I'm Alright, Don't Nobody Worry 'Bout Me

Kenny has just seen himself a computer with internet access for the first time in awhile and he couldn't help but send out a brief post. Here's hoping that all of you are doing well, and enjoying life. I'm sure fall, football, and tailgates are as good as they always are. How was Halloween? Any good stories or costumes? Personally, I always have and still do love that holiday. While its tough to beat Ghallagher of last year, I gave it noble effort again this year. I have found that any Halloween costume that revolves around too-tight clothing can provide some laughs. Are people laughing at me or with me? To be honest, I really don't care. Anywhooo, I was Travis McKay, the main male character in a trashy romance novel from 1987 entitled, White Nights. (There is a lot of time to read as a PC trainee, and sometimes the selection is what one might call lackluster). White Nights has been passed around, like a frat rat at the KU Phi Delt House, throughout my training group. Needless to say it's gotten us all thru some long nights...Sorry to digress. So, ol' Trav's outfit was purchased at the second hand clothing (fripery) stalls at the market where I live. Second hand clothing in Madagascar, while needing a thorough washing, trumps all other salvation armani establishments I've ever come across. My costume included a tight lacey shirt that unbuttoned to the navel, ill fitting tight black pants, cowboy hat, and daisy duke adidas tennis shorts that made an appearence later in the night. I looked and acted the fool and was rewarded with a very fun and memorable night.
Everything has been going really well. The work that I do, while tough and challenging, is very rewarding and fulfilling. I leave this Friday to visit my future home for 2 years. Port Berge is located in Northwestern Madagascar and is a relatively large town. Peace Corps knows it as the "black hole", as it is a sight that can only be reached by plane. I will be replacing a girl who has served her two years. Apparently, I have some large shoes to fill, but I'm up to challenge. I will be working predominantly with mother, adolescents and children. My efforts will revolve around "sensibilisation", or helping people realize that AIDS is present in Madagascar and must be prevented. I will also work with people in regards to family planning, nutrition, malaria prevention, and recognizing and then treating diarrhea at home.
I will know more about my living situation by Nov. 11, but I have heard that i have one of the tighter volunteer pads in Madagascar. I have a refrigerator, which is unprecedented. I mean you can put six packs of be...I mean soda in there. Well this is all for now, but please know that I love what I'm doing, I'm dedicated to the health efforts being made here and believe that this is one of the most worthwhile, selfless endeavors a person can undertake. Take care of yourselves and keep on a prayin, cause I need all the help I can get.

Peace
P.S. If you dont hear from me before Thanksgiving, feed your faces for me. Maybe pour a little gravy out for your homey.