Super Quick

So I have t-minus 3 min. to say a lot. DC has been great. Lots of nice people with the same attitude and for the most part, beliefs. Learned a few things about the next few days in TG. Will get D900 for a walk around allowance (D28/dollar). Will be in Banjul for a few days, then divide in groups to start training. Will be in groups of 3/4, depending on services. Will be there 5 weeks, traveling from host to camp Tendeba. Love you, miss you. Send letters!

It could be a while

Not sure of the next time I will be able to write. I just want to let you all know how thankful I am for the beautiful good-bye wishes and positive encouragement. It's not going to be easy being away and it feels incredible to know I have the support from so many people!! Thaaaank Youuuuuuu!

Good-byes and Surprises

Well, I've officially moved from Norman. It was unbelievably hard to say good-bye to the incredible people I've met and the town where so many wonderful memories are created. It seems unreal that my main purpose for moving there has come and 5 1/2 years has gone. I couldn't have asked for a better last night/day, though. I got to spend much desired quality time with my great friend and her new son, people from yoga took me out to dinner at Victoria's, and the night ended with the necessary (well, in my book) stop at the Library. I also made a visit to little, old Rhyne Hall (the social work school) and got to see one of my favorite teachers. Then, this morning, I spent some time riding my baby blue bike around Main St., returning library books and stopping in at shops that caught my eye. This included The Book Stall (where I bought one of the books I had just returned to the library for $3.75 because I didn't finish it), Guestroom (where I purchased a The Velvet Underground, Andy Warhol CD), Main Site (where a new exhibit was going up so I didn't get to see anything), Forward Foods (where I purchased some cheese for a birthday present), and Benvinutii's bakery (where everything looked too perfect to eat, so I didn't buy anything). Then Chris and I ate at The Diner, loaded up boxes and dogs, and drove to Dallas.

After continuous heart-wrenching good-byes, I found myself in the midst of a glorious hello. My father surprised both my mother and me by flying in my younger sis from Florida for the weekend. Now the next two days will consist of open houseness and laundry!

Thanks for the love

It's so nice to feel so supported during a time like this. But I must be honest because in a way, it makes it even harder to know I'm leaving such a great support system. On the other hand, it will make a world of a difference to know people are thinking of me.

So, I had an amazing opportunity to speak with someone who just got back from the Peace Corps, Gambia. I had the opportunity to have lunch with her gracious mother as well. Speaking with both of them definitely helped ease some anxiety. (Mom, you'll be happy to know that she received every package (and all of its contents) that her mom sent to her. Just don't forget to send them air mail).

I learned that I will basically be living in tank tops, long skirts and sandals. I learned that it is best to establish a personal routine and privacy policy early on with your host family and the village, so that it is simply a norm from the time you arrive. I also took from the conversation that perhaps one reason volunteers end their terms early is because they go in to the program with different expectations. What I mean is that one huge purpose of the Peace Corps is cultural exchange. It's important to understand that even the smallest contribution is helpful, but if you expect to "change the world," you're going to be disappointed. It is very possible that I will have more free time then I know what to do with during the first year of service. I also found out that recreational running is acceptable, but modesty is appreciated. I also got a better idea of what it might be like to live with out electricity and running water. Candles are available even in the most remote village, and the water well will probably only be a minute's walk. But then again, I may very well be in a village with both. I have a better idea of what to pack now, as well. It doesn't sound like I will need to bring 2 years worth of bar soap, like I was envisioning before. Toiletries like shampoo and toothpaste are available and can also be shipped to me (as well as those things I can't live without, like Burt's Bee's chap stick, Extra Polar Ice gum, and of course, CANDY!) Since I learned that I may have some extra time on my hands, I might bring some paints. But this also means that I will have time to learn about my village's customs and traditions. I am hoping to pick up a musical instrument or make pottery, or another craft used by the community.

I've joked to a few of you about adopting a baby once I'm over there, but the friend I've gained actually adopted a village puppy while she was over there (and even brought it back to the States!). That is one of the best pieces of information that I've heard! It is totally something I would do and might even make the transition a little easier.

Also, I wanted to say thanks for the great laughs, love and hugs from the party. It was really nice to see a lot of familiar faces.

Just one week left!

party details, for reals

My friend, Sarah's house

Friday, Jan. 19th

8:30ish pm

1720 Oakwood Dr. (pretty much on the north side of McGee and Lindsey)

Norman

This is also a party for my friend, Kathleen Romero, who turns 25 on that day.

I think this is called the breaking point

Okay, so I woke up in a panic this morning, after reading through some paper work again last night and realizing that I truly will be leaving in less than 3 weeks. I am constantly worried about what to pack. What the heck am I doing going to Austin this soon before I leave? I know I'm over-reacting, but shouldn't I be in Norman packing and re-packing 20 times like I feel like I should be doing? Shouldn't I be spending as much time as possible with Roscoe and Aaron and Lisa's new baby? I know things are going to work out just fine, but since I had access to a computer, I just needed to get a few things off my mind.

Also, if you are thinking you want to send me away with a little something special, here are a few things that might be handy:

1. Burt's Bees chap stick (The regular, tube kind. Thanks to Brandon, I found out that the honey one is not quite my style.)

