Wish List

For those interested in sending packages/letters, here is a list of a few things that I would love to receive:

• Photos
• Snacks (granola bars, candy, or any other American food that is not perishable)
• Crystal Light Packets
• Anything else you would like to send!

Permanent Phone Number and Address

For those who are interested, here are my permanent phone number and address.

My phone number is:
251940354233

My permanent Address is:

Caitlin Rahn/PCV
P.O. Box 304
Woliso
Showa Zone, Oromia Region
Ethiopia

If you have a smart phone, there are apps you can download to call me.  This should be the best and cheapest way to contact me if you would like to call me.

Also, letters and packages are always welcome.  I understand that packages can be expensive and I don't necessarily expect them.  If you would like to send me a package though, it is always welcomed (maybe collaborate with others to send packages if you would like to send one).  But letters are much cheaper to send and are always welcome!

Settling in at Site

After three hard and wonderful months of training, I swore in as a Peace Corps Volunteer on May 2nd at the U.S. Embassy in Addis.  After two weeks of waiting in Addis I finally arrived at site.  For those who don't know, I am located in a town called Woliso.  It is located in the Oromia Region.  Woliso is about 112 kilometers south of Addis Ababa (about a two to four hour drive).

I have been in Woliso for almost two weeks now and am slowly settling in.  I love it here so far.  People are welcoming and the health office seems excited to have me here.  I have been exploring and getting to know the town.  I am looking forward to finding ways in which to help the community.  I will help in the health office when I am needed there.  I hope to also connect with NGOs in Woliso as well as with schools and potentially help with clubs.

There are many potential opportunities for projects and I am looking forward to getting started with them after our In Service Training in a couple months!

That is all I have for now!  More updates will come soon!

Thank you all for the support!

Swearing In

After three months in country filled with intense technical, cultural, and language training, 59 trainees swore in at the U.S. Embassy.  On May 2nd, 2014, we all officially became volunteers.  Despite all of our ups and downs, highs and lows, the past three months have gone by incredibly fast.  I have gotten to know many of the 59 people in my group, and I have had the pleasure of getting to know so many amazing people.

Many have left for their sites already, with a handful of us heading to site sometime this week.  I will miss my group very much.  Luckily we will all see each other in three months for our In Service Training.  I am so excited to hear the experiences we will all have in the next few months and to see all the amazing things each person is able to do at their site.

Over the next two years, I will publish posts and keep you all updated on my experiences (and hopefully be able to share some of what my fellow volunteers are doing).

*If you would like to see pictures from the swear in ceremony, you can find them on Facebook.