Noah's Peace Corps Blog

It has been quite a change being away from Minnesota this Christmas season. In fact, I often forgot it was time for roasting chestnuts as I was too busy roasting in class from the afternoon heat. Neither did I try to create mistletoe magic with moringa or decorate a palm tree with ornaments. Don't get me wrong, for all has still been appropriately holly and jolly this Christmastime. It kicked off with a Thanksgiving dinner of chicken and potatoes to promote peace, friendship, and grace among the multinational composition of trainees and staff. It progressed as newly-minted volunteers hummed Christmas music and decorations lined the streets of Lokossa and Cotonou. Now I'm site where I've often blasted Christmas music on my computer speakers as community members living abroad in Nigeria have trickled in for a long weekend of holiday festivities. I enjoyed being away from the American airwaves this holiday season and getting the chance to be selective with which tunes ren...

"I, Noah Mikeal Nieting, promise to serve alongside the people of Benin. "I promise to share my culture with an open heart and open mind. "I promise to foster an understanding of the people of Benin with creativity, cultural sensitivity and respect. "I will face the challenges of service with patience, humility and determination. "I will embrace the mission of world peace and friendship for as long as I serve and beyond. "In the proud tradition of Peace Corps’ legacy and in the spirit of the Peace Corps family — past, present and future —  I am a Peace Corps Volunteer ." I officially became a Peace Corps Volunteer yesterday! After three months of language classes, instruction in agriculture and business development (public health for some), and living with a host family, the 38 members of Stage 30B took our oaths of office from the American Ambassador. Three cabinet-level ministers were in attendance, as were our host families and P...