LKFs about Benin

Here are some facts about Benin, stolen from my fellow volunteer, Angelina:

-Benin is a tiny country on the west coast of Africa, wedged between Togo and Nigeria (it is also bordered by Burkina Faso and Niger)
-the GDP of Benin is 163rd out of 179 countries in the world-education is the Peace Corps' largest project in Benin, followed by small enterprise development, health care, and environmental action
- it used to be a French colony
- French is the official language, while Fon and Yoruba are the largest native languages
- Benin is slightly smaller than Pennsylvania-population of about 8 million
- Benin is the birthplace of Voodoo (and has large Muslim and Christian populations as well)
- Benin is 6 hours ahead of EST
- about 37% of the population lives below the poverty line

So I'm psyched to go live in the 16th poorest nation in the world. Actually, I really am excited. I'm also learning alot about voodoo, the most popular religion of Benin. I now basically have a month to relearn the French language, pack for two years, read everything I can about West Africa, and realize that I am going to have a classroom full of kids in three months!

I officially accepted!

Today, May 7, 2008, I officially accepted my invitation to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in Benin, West Africa! I am going to be an English teacher for 7-12th graders in Benin! Such an insane time, in the midst of finals week, I graduate in 10 days, my parents are having mental breakdowns.. haha. But I am so excited! I cannot wait to go and meet all you other volunteers! ahhh so exciting!

Just starting to sink in that I have less than two months to get my act together and leave FOR AFRICA for two years!