On July 10 I leave for Togo, Africa! When I tell this to most people, they immediately ask where it is, so I included a map :) It is a sliver of a country in northwest Africa, bordered by Ghana and Benin.I will be an Environmental and Food Safety Extension Agent, with most of my duties relating to the education of sustainable agricultural practices and animal husbandry. I can't believe I am leaving so soon - I am so excited! In the meantime I am getting in all the hamburgers, hot showers, and time with family and friends I can manage before I am gone for 27 months.
I will train in a larger city for the first two months, then I will find out where my official placement will be for the next two years. Chances are that I will not have running water or electricity. People in Togo speak French as their business language, but there are close to 60 different indigenous languages, so when I come home I will be able to speak two new languages.
Since I won't have electricity, I do not know how often I will be able to post, but I will do my best to keep you all updated! Thanks for all of your prayers, support, love, letters, and packages ;)
~Maria
