Our official 2 year service started as of yesterday, September 25, 2009. The swearing-in ceremony was very nice and was followed by a reception at the Peace Corps office. There were representatives from Beninese ministries, the French Embassy, and the American Embassy that all spoke. Also there were selected volunteers that gave remarks in French and many of the local languages. We gave the welcome/thank you speech in Adja- our local language! We really had only had about 2 days to practice, but we werent nervous because we figured no one would really understand anyway since it is not the local language in Cotonou and the surrounding areas. However, when the Minister of Education gave his remarks later on in the service he commented that he was impressed with our Adja! Turns out he is from Lalo- and now he has our phone numbers. We cant wait to invite him over for dinner!!
Here are a few pictures from our swearing-in ceremony yesterday:
Miranna and Charlie with our host Maman. The rest of the family was out of town, but she came to support us.
Congratulations! What an amazing experience. We miss you!
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