Neil Rockwell:  

Life Hello all, In December, 2006, I applied to become a Peace Corps volunteer. Since then, I've completed a multi-step application process of interviews, doctors' appointments and background checks. Last month I received an invitation to serve as a volunteer in Guinea, Africa. I accepted the invitation and will depart in December, 2007. I will serve 27 months in Guinea. This includes three months of training in country, and two years of service as an SED (small enterprise development) advisor. French is the primary language and will take up a major portion of the three month training. My primary duties in the field will be designing and implementing training activities for small business owners. I will train entrepreneurs and business groups to use basic business skills, such as accounting and marketing. Concerning living conditions, the country has a coastal band, high mountains, and large forests. The climate is tropical with dry and wet seasons. The main diet is rice, sometimes with dried meat. If I am located in a city, I may or may not have electricity and running water. If I am located in a village, I will likely not have access to these. Previous volunteers often state that the Guinea landscape makes it one of the most beautiful countries in Africa. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent my country. A few years ago when first considering Peace Corps service, I was excited about a great adventure in a foreign land. Now, mainl...Expand for more