PS Dad I did like the pictures you sent. Uncle I hope you got my letter.

Comments
on Jul 09, 2005
It reminds me of the Army, with everyone arriving in the summer after finishing college and being shellshocked by basic training. After my first year, I welcomed them and became fast friends with most, but after year two I didn't even socialize with the new breed. After all, they still had "three" years to go and I was almost out! Hopefully, though, no one in the Peace Corps feels like they are in the Army!!
on Jul 11, 2005
Annie, you're a veteran already! Glad to hear about the new volunteers, full of idealism and energy. All of you are a welcome exception to many of the "ideals" being promoted by some of our public leaders. Yes, I did get your wonderful letter and have answered it. You should be getting something from me before very long. Keep up the good work, and God bless you.
on Jul 12, 2005
I've read your entire life story in Benin! My son was one of those "clean" kids that got off the plane in Africa as one of the new PC trainees. I just hope his time there will be as interesting as yours has been. Hope he picks up the French too! Also hope he figures out a way to contact us soon.....I'm checking my email obsessively!
Wyn
WynHyzer@aol.com
on Jul 18, 2005
Anne Marie!!!! ()

I know I"ve shamefully deserted you these last few months, I am a terrible friend! I was just catching up on your time overseas, and it sounds amazing! It's crazy to think that you've been gone a year! As for what's been going on here.....we all graduated, which I am sure as you know, was a time filled with bitersweet feelings. I'm in Terre Haute for the summer working a receptionist job until I move to D.C. in October! CRAZY to think that I'm getting married in less than 3 months! Matt and I found a wonderful basement apartment below a really nice 30-something couple in Arlington, VA. We moved him in a week ago and it was weird to see all of our stuff together in an apartment....kinda made the whole marriage thing a little more real.

I have to tell you that I was sitting at work this morning, bored as usual and surfing the web. I've been looking at stuff that has to do with D.C. and Arlington a lot lately b/c that's where I"ll be in a few weeks. Anyway, I just found out that there is a Container Store 3 miles from my house!!!!!!!! You can imagine my excitement, and I immediately thought of you and had to write you to let you know.....

Hope you are still enjoying your time in Benin and finding the experiences just as interesting as when you first got there!
Love,
Heidi
on Jul 18, 2005
Anne Marie!!!! ()

I know I"ve shamefully deserted you these last few months, I am a terrible friend! I was just catching up on your time overseas, and it sounds amazing! It's crazy to think that you've been gone a year! As for what's been going on here.....we all graduated, which I am sure as you know, was a time filled with bitersweet feelings. I'm in Terre Haute for the summer working a receptionist job until I move to D.C. in October! CRAZY to think that I'm getting married in less than 3 months! Matt and I found a wonderful basement apartment below a really nice 30-something couple in Arlington, VA. We moved him in a week ago and it was weird to see all of our stuff together in an apartment....kinda made the whole marriage thing a little more real.

I have to tell you that I was sitting at work this morning, bored as usual and surfing the web. I've been looking at stuff that has to do with D.C. and Arlington a lot lately b/c that's where I"ll be in a few weeks. Anyway, I just found out that there is a Container Store 3 miles from my house!!!!!!!! You can imagine my excitement, and I immediately thought of you and had to write you to let you know.....

Hope you are still enjoying your time in Benin and finding the experiences just as interesting as when you first got there!
Love,
Heidi

P.S. my new email is: hgoecker@gmail.com