I Miss...

Before I left for Benin I made a post listing the "Top 10" things I thought I would miss while I living in Africa. I thought that this would make for an interesting thing to reflect on as I move through the different landmarks of my service.

The Landmarks are:  Pre-Departure, Swear-In, After Integration, 6 Months at Post, 1 Year in Benin, 1 Year at Post, After Visiting Home, COS Conference and Going Home.

I think it is interesting to see how things move on and off this list as time goes by.
The lists are in no particular order and do not include people or animals.

The Original 10 - Pre-Departure

The Shore
Philadelphia’s Vegan Food Scene
Peanut Chews
Going on Road Trips
Game Nights
Constant Internet Access
Showers
Reliable Electricity
Sundresses
Iced Tea

***

Swear-In - Now In Village
*The original Post and Explanations are here.

The Shore
Food In General (I have no problems keeping my diet here but BOY do I miss some variety)
Safe Tap Water
Peanut Chews
Reliable Texting
Washing Machines
A Soft Pillow
English
Going Barefoot
Reading Cory Booker's Twitter every morning after checking the news.

***

After Integration - Six Months In Country

Food Variety
Knowing what is happening in the world -- News? Anyone?
My Dad's Iced Tea
Game Nights
Being able to Google everything I want to know -- when I want to know it
Cooking for my family
Cold water that doesn't taste like a pool
Safe and Reliable Transportation
Hugs
Wawa (peanut chews.. hoagies.. potato chips for my hoagie)
Note: I now read Cory's Twitter feed in the evenings.

***

6 Months At Post

Feeling Clean

Daiya Cheese
American Sports

Real Sunglasses

Not eating alone

Fancy Shoes

Speaking Correctly

Palatable Beer or Wine

The Franklin Institute

Daily News Reports

Note: Keep sending my Chews. The only reason they aren't on this list is because YOU ARE AWESOME!

***

1 Year In Benin

Summer Picnics and Barbecues  

Going to the shore

Coffee Shops

Having a car to get places

Feeling/Being Clean

Outdoorsy stuff like hiking or canoeing

Cooking fancy meals

Getting my e-mail on my phone

Not cutting my own hair

Privacy. 

***

1 Year At Post

Bubble Baths

WaWa

Rootbeer

Philadelphia

White Wine

Taking Classes

Berries

English

Jeans

Rye Bread

***

After Visiting Home (2/3)

Mittens
Hugs
Grocery Stores
Favorite Jewelry
Warm Showers
Jigsaw Puzzle Nights
Smart Phones
Bourbon
Comfortable Car Rides
High Heels

***

COS Conference

Bubble Baths

Hugs

Fresh Smelling Laundry

Iced Tea

Peanut Chews

Feeling 100% Healthy

Brunch

Game Nights

Cookies

Parks

***

Closing Service (What I will miss in Benin)

Bissap
Palm Trees
Easy Taxi Transportation
Tissu Shopping
Wearing Tailored Clothes
Beignets
Amazing Peace Corps Medical Care
Tiny Goats Everywhere
Village Buvettes
The Freshest Fruit

Over and Out.