Thursday, January 28, 2010

deciphering un speak

i got an email that requests me to send in all my vaccination information... and gives me a list of things that i would need to bring... and a list of contact details of the people on the ground and the geneva head office... and a sign off saying 'wishing you a good trip!'... and a list of medical risks... and instructions on how to get to the border from the capital of the dominican republic...

i have no idea what this means.  am i going?  what would i do?  am i prepared to live in a tent?  can i possibly only pack 15kg worth of stuff?

it feels strange to be mildly (or extremely, if i am being honest) excited about the prospect of going to haiti.  and terrified because i do not speak french.  but what does that message mean?!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

go!
xo

lu said...

thanks mama.
xoxo

kristen said...

You'd really think they'd be crystal clear in an email.

Good luck with whatever it is the email says you will be doing or not doing :)

lu said...

i don't think 'crystal clear' is in their vocabulary...

but i confirmed with a friend that her colleague received the same email, so maybe they just sent it out to everyone on the roster??

oh well, i sent in my vaccination record and am doing some more waiting. but i did email them to see if they can provide me any additional information.

kristen said...

just show up in the dominican, say you're ready to go, and bring your bathing suit and beach reading just in case ;-)

lu said...

now THAT is an idea!

Heather said...

French smrench... You'll have a great time. I like K's idea.

Kels said...

Je ne parle pas le français should be enough lady. you should go this is what you have been waiting for (and I don't mean for Haiti to get slammed I mean to apply all you have learned and prepared for)

lu said...

it is not really a question of if i want to go, but if they want me to come! still waiting for more news...

lu said...

UPDATE: the woman who emailed me has no additional information, but was instructed to get the first round of people's medical records in order and i happen to be in the first round of people. i interpret this as a good thing. but still waiting...