wow. as much as i predicted that regular posts on this blog would be few and far between, i could not have predicted that they would be this few and far-between. little time and much to say. our 2mos. of training is now all but over. we (the 16 of us that make up the health 2005 'stage') disperse to our respective sites this next week. i will be going to ambalavao and feel very lucky about that. had a 4-day site-visit that was very positive at a time when i needed it, as i had been flirting with ideas of bailing on this plan.
so to attempt to recap...it was 'hit the ground running', instant and complete cultural immersion. pretty much has lived up to the romanticism that most conjure up when imaging what peace corps is like, page out of national geographic-esque. the initial shock of life in a developing third-world country has subsided and what was once shocking has now already taken on a sense of normalcy. amazing what you can get 'used-to'.
new mailing address...mike hibbard PCV, BP 221, 301 fianarantsoa, madagascar
address in ambalavao, though i'm not yet sure if i have the capability to receive mail direct here...Lot III G17, Avaramanda, Ambalavao 303, Madagascar
more to come later. thanks for being patient and giving some of your time.
so to attempt to recap...it was 'hit the ground running', instant and complete cultural immersion. pretty much has lived up to the romanticism that most conjure up when imaging what peace corps is like, page out of national geographic-esque. the initial shock of life in a developing third-world country has subsided and what was once shocking has now already taken on a sense of normalcy. amazing what you can get 'used-to'.
new mailing address...mike hibbard PCV, BP 221, 301 fianarantsoa, madagascar
address in ambalavao, though i'm not yet sure if i have the capability to receive mail direct here...Lot III G17, Avaramanda, Ambalavao 303, Madagascar
more to come later. thanks for being patient and giving some of your time.
15 Comments:
Michael, nice to see you "back on the air". Dad
Mikey, good to "hear your voice". Sounds facinating what you are doing ... especially your plans to start a hiking group with the young men. Keep us posted as you can. We sure do miss you and hope you stay safe and come home to us "soon" ... whatever that means. 12/7 12:30pm Mary
Michael, I am glad you are enjoying your experience. I miss you - be safe. Hopefully I will be able to come out and visit around teh end of your stint! Miriam
Mike, i haven't posted here cuz i wasn't sure you had access to your blog site. House is great, lonely with just me and dogs, but it's good. Coming along. By the time you get home, i should have everything in order. Michelle is good in florida, home sick and misses the dogs terribly. Parked the camper in janice's garage for the winter. Started it up yesterday and let it run for awhile. Sad to say i haven't changed the title name over yet, guess i'm secretly hoping that you'll come home before i do it! Also, need someone to share my indians season tickets with! will be going to opening day april 7. The CWS aquired Jim Thome this past month so will have to get tickets to see him back at jacob's field. April 2 to nationally televised game CWS vs Cleveland on ESPN.830p. Don't suppose you get that channel. The hospital is good. Trying to work as much as i can, matt's been staying with the dogs the nights i do 7p-7a. Jan has been a godsend every ther time. Hey, if you make it home before you're cut off date, you'd be perfect to help out!! Well i love you and miss you. Stay safe. I love being close to home now, and feel for you being so far away. Godspeed
Karen
Michael,
Brad gave me your blog site and I appreciate hearing what you are doing. It will be fun to follow your adventures! They are fortunate to have you there and I'm sure you will touch many people's lives. It was great when you visited us in Oakland. Do take care.
Love,
Joyce
MIKE,
GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU. I WASNT SURE IF I WAS GOING TO. SOUNDS LIKE THINGS ARE GOING WELL. MIKE, JUST REMEMBER, WHERE EVER YOU ARE IS WHERE HOME IS! GOOD LUCK AND DROP A LINE.
RALPH
Hello Michael!
Great to hear that you are staying healthy and positive. KEEP GOING!!!
Lillian
Jan 18, 2006
Hey Mike - Can only imagine your days in comparison to my days ...
I hope that you are finally realizing your potential there and finding a niche for yourself. At the same time, I'm hoping you come home!! Miss you loads.
Diane
Use the Ambalavao address when writing to Michael. He is receiving mail there. A letter will take 2 weeks. 1/21 Dad
'Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to michael, happy birthday to you!!!" Enjoy your day, Mike. Wish you were here. Speaking of which, March 9th, is that your deadline, after 3 months? Anyways, i'm hoping you decide to come home because Janice, Barb, Di, Michelle and i have one more ticket to OPENING BASEBALL GAME WITH THE TRIBE, APRIL 7th!!!!!!!!!! Please come home!!!!!!!!!!!! Love you.
By the way, started working out at the beginning of the year, lost 6 inches first month. Next time we go rock climbing, i won't have a heart attack! 2pm 2/4
Karen
Hi Michael,
Hope you had a great birthday. Sounds like you were going to have some adventure, hope it happened. Looking forward to seeing more pictures of where you are, although I don't know if you have the capabilities. We miss you and wish you the best in all your adventures.
Scott and Melissa
It's been so long I can't remember the last time Dad or Mom heard from Michael! 2/21
2/23. Dad & Mom talked to Michael today. Had to call him to tell him that his dog, Abigail, 12-year old blind yellow lab had to be put down by injection last evening due to a large mass in her stomach/abdomen.
Michael still is not sure he will be committing to the Peace Corps for the full 2 years. He doesn't like the fact that he is not getting any nursing experience (he got his RN license just before leaving the states) nor does he like the absence of communication between Madagascar & the U.S.A.
Hello Michael!
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!
So sorry to hear about Abigail, I love dogs, especially labs, had a black lab myself. Whatever your decision, know that you have done more in your short life than most people we know. YOU ARE OUR HERO!
Stay positive!
Miss you,
Lillian
mike, i agree will Lillian......you truely have, and are blessed for that. And know that you've done the peace corp proud for whatever amount of time you have or will put in. But i still want you to come home, to the states, wherever it may be, just so you are within reach to mom and dad, and the rest of your family.
miss you
Karen
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