Foreign Service Oral Assessment

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am on to the next step in becoming a Foreign Service Officer (aka diplomat, or just plain dip).
I submitted a lenghty application (worse than Peace Corps' actually) in June I think, took the written Foreign Service Officer Assessment in July and found out I passed in September.
Since then the Qualification Evaluation Panel has been reviewing the application ( they don't look at it unless you pass the written) and checking references, etc. It is possible to pass the written and still not get invited to the Oral (common, actually).
Well, I got my invitation to take Oral exam today! I have to be in DC sometime between January 29-April 7. I schedule my test date on December 15th so I will let you know more then.
I am very excited and very proud of myself for having come this far (what? you've got be your own biggest fan:)
As for other news, am very happy and very busy in Lome working at the International School and living life. Still going to South Africa for Christmas.
Much love to all; I miss you.
Heather

Safety First

I'll have to get a picture of me in it, but I wanted to send a big sloppy thank you to Mama and Heidi for sending my the motorcyce helmet.
Now I won't die, just get a little maimed!
Thank you!

Life as I know it

A lot has happened since last post: got a job at the American School in Lome. I fill in for a few 10th grade English lit classes now and take over the class in January. I also am assiting the administration. Lots to do. . . Full time life in Lome is different now that I am not a Peace Corps volunteer. It feels a little like getting out of jail or something. I take a mororcycle taxi to and from work every day, work 9 to 5 essentially, go to the grocery store, cook, etc. etc. Some things are still the same Togo though: greeting everyone endlessly in the mornings and evenings, stepping on lizards, battling every insect imaginable, and well, it is still hotter than blazes.
All that said, I am very very happy. Kevin and I have a wonderful home, we have people over for dinner and drinks, play Scrabble, and basically just hang out. Life is good.
I didn't make it to the all-night embassy party the other night because I was ill, but KB called every 2 hours to give election updates. All in all -- Togo and I are beyond pleased with the results - Go Obama!

Bye Bye Peace Corps

For those that don't already know, I am terminating my service with Peace Corps and staying in Togo. I am super happy and relieved about my decision -- it was a long time coming. I didn't want to quit, especially after I worked so hard to get here.
I love Togo and am going to continue to work here and live in the capitol -- Lome. I got a job at the American school. My issues with my site and with Peace Corps administration were preventing me from really working and life is hard enough without effective work to do. Now I feel like I can be free to work hard, volunteer (I am looking into volunteering for Terre des Hommes, an organization that works with traffiked children), and generally be happy without bureaucracy (besides the Africa naturally-occurring kind).
My phone number is the same and my mailing address is now:
Heather Yorkston
c/o Kevin Brown
Embassy of the United States, Togo
BP 852
Lome, Togo
Am running around like crazy right now to get bank accounts closed, paperwork completed, medical care, visas transferred, etc. etc.
Du courage to me!
I love Togo and never had any intention of abandoning the country I have come to love so much. The hard part will be leaving for good in August.
Much love to all,
hy

heidi vs. broc

in the intervening time between last post and internet difficulties (5 minutes at most), a giant nut fell from the tree above me and hit me on the head. that will leave a mark. only in togo.

as promised, heidi and broccoli wrestling:

pix from america

here are some belated pix from my last days in the land of the free:

Last view of the greatest city in America. Amtrak station

Lipika, Heidi (greatest sister and friend in the world), me, and Erica and the Indigo Girls concert


Broccoli and I bonding

Unfortunately, internet is crapping out now because I have some awesome pix of Heidi vs. Broccoli wrestling match

updates

Howdy!
Quick censored update from Lome: I am OK, fou (crazy person) attacked me in Notse and I am no longer allowed back there. Oh yeah, and I have like bacterial dysentary. I think I am single-handedly keeping the people that make Cipro in business. At least I am shedding the weight I gained in America. Peace Corps Africa: the toughest diet you'll ever love.
In Lome for now while I figure out what happens next. Regardless, I am staying in Togo (and I am getting my coffin sent to Lome too -- yippee!). There's a lot of work to be done here!
I love and miss you all.
hy