Yay! Yay! Yay!
I did not write in a long time about my plans and how I was doing because I wasn't doing so well. But the month I spent home was perfect - exactly what I needed. I got a puppy for Christmas :P

Adrian also found out his next post was Freetown, Sierra Leone. I know, I was not even in our plan - and I freaked out when I learned. I needed a break from Africa, especially West Africa. It was hard to take.

BUT, we got good news yesterday.... a mistake was made and he cannot go to Freetown (oh no!). The options are now Toronto or Washington DC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited. Either way, it's close to home and far from here. Just perfect.

Fred

Fred
Originally uploaded by chickp

Newest member of the family :)

One year later...

100_0356
Originally uploaded by chickp

The Crew...minus Adrian

The Crew
Originally uploaded by chickp

Marine Corps Ball... 19h00

DSC02381
Originally uploaded by chickp

Marine Corps Ball... 1h00

100_0361
Originally uploaded by chickp

I predicted a disaster.... but it went pretty well.

"Liberia: 'Right to Play International' Launched in Country
Liberia Government (Monrovia)
4 October 2007

Monrovia
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says the launching of the 'Right To Play International' to Liberia symbolizes much of what her government represents. The President said programs being implemented for the children of Liberia will set the basis for the future.

The Liberian President was speaking early this week at the Monrovia City Hall when she served as special guest at a program marking the first anniversary exhibition of 'Right To Play' Liberia. An Executive Mansion release quotes the President as saying, government's emphasis on education is meant to ensure that children are adequately prepared for the future.

The President thanked 'Right To Play International' for choosing Liberia as one its centers of operation. The Liberian leader reiterated that one of her greatest achievements is to make the children of the country smile once again, a principle 'Right to Play' is helping to bring to reality.

For his part, 'Right To Play Liberia' Country Manager, David Sombie, informed President Johnson Sirleaf that the group has received a grant in the amount of 1.2 million U.S.dollars from the McCall McBain Foundation of Switzerland. The grant he said, is intended to enable the group expand its activities in Maryland, Sinoe and Grand Gedeh Counties. Mr. Sombie added that the group's vision is a safer and healthier world, using sports and recreation to achieve development, health and peace. Mr. Sombie also thanked the Government of Liberia for supporting the sports for peace and development program."
http://allafrica.com/stories/200710050180.html

To answer some questions:

Yes, it is with Adrian. These are the location from his bid list we are looking at. They have to be family posts because his daugther might go with us. It would be for three years but I would go home once in a while.

For family in Ottawa, the option of Ottawa is there but not high priority... please don't take offense if we end up somewhere else.

Here is an updated version of the options for next year...

Manila, Philippines
Belmopane, Belize
Georgetown, Guyana
Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Tel Aviv, Israel
Washington DC, US
Miami FL, US
Ottawa, Canada

Christmas at home!!!

I know it's early but I could not let this deal pass.... I bought my tickets to go home for Christmas. Arriving in Ottawa on Tuesday, December 18 at 16h50 and returning on Sunday, January 13 at 17h25.

Christmas and home and New Year in New York. Cool!

Labor Day Trip

Labor Day Trip 2
Originally uploaded by chickp

Getting out of the city once in a while is a must out here. Last weekend, we went to LAC (Liberia Agricultural Company) plantation to their Executive Suites. I had such a great time.

The waterfall was nice and relaxing. The owner even had a bbq for us! I played Spades for the first time (fun game!) and learned how to play poker... I know now that I am not very good at gambling...

But the ride home was an exciting trip. First, Michael got suck in the mud. I mean real stuck... he got out of the car just to take a picture. Then, we almost got caught in a riot on the road. This guy had killed three guys and a mob started going crazy. Rocks were flying. We were lucky, the UNMIL police knew Adrian so he showed us a shortcut (in the middle of nowhere) to go around it. We finally made it home.

Labor Day Trip 1
Originally uploaded by chickp

Here are the options for next year...

Washington DC, US
Albany NY, US
Miami FL, US
Georgetown, Guyana
Manila, Philippines
Ottawa, Canada
Suva, Fiji
Tel Aviv, Israel
Valleta, Malta
Belmopan, Belize

Any thoughts?