First post from Madagascar

Hello everyone!I am so excited to be writing you! So much has happened in the last 3 weeks, and I have a line of PCVs behind me who want to use the net, but I'll do my best to sum up here. I planned out what I was going to write last night, but today I had the most amazing experience at an orphanage in the capital city, Tana. The kids were awesome, and the environment was so positive and loving. They are practicing some great sustainable activities there. It made me think about how difficult it is to get people in the US to even save a little water by flushing less often. The people at this orphanage have no choice but to make the most of absolutely every resource they have. These kids have nowhere else to go, and money is extremely limited. Check out their website http://www.akanyavoko.com/, then watch my video of the great dance the girls performed https://youtu.be/uRkT_4vse9QSo anyway, the first week I was in total awe of everything...the beautiful vistas, the endless valleys of rice, and even my walk to school. The newness has worn off a bit, and I have been missing you all, but I am still having a great time.

I am learning so much everyday. Last week I learned how to plant rice and kill a chicken. That's just how REAL it gets in the PC, yo!!!I should also mention that the other trainees in my stage rock. I am truly blessed to be a part of this group. But I better go or they will trample me!Peace,Mops. i am typing this on a weird keyboard...meaning that the letters are not where they should be. be forgiving pleasepps. i go to bed at 8pm. there's no electricity, and you would be amazed at how hard it is to stay awake by yourself in the dark. letters and postcards are coming, i promise.