GPI was nothing compared to this...I don't think i've ever been so terrified in my life. We were the first volunteers to be dropped off at the training village and no one really knew what to expect. I kid you not my heart stopped for a second "oh fuck I'm being dropped off in the middle of The Gambia."

Our LCH, language and cultural helper met up with Doug Becca and I. He took us to his compound and led us into his hut. We each chose random keys and children swarmed to carry our luggage. Did i forget to mention the kids? There are children everywhere and they all want to hold my hand or touch my hair or just stare at me for hours. To tell you the truth I don't mind them at all, they are so eager to talk to me and teach me new words, it's great. As I approached my compound my fear arose again, covered in sweat I said hi to my host moms, so much for a good impression. The kids brought in my luggage, expecting nothing in return. They left and I fought back the tears, I started to do inventory of the trunk they left with necessary supplies but I couldn't even function. I was completely and totally overwhelmed, I still am. I left to find the other trainees compounds and see how they were doing I found Becca with a boy's help. She was putting together her water filter and unpacking, although overwhelmed she was at least functional. She must be stronger than I, or at least she hides her fear much better!

We all met up with our LCH later and he gave us some lunch, Bennechin-absolutely delicious! I tried attaya for the first time, it's amazing. I'm going to need to learn to brew it asap. It's like a shot of espresso times ten haha. Then we went back to our rooms. I set up my mosquito net and water purifyer. For the water we have to purify it through a filter system and then add a couple drops of bleach. I don't know how I feel about drinking bleach but if it keeps me healthy I suppose I must. We then walked to Kwinella, a neighboring (bigger) town, there we bought rope to secure our nets. Then we walked back to give Kola nuts to our host father and I sat outside with my host mothers. It's so hard right now because I don't know much language....