One of the best things about the internet for those of us going into the Peace Corps is the ability to connect with others in our group (Staj 97) and to hear from volunteers who are already there.  Thanks to Facebook I have gotten acquainted with Ruth in El Jadida who will meet me in Rabat with the gift of a down sleeping bag, a much needed item I have no room for in my two suitcases! Two weeks from today I fly to Philadelphia to begin the adventure. Christmas eve at church I met Alex, an RPCV who returned from Benin  in July, who said he will pray for me.  He loved his time in Benin but said it was very challenging.