Not joking....

Was reading through some CVs today, trying to tie up some loose ends before my exciting last day on Friday, and I came across possibly the funniest thing I've yet encountered here. I reach the reference page and at the top in all capital letters I find:

'JESUS CHRIST FILS DE DIEU TOUT PUISSANT'

I stared at this for about 10 seconds trying to figure out if this person had genuinely listed Jesus Christ Himself as their first reference (even gave Him a job title!) and I realized, yes, yes he did.

Do you think that's a personal or professional reference? Sadly, no contact information was provided.

Coming in a close second is another CV wherein the applicant felt it was pertinent to inform us that her previous job responsibilities included 'ordering sugar, every day.' Well, that's just swell.

No cholera!!!

I imagine you have seen or heard news about the cholera situation in Haiti. The cholera is NOT yet where I am living/working, or even close by, and I am being extra careful about hygiene just in case it does make it down this way. Also, there is A LOT of confusion amongst local authorities and health workers about what is really going on, and many news outlets are publishing information before there is real confirmation of anything. So basically, take anything you hear with a grain of salt. I can tell you that cholera *is* here, but it is for the moment localized in this one area and there have NOT been any confirmed cases outside of the area where it is currently concentrated (though I have seen at least one newspaper reporting this).

Because cholera is transmitted quite easily and because there is regular movement between the affected area and Port-au-Prince, it is likely that it will get here in the next week. However, even IF that happens, cholera is very treatable, if caught at an early stage. Recovery rate for treated cases is more than 80% and mortality rate for untreated cases is still under 50% (30-40%), so really, it is VERY unlikely that even if I were to catch cholera, I would die of it. Would rather not get it at all, but ya know, if I do, it's really not anything to get worked up about.

In other news, I resigned from my job and next Friday is my last day. I have had one other offer from a French NGO and am waiting to hear about some other options before I make a decision. I will be in the US (MD) for Thanksgiving, as I have to get my Foreign Service medical exam done on the 22d and 23d of November and my 10 year (ACK!) high school reunion is on the 27th. Will let you know when I have more firm travel dates.

Hope you're all well, keep thinking happy, anti-cholera thoughts!