We have officially finished Pre-Service Training, our ten weeks of intensive language, technical, safety, and cultural lessons. In a way, it feels like this time has flown by and I am struggling to comprehend how it has already been almost three months in The Gambia. On the other hand, the busy 8am - 6pm, Monday through Saturdays have been a whirlwind. On December 16, the thirty trainees in our cohort swore in as official Peace Corps volunteers at a ceremony in front of U.S.

The title of this blog sounds like a motivational podcast or a self-help book you find on display with bright colors and swirling ink. However cliche, this motto is something I’m forced to remind myself at least ten times a day.  There is no cookie-cutter handbook for how to adapt in the Peace Corps. Waking up each morning requires completing a series of basic tasks that makes me feel like I can get through the day. If I can drink enough water, attempt to eat enough nutrients

Hello to all my people back home!  It is officially week two of my life in The Gambia and let’s just say, it has been a rollercoaster so far. Nothing can prepare you for such a drastic life transition, no matter how hard you try. My meticulous packing list alleviated certain discomforts so far, but there is no way to prepare for the complete culture shock of being dropped off in a village, alone, at your host family’s house without any basic language skills.  After one week o