I have not posted lately because it has been a total whirlwind the last few weeks. The big news is that I graduated from Peace Corpse Pre Service Training and I am now a full Peace Corpse Volunteer.

This is not a photo post as such, but rather an update from the field. I am currently at my permanent site where I will serve for the next 2 years. I’ll post more about where I am and what I am doing later so stay tuned, but I wanted to share some pictures from the Swearing in Ceremony.

It was a lovely event. All our host families were invited to attend. Speeches by Penny Fields the Cambodia Country Director, The Takeo Provincial Governor, and two of my classmates, Vicki Chan and Daniel Harter started the Ceremony.  Vicki and Daniel tested with the highest language scores in our group and made their very impressive speeches in K’mai. I was not chosen to make a speech in K’mai because I still speak it like a 3 year old. Following the speeches, our group was invited to the front of the room where Penny Fields swore us in as we recited the Peace Corps oath.

Here I am wearing my custom made traditional K’mai silk shirt (I’m like a XXXL here… nothing off the rack for me) with Mia my training host sister/mother and Savin, my incredible language instructor. These two people have been the most important people to me here and have allowed me to get as far through this process as I have. Thanks you both so much.

Photo Tip. OK, so when you use the reversible flip out LCD screen on your point and shoot camera, Ya’ got to remember to instruct people to look at the lens, not the screen!

Finally, this is the new Team Takeo. Takeo is the Cambodian Provence I have been assigned to serve in. I will share this province with these PCVs.

However, I don’t expect I will see you all that often. Why? …Next time.