On the Verge of Port Berge

It seems it's been a while since ol Kenny let loose. After weeks of language and community health training, I was sworn in as a volunteer on Tuesday, December 6. The ceremony was held for the first time at the U.S. ambassador's house--it's a pretty sweet joint. We're talkin pool, tennis court, cnn, sportscenter, and a courtyard garden. I was asked to give the swearing in speech, and so I spoke for about 15 minutes (reading 3 pages) in the Malagasy dialect that I have learned, Tsimihety. It was an interesting experience as I felt that I was speaking at a press conference as some of the Malagasy media outlets documented the ceremony. After the formalities, we got to swim and play tennis and then we were treated to an amazing lunch buffet. We drank coke with ice cubes, ate salad with Hidden Valley Ranch dressing, and had barbecued chicken. Ohhh baby, it was scrumptious. I gorged myself and then went to the Peace Corps house and promptly took a nap. After the nap, I awoke and got my game face on for a night on the town. My group went to a karaoke bar, where I sang Ah Ha's Take On Me and Toto's Africa. For all those who feel as if they have lived life in limbo since they couldn't make out the lyrics to Africa-- is it: I guess it rains or I miss the rains or I bless the rains down in Africa? I am here to tell you that it is "I bless the rains". And there's nothing that a hundred men or more could do to keep me from singing that 80's classic. After karaoke, we danced and I did a little sweating. After reaching the point of saturation, I retired with a friend to a table. In the middle of a great conversation, a hand appeared through an open window and stole her purse. I gave chase, but the Malagasy thieves were too quick for me--and had disappeared in a matter of 5 seconds. Unfortunately, we both had our cameras in her purse. All the pix I had taken since being here in Madagascar are now being enjoyed by the Malagasy underworld. A bad way to end the night and now I am cameraless which is really too bad. I will arrive at my new home in Port Berge on Sunday Dec 11. I am nervous and confident at the same time. I am nervous because I will be so isolated with very little means to communicate with all my friends and family. I am confident because I know that this is something I really want to do and believe in. It will be a test, but a test I envision acing. It will be important to remember that sometimes I will be paddling on glass and shooting rapids, while at other times I will be knee deep in muskeg on a 2 mile portage. The man in black (Johnny Cash) sang, "it don't mean nothin, drive on" and that is what I intend to do--drive on. Keep the letters, packages, emails, and postcards a'comin (if there are any generous souls out there, a small package with any Will Ferrell DVDs would be received very well--I believe a neighbor of mine will have a DVD player available for the every other day of electricity). I think about you all often and appreciate all your efforts to be concerned and stay in touch.

(These are my own opinions and not those of Peace Corps/Madagascar.)