Shi ke nan (It's finished)

Hey everyone,
   So I have some news. Peace Corps Niger has gone through an evacuation which means that all of us PCV's are finished with their service in Niger, and the program has been postponed until it is deemed safe enough for the PC to reenter.  We were evacuated  because of some kidnappings which lead to murders and heightened activities and threats of Al Queida in Niger.  All of the PCV's from Niger are safe and are only hurt in our heart-felt sorrow for the Nigerien people that will suffer more than anyone from these actions.
   All volunteers were evacuated to Rabat, Morocco which is where I am currently residing.  PC Morocco has spoiled us and we've been stationed out of a really really nice hotel with lots amenities that we're not used to.  After a few days of debriefing and sessions about what happened, closing out our assignments in Niger, and what options we have available to us now.  I have chosen to travel around some while in Africa and the opportunity presents itself and will then return back to the states where I'll look into what options I will be available to me next.
   Thank you all for your prayers and support for the time I've been in Niger and just as much the time leading up to my departure.  I hope to see and talk to all of you when I get back. 
    So, obviously, don't send any more letters or mail or anything to me in Niger because I won't get it.

LIVEITUP,
Michael

Let the fun begin

   Dec. 30th 2010, I was offcially sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I will be serving in the Maradi region of Niger, Africa for 2yrs. starting at the end of the 1st week of Jan. as an Agro-forestry agent.  The swearing-in ceremony was held at the US Embassy in Niamey, the capital of Niger, and there were 41 of us that took the oath, which puts the total number of PCV's in country upwards of ~100 strong.  I celebrated by having 3 scoops of ice cream from one of the Very few places that it can be found in Niger!  The majority of my stage-mates had very traditional and taylor-made outfits made and everyone looked their finest; I on the other hand was unable to find the material I wanted and so borrowed an outfit from my host brother that is really cool.  We were treated to a very delicious dinner that evening as well with fried potatos, mixed salad, tender and delicious meat (goat), egg rolls (quite odd for Niger), and cake. 
    Once I'm posted in my village, I will stay there for 3 months before going back to the training site for more training.  I will only be allowed to leave to travel to the nearest market, 7km away, for weekly food supplies and the such and then also once a month I'll be allowed to go into Maradi for team meetings with other PCV's.  Fortunately for me, the village that I will travel to for market is also a post of another volunteer; I'm super pumped about this because she's smart and actually went to school for International Agriculture, not to mention that she's also really cool and a great friend as well. 
   I'm anxious to get started but also enjoying a few days off before I get 'installed' in my village.  There are PC hostels in the regional capitals which are a great place for us volunteers to hang out and take a break from the daily grind of typical PC life.  Examples of our amenities include: internet, couches, tv/movie room, fully stocked appliance kitchen, library, showers, toilets, and best of all other PCV's to converse and hang out with!  I will do my best to keep you informed from here on out but can only guarentee that the posts will be fewer and between as I'm starting my official 2yrs. of Peace Corp service.
   Thank you all for your support: prayers, mail, e-mail, FB, and comments on here even.  It definitely helps me and lets me know I'm loved, and I also hope that I am able to help you understand a little bit more about Niger, it's people, and the culture that I'm being blessed to get to experience as well.
    LIVEITUP,
Michael