2. A short wave radio

3. Small speakers for the MP3 player

4. A star and constellation chart

5. Basic toiletries

6. Ideas for host family gifts, maybe something small and unique to Oklahoma

7. A small thermos

Okay, now I feel a little better. Thanks for listening.

mail it to me! (and going away party)

First thing's first: A going away party is scheduled for Friday, January 19th at my friend Sarah's house. She lives on the corner of Oakwood and McGee in Norman. Not sure of the exact address or time yet (probably 8:30 or 9), but mark your calendars because I NEED to see you!!!!!!!!!!!

Since it could take up to 4 weeks for mail to get to and from The Gambia, you can start mailing me letters! I'm not exactly sure how much it costs, but you can check with the post office. Make sure to send it "Air Mail" otherwise, we'll both learn a whole other meaning to the term "snail mail." Also, they suggest numbering letters, so we can tell if one goes missing. Finally, use an envelope or perhaps even a padded envelope for heavier packages instead of post cards because they are more likely to get lost.

Here is my address:

Courtney Gilman, PCV
U.S. Peace Corps
PO Box 582
Banjul, The Gambia
West Africa

Who wants to come visit me? If you are the least bit interested, click on the link that says "Info for friends and family" on the right side of this page. They suggest starting to plan your trip at least 6 months in advance.

Quickie Update

Just have a few minutes before heading back to my HIV Instructor's Training course.

I made my official travel reservations yesterday to get to DC. I'm leaving from DFW on Jan 29 at 8:15am. I arrive at noon and have to be at orientation at 2pm.

I am leaving Norman either the 26th or 27th, to spend the last few days in Dallas with the folks. I think my friend Sarah is throwing some sort of going away thing, but I need to check with her about details.

TOO much fun

Last night my friends and I got to know our good old town of Norman just a little bit better. We introduced ourselves to a few stares and a lot of laughs by going on a "shady bar" tour in our cute little college town. It turned out to be one of the most fun nights I've ever had, even though I'm going to have to shower at least 4 times before getting the smell of smoke out of my hair.

Here's a little description of each bar, starting with the one to which I will least likely to return.

1. Bill and Dee's (Main and Porter)
This was the 3rd bar we went to. It was the only bar that didn't ID us at all. The domestic beer was $2 and it had more of an Alternative/Punk feeling to the bar. Lynard Skynard's "Gimmie 3 Steps" was playing on the jukebox. Shadiest thing was probably the strange pictures/posters on the wall, including an all too revealing painting of Daffny Duck.

2. Henry Hudson's Pub (W. Main and 36th Ave)
Staring seemed to be going out of style at this bar. We also got ID'd not once, but twice. Loan Star was on special for $2 and my beer was "prematurely" snagged by the waiter because apparently no one drinks the last swig any more. We got cheese fries for $1.75 and there were mirrored name plates on the bathroom doors. Dave Matthews and Matchbox 20 played over the jukebox. Shadiest thing was probably the stares from the people.

3. Blue Bonnet Bar (Main and Porter)
This was a great place. The domestic beer was $2 and it wasn't very crowed. The tables were made from big, wooden cable spools. There were two HUGE murals, advertising Coors and Budweiser on each one. "Coming to America" was playing on the TV and "Free Falling" by Tom Petty was playing on the jukebox. My friend Arnold and I played the longest game of pool ever because we are both so bad. We sort of got ID'd twice here also. Shadiest thing was probably the skulls and deer heads on the wall.

4. Old #9 (E. Alameda and 36th Ave)
This was a tiny, courteous joint on the east side of town. There were 7 people in the bar, including the bar tender, Carry. We ordered 2 pitchers of Bud Light for $5,50 each. When Carry saw we needed more, she brought another one over on the house. Friends played a game of darts and we kept with tradition by signing a beam in the middle of the room. A skipping Steve Miller Band CD played and a Pizza was delivered. Shadiest thing about this place was the lack of people. If you ever get a chance, get a group of friends together to support this place, and say hi to Carry for me.

5. Ol' Blues (Flood and Robinson)
Definite winner in my book! We ended our night here, which was good because if we came here first I'm not sure if I would have made it to the other bars. Ol' Blues had a dance floor with a disco ball and karaoke. The domestic beers were $2 and they still had the Christmas tree up. The lady let us sing karaoke even though she should have cut us off. My friend Brook and I sang "Girl's Night Out" by the Judds, then all the girls got up to sing what we thought was "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", but it turned out to be the talking version so we just sang a lot of "woooos" and "aahhhs." The best part was that when the karaoke lady announced the last karaoke song, she was the one who sang it. I will definitely come back to this place. Shadiest thing was probably the gravel parking lot and building structure. It reminded me of the scenes from "Midnight Cowboy." I could certainly picture brawls going down.

Pretty much all the bars had pool tables, darts, cigarette machines and jukeboxes. A few had shuffleboard tables. I'm so happy the night worked out and it was an awesome way to spend time with friends before I head out.

Salaamaaleekum!

That is Wollof (Wolof) for "peace be upon you."

Maleekum salaam means "peace return to you."

You'll learn more as I learn more!

P.S. Does anyone read this? How about a few comments, already?!

Mini Book Club

Interested? I'm reading The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck and since many of the summer book-clubbers are back in Norman for the holidays, I thought it would be fun to read and discuss one more book. Spread the word. We can meet in about a week or so.