So with my illness kicked to the curb I am totally loving it here. During the phase I'm in right, now called stage, we basically are going through language and cross culture boot camp. I have 5 hours of language lessons (plus of course the 24/7 education of living in a french speaking country) plus a couple other miscellaneous classes on health education (ie malaria prevention, water filtration) or cultural quirks each day. It can be really frustrating and slow moving work at times (in 40+ degree heat in a land without shade anything can be frustrating) but for the most part I'm happy with my progress. My host family is continuously astounding me with their grace and hospitality. I tried 'toe' last night which is essentially pulverized and re congealed gelatinous rice with sauce. I liked it but i preferred watching the turkey Croatia game with my host dad and drinking brakina beer. Imight also add that they haven't let me help at all with the house work yet. c'est dommage.