I'm here!

As you have most likely gathered from the messages I have already launched in vague directions via the grapevine, I have safely arrived in Africa. The past 4 days have been kind of a whirlwind, especially since I have had a cold and have therefore been somewhat groggy. They have been gracious to me here and let me sleep in a few times as I try to get over this cold and get over the jetlag as well!

On my very first night I took a taxi home in the dark, which was terrifying, but I got home okay. The next day I took a "car rapide" with a friend. The "cars rapides" are brightly-colored vans with benches in the back. They stop every couple of blocks, or wherever there is a big enough crowd, so people can pile on and others can get off. That would have been quite an adventure if I had been alone, but with him there it was just pleasantly entertaining.

Saturday I was feeling kind of crummy so I stayed in my room while my friends went for a looong walk on the beach. When they got back Sunday I hung out with them, and a couple of us ate supper together. So it was a good weekend despite feeling under the weather. I pray none of them get sick from me!

Today was a branch meeting that was a ton of information for a new guy like me. And we have been working on inventory. Yay, oh yay! This evening I went shopping for the first time and got stocked up on rice, couscous, tomato paste, more anti-malaria meds, etc. and ate supper with a really neat family here who has LOTS of board games.

So, despite significant initial culture shock, I feel like I am starting to settle in pretty well. Thank you so much for all of your prayers!