"It's like an end of an era"

I'm finally done with training and have been spending a couple of nights in Conakry to relax by the pool (haha, right? We actually did get a pool party at the director's house, we even got burgers-not as good as my father's though). It's been a great couple of days, but I'm ready to move to my site. Tomorrow I leave and by Tuesday night, I will be all moved into my house. For the last 2.5 months, I have been living out of my suitcases, so I am definitely ready to finally unpack. I can't believe the time has come where I will be living on my own and teaching. Classes commence October 15th and I am very excited. I taught for three weeks during my training and loved it. It's hard to believe that I've been here for 2.5 months and that training is over. However, I will still have training in French, intense training for the next couple of weeks. They are sending a French tutor with me. We had a farewell ceremony before we left Forecariah and it was hard to say goodbye to my family, especially my sister. She was amazing; she cooked, cleaned, and took care of me while I was sick. This past weekend I have bought things for my house at the marche (which is a scary and very filthy place). I bought screens for my windows, locks, a gas stove (which I need to learn how to use, then I need to learn how to cook), cooking utensils (and I had to ask, what's that thingy called again? Oh, a spatula.), paint (I'm going with white), and other stuff to fill my empty, dark house with. I'm looking forward to putting my house together, meeting and integrating into my community, and finally begin teaching.

And now, on to some other news...I'm coming home for Christmas!! I'll be home December 20th and I return to Guinea January 1st. I'm very excited, and I can't lie, but I'm very excited to eat good food. I already know what I want as a first meal. Also, I want to say, thanks for all the e-mails and letters and for the birthday wishes. I can't tell you how grateful I am. Thank you! I miss you all and love you very much!!