All The Small Things

Some of the things I find myself missing the most about America are things which I would never have thought I would miss... OK, mostly.

Things I Currently Miss the Most
1. Seat Belts, Speed Limits, and Paved Roads
2. Refrigeration on a consistent basis
3. Variety in my diet
4. Public Garbage Cans/waste management systems
5. Knowing what is happening in the outside world

OK so maybe not all that surprising, but they are all things I no longer take for granted. Some of these things are a lot more important to me than I thought they would be. It is ironic how we never truly miss something until we don't have it anymore. Basic "necessities" are not consider such everywhere in the world, and it us not even thought of as an inconvenience for people here. Ignorance is bliss. (I am not by any means saying people are stupid, I am saying that they don't know any other way of living, so therefore do not question why things are the way they are.)

Also, I can say it is now safe to talk about Harry Potter to me in letters/emails, as I finished the book within 48 hours of receiving it. I was more than pleased with the outcome, and must say that if you haven't already finished it you are in for a treat. Good to know my theories were largely accurate. (Thanks to all the pals at www.mugglenet.com)

So, this weeks downer: my iPod is fried... I think. It won't charge, and it won't play, so I think it is gone for good. Luckily I only paid $65 for it. Now I am relying on my disc man, meaning I'm eating my way through Energizer Lithium AA batteries. (BTW: I don't usually product endorse, but these batteries really are the best I have ever used... I get 10 times the play time with them, and my digital camera is still on its first set after 2 months.)

Highlight of the week: I finally have a nalgene bottle again so I can boil water, and I got the worlds best package from Mom! Thanks Mutti! Also, I am getting letters from people, slowly but surely, from James and Michael, Heather, Marie, Uncle Carl and Aunt Drea, Mom and Grandpa. Thank you guys, they make the world of difference when I get no other contact with home! I have also written letter to the family and many friends... so be patient...

Most interesting thing I have done this week: I went swimming yesterday! It was fairly hot, so the host family decided to go visit other relatives... my host sisters and I went swimming in the evening and then chowed down on some fresh peppers, bread, and sausage! I'm taking it easy on the food here, as I've now had food poisoning a few times. I just have to be careful where I get the food from, and how long it has been since a power outage.

Aside from that, everything is going well. I am please to say that I now have less than 4 weeks before I swear in as an offical Peace Corps Volunteer, and can't wait to get to my site! If you have any questions, and have yet to ask, please send them via Snail Mail to the address on the side of the page, or to my email at Raechelle.Watkins@gmail.com

I will do my best to write you all again soon, and post a few more pictures next time!

Always and forever,
Raechelle