Arrived back in the USA

Arrived back in the USA yesterday (via Peace Corps chartered flight to DC) with Peace Corps volunteers who served in countries throughout Africa. Now quarantining at my aunt's house in Asheville, NC. Went for a walk in the woods with my aunt's partner and their dogs today. It's good to be home!

postponing my thru hike of the Appalachian Trail

Given the current situation in the USA and the many things I need to do to readjust/resettle after the Peace Corps, I am postponing my thru hike of the Appalachian Trail for another year. I still plan to section hike part of the trail this year sometime between early May to late August. It may be anywhere from 100 miles in North Carolina to 1000+ miles from Georgia to Harper's Ferry, West Virginia - the midpoint of the trail. Current update: I am still in Ethiopia and have a flight for Thursday night. I should arrive back in the USA on Friday. If you haven't heard - all Peace Corps Volunteers are being evacuated. It's a sad, stressful and confusing time for us - as it is for so many throughout the world right now.

goodbye ceremony

The Health Extension Workers, especially Tesfaynesh Abebe, and my school counterpart / language teacher, Dora, prepared a wonderful goodbye ceremony for me! In Ethiopia, grass on the floor is used for celebrations, ceremonies and holidays. Tomorrow I leave my site in Sidama (in southern Ethiopia), where I have lived for two years. Then for one week I will be a "Resource Volunteer" with the incoming Peace Corps Health Volunteers. I close my service as a Peace Corps Volunteer March 19 and return to the USA March 20!

Etenesh graduation

Etenesh, Health Extension Worker Zerfe and I have been working together for 3 months and today Etenesh graduated from our water, sanitation and hygiene program! Etenesh accomplished many things in our program, including making improvements to her family latrine (building/improving walls and ceiling) and building a hand washing station. This photo is Etenesh, Zerfe, and Etenesh's family.

Almaz graduation

Almaz, Health Extension Worker Safaye and I have been working together for 3 and 1/2 months and today she graduated from our nutrition program! Almaz has accomplished many things in this program, including making enriched porridge (with egg, tomato and carrot) and using oral rehydration salts to treat diarrhea.

wasa breakfast

This morning Health Extension Worker Safaye made me a delicious breakfast of wasa (false banana), pumpkin and greens with butter and spices!

Congratulations to Aberash

Congratulations to Aberash who graduated from our water, sanitation, hygiene, and nutrition program! Aberash, Health Extension Worker Safaye and I have been working together for five months. Aberash has accomplished many things in our program, including growing a vegetable garden and building a hand-washing station. Today she taught her friends about critical times for hand washing and prevention and treatment of trachoma.