Niger here I come

I really didn't think I would be going to Niger, but that's where I am headed October 20!

Since receiving my official invitation on Friday I have been reading like a crazy person about Niger's weather, history, food and culture etc. and it is all very interesting. The Saharan desert covers 80% of Niger! I don't usually do that well with heat but I guess I am going to have to adjust!

According to my invitation packet I will not have any running water or electricity and will most likely be living in a mud hut and sleeping under the stars. So my way of life and thinking is going to be making a drastic change, but I feel like I am ready for it.

My official job title is a Comunity Health Agent and I will be working as a liasion between health staff and the community. I will be teaching about the transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS and will also be promoting the consumption of healthy foods, evaluate household health practices, and educate in overall better sanitation, nutrition, and health practices.

It is also a good possiblility that I will be an extention worker in Niger's maternal and child care services, working with a health clinic to moniter health and growth of children and pregnant women, teaching nutritional health practices and rehabilitating malnourished children.

Since I recieved my degree in Communications I didn't think I would be qualified to do all of this health work, but I know Peace Corps has an intensive 2-3 months training in country before I begin my service so I will be learning alot during that time. Also, anyone who knows Susanne knows that having her for a mother has already helped me feel more prepared for this! :)