Departure and pen pal update

I have spent the last day and a half in Washington, D.C. with preliminary orientation sessions. The cohort of agricultural extension and public health volunteers is 40 strong and on our way to Paris tomorrow and Cotonou, Benin sometime Wednesday.

 The members of my cohort come from across the nation and globe, each with their unique background in upbringing and education. Among us is an NCAA DI Championship-winning goalie, a former caretaker of over a dozen Broadway theater buildings, students right out of undergrad, couples, and mid-career professionals. Regardless of our differences, we share the position of Peace Corps Trainee with goals of service, cultural exchange, and human development.

 It's that kind of commonality of motivation that has occupied my mind when it's not tuned into the logistics of traveling over 5,000 miles from The United States to Benin (and that neglects our detour to Paris). In fact, it was not at the beginning but at the end of orientation that we considered why we're becoming volunteers. An entire day of intentional conversations and laugh gave me plenty to ponder once I returned to the topic.

 It's a little peculiar to pin down the exact reasons for which I want to become a volunteer. It's tempting to say everything about the potential experience is desirable, but suffice it to say that I joined the Peace Corps because I am eager to live intentionally in a global, service-oriented context. It's the kind of life I aspire to live, and the timing is advantageous for a young, idealistic, and educated kiddo like me to travel and serve. There will be good days and bad days, but the mission is learning, growing, and serving amidst the struggle. This is something most anyone can do anywhere, but I appreciate the privilege to do so as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin.

 In a nutshell, my colleagues are incredible and I'm thrilled for the next steps.

 If you're interested in becoming pen pals with actual, handwritten letters, please fill out this Google form.

 My address will be:

 Noah Nieting, PCT (PCV after I’m sworn in as a volunteer in December)
Corps de la Paix Americain 
01 B.P. 971
Cotonou, Benin

Afrique de l’Ouest (West Africa)

 I'll reach out to folks who have submitted the Google form with the address, but feel free to mail me anyway.

 Thanks for your attention,
Noah

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