Officially a PCV!

A police escort led our three buses from Thies to Dakar this morning to the ambassador's house where our swearing in ceremony was held. Everyone was in their traditional African dress, and I must say, it was quite colorful! We had a short two hour program with speeches from the country director, the ambassador, and short translations into local languages by four volunteers. It was very reminiscent of a graduation in that we were called up one by one, given a letter (new ID card), shook hands with our program director, and were congratulated for the completion of our last nine weeks of training. Apparently is was televised here in Senegal as well. Afterwards, there was a short reception with juices and appetizers to socialize and take pictures. Today is also the day that I received my work permit and bank card too! I am a real person again (at least by Senegalese standards)! After that we went to the American club to gather up a bit more paperwork and celebrate our transition from trainees to volunteers! It feels so good to be done! There is still so much learning to be done once I get to site, but it is a relief to know that I made it through what is said to be the most difficult part of one's Peace Corps service. Another day in Thies, off to Darou to celebrate Tabaski with my host family, and then off to Kedougou!