Suffice it to say that so far they are EXCEPTIONAL: prepared, experienced, direct, and very caring. The country director, an American, came to the training site in Hamdallay yesterday to give out some recognition awards for staff who have been here 5,10, 15 years. The guard, 60-year old Baba, has been here for at least 15 years. I interviewed him today, and learned that he has 2 wives, 8 kids, and he likes helping students (!). The NRM* people (me and 16 others) are under the supervision of Haoua Petite, the Associate Country Director. She's Nigerien, very well-experienced and passionate about her country. She has been very vocal about how relieved she is that we're here, and she emphasizes the good that PC has done for Niger. It's cool to hear that; sometimes I forget about the overall reach of PC and I get consumed by the cross-cultural excitement without remembering the development aspect. In time, I'm sure the "other work" of PC will feel more like "my work."
*Natural Resource Management