Abadika tiimude

After a trip back to the US, I am at square one again. My interview with the State Department did not go as planned. I did not make the cut off score. If I decide to apply for the Foreign Service, it will entail taking and passing the written exam, passing the qualifications panel again and then being invited to another interview/assessment. That's another year long process. Considering I need a job ASAP, the Foreign Service is going to be put on the backburner. My deams of being a diplomat are going to have to wait while I explore other career options.



But, hey, I'm back in Mali and happy to be here (except for the flys and mud. I enjoyed being in the States for ten days and I just want to say thank you to Drew and Pat for your hospitality. Everything rocked. Also, thanks Dad, Mom, and Mike for coming down to see me. And lastly, thank you Grandma, Grandpa, Grandma and Papa. You really have no idea how much I appreciate you coming down for the surprise visit. I'll never foget it it. Thank you so much for your support!

Yes, America was awesome. I ate an insane amount of good food, went kayaking, saw old friends, spoke with lots of friends on the phone (I was back on the grid!), saw some great films, went to an outdoor shooting range, saw the museums and monuments of Washington, DC, and just really enjoyed being and American in America.

Here's to Peace Corps in America! Susmita, Derek, Ariel and I were hanging out with my brother Mike in DC. Can you believe he is still smiling even after buying us that round of ten dollar beers?

I finish up Peace Corps on September 4. That leaves me with about 7 weeks to say my goodbyes and do everything I have wanted to do since I arrived 2 years ago. I am hoping that I can go up to Hombori one last time after my friend Dan gets back from his trip to France. It won't be an epic climb like the one in March, but more or less just a chance to improve my lead climbing and technical skills. It's amazing that I have had the opportunity to learn to climb at such an incredible spot that is so far off the climbing radar.

As for post Peace Corps plans, I really have no idea what I will be going for. I have been researching jobs online and find myself constantly drawn to the field of public affairs. I enjoy being in the public and working as a laisson between multiple parties. If I can find a job in public affairs that works internationally, I'll be set. As I am young, I am ready for anything and will go anywhere. If I learned one thing while being in the States, it's that I am not necessarily ready to be there for long. I like to be away. There is always that mystery and excitement that surrounds me when I am abroad. I feel a need to be lost and emerged in another culture. Being gone for so long, I almost feel at home when I am away. In the taxi coming from the airport in Bamako, the driver turned down back roads to avoid traffic. Passing by an artisan shopping district that I hadn't been to since January, a Malian man yells out to me in Fulfulde, "Hey! Fulani guy! Where have you been? I haven't seen you in a long time!" I laughed and yelled "America, my friend!" I am very happy to be back here. I love the adventure and the connections I make with people.

After September 4, I'll most likely be taking a trip to Ghana with my friend Braxton before heading home. We'll see how long it takes before I begin my next adventure post Peace Corps homecoming. Here's Braxton and I hanging out (being kinda goofy) at a local hotel in Sevare about 2 or 3 weeks ago. Here's to more adventures in Ghana!