Fall 1994
Following Staging in Chicago, we flew to Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania. We were shipped immediately off to Kaedi for three months of training, and acclimation to the place that was incredibly far from home.
Spring 1995
After nearly perishing in the desert outside of Nouakchott, I was dropped off in my village where I struggled with sickness, loneliness, and frustration.
Buoyed by some packages, a visit from my friend Ben, and my excitement about moving to a new house, the spring ended on a good note until my friend (and now Ben's wife) Sarah Selmer ET'd.
Summer 1995
I come close to going home after extreme difficulties in trying to move to another village.
My brother Wes came to visit in July, so I got to go and see some of Africa other than the desert. It was great.
My best friend Ben left in August, which was foreboding of impending hard times.
After getting caught staying too long in Senegal, I almost went home, (Part II.)
Fall 1995
Happily, I started to finally settle into my new home.
Eventually, the hands of fate flew me back home to Tallahassee, where I surprised everyone. My grandfather asked, "Did you get kicked out?"
Not yet.
Spring 1996
Attempting to settle in after my return from the states, I got to work on the treadle pump project. I brought a guitar back with me, and it was no problem to practice around my family because they didn't know I sucked ( I don't think-they probably did and were just being nice!)
The great Treadle Pump Fiasco began, as well as "Trey Almost Goes Home" Part III.
I grudgingly give a speech in Wolof for the PC/Mauritania 25th Anniversary, was lauded as the star of the show, and got to meet the President of Mauritania.
In the end of this term, I dig a big ditch, and await the return of my brother as well as my mom's arrival to the great Sahara.
Summer 1996
Mom came to visit with Wes, and we went traveling in the Sahara. Betsy, and subsequently I became diagnosed as infected with schistosomiasis.
Fall 1996
After attempting to find a solution to my problem of schistosomiasis, I realized there was no solution but to go home.
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