As most of you know, the first couple of months I spent here in Senegal I have been a “Peace Corps Trainee” (aka PCT). I have been studying a local language, observing and learning about Senegalese culture, my stomach has been adjusting to Senegalese food, and I have been doing all this knowing that once training is over, I will become a full-fledged “Peace Corps Volunteer” (aka PCV).
After a somewhat nerve-wracking final language proficiency exam (in which I proved that, yes—I can speak pullafuuta at an intermediate-mid level), I showered and donned my best Senegalese-style chonci (clothes) and boarded the Peace Corps bus for Dakar.
In Dakar, I along with my fellow trainees, filed into the American ambassador’s house (which btw probably has the nicest bathrooms in all of Senegal—just saying). We were joined by dignitaries from Korea and Japan (they have programs similar to Peace Corps), various Senegalese government officials, and of course the American Ambassador to Senegal and the Peace Corps Senegal Country Director. There were a bunch of speeches. A couple given by my fellow trainees in the various local languages.
Then, the moment we had all been waiting for, the ambassador asked us to stand and to repeat the oath. Now, I’m not sure exactly what kind of oath I was expecting to take… probably something along the lines of “I promise to help the people of Senegal help themselves and to work hard and be a good American for two years. Hakunah Matatah. Kumbaya. Peace out.” Instead, I took an oath to “Protect and defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies foreign and domestic, so help me God.” Wait… What? Seriously?
Before I knew what had happened, I had swore it, so I guess that means I have yet another responsibility for the next two years. Anyone have any idea how I am supposed to protect and defend the constitution? Not sure what kind of enemies the American Constitution has in Senegal but I guess I will need to be on the look out.
Once the ceremony had ended, the was a reception with amazing American-style food. The volunteers (yes, we are now no longer trainees) crowded the buffet tables and there was a little scuffle when mini-hamburgers were brought out. We ate and socialized then boarded the Peace Corps bus for the “American Club” in Dakar where we ate, drank, socialized and swam in the pool. All-in-all, it was a really big day. It marks the beginning of the rest of my Peace Corps adventure. Watch out Senegal, I am now a full-fledged Peace Corps Volunteer, nothing can stop me now!
