Two months from today...I will be leaving for Namibia.
Oh my!
Okay...literally, I'll be leaving for staging (the Peace Corps' two day orientation) in some yet to be determined city....but still!
To say I'm pumped would be the understatement of the year. It's becoming more and more real by the minute. I've been slowly adding to my packing list and subsequently checking things off of it. I have an ever growing pile in the corner of my room with things that are meant to come with me. I am NOT thrilled about the idea of actually packing it all. Luckily I happen to have a best friend who has instilled lots of sound packing advice in me throughout the years (such as: always wear your bulkiest shoes! pack things inside your water bottle! wear layers on departure day!) so I'm sure I'll manage, one way or another. :)
There have been those sad moments too, the ones where I realize how much I'm leaving behind, and how many things will be different when I get back. It's difficult to comprehend what that will be like. So instead, I'm focusing on taking things one step at a time, concentrating on the day ahead of me, and doing my best not to stress about the inevitable "what if's".
Really, I'm just incredibly blessed to be surrounded by such amazing friends and family who are supportive and excited with me. A common phrase for people to use is that they are excited "for me". But there is nothing quite like having people by your side (physically or figuratively) who identify with what you're doing and why you're doing it enough to be excited with you. So this post is for you... the ones who are there for me through all my crazy plans, and love me anyways.
Check back soon for more information about Namibia and a follow-up post (from a while back) on why I've decided to join the Peace Corps (*cue intense music*)
Good night!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
What Brown did for me...
I truly cannot decide how to begin this post...typing seems such a poor way to express my excitement! I would rather be dancing and laughing and shouting from rooftops... I'M MOVING TO NAMIBIA!
Just after I had given up hope of my invitation arriving for today, UPS came through and delivered my beautiful packet, and I just finished officially accepting my invitation :) I will leave for training on July 25th...just 77 days from now. I can hardly believe it!
I've made a number of frenzied phone calls over the past few hours, delivering the news about my destination. The number one reaction has been: "You're moving where?" Admittedly, I hadn't heard of Namibia until I began reading Peace Corps blogs... so I'm not far removed from having no idea where in the world this country is. Here's a map so you can get your bearings :)
Here is what I do know... It's a fairly large country in southwestern Africa. Namibia gained independence from South Africa in 1990, and the Peace Corps sent their first round of volunteers there just 6 months later. It's mostly desert, with temperatures ranging from 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to below freezing in the winter. It's a predominately Christian country. English is the official language, but I will also receive language training in at least one (probably several) native languages. I will be teaching science in an upper primary or secondary school (so in the range of 6-12 grade) with class sizes of 50-65 learners. My in-country training will take place from July 27th to September 20th, at which point I will be sworn-in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer.
So hold on to your hats, ladies and gents! It's going to be an incredible ride... and I can't wait to get to share it with you :)
Just after I had given up hope of my invitation arriving for today, UPS came through and delivered my beautiful packet, and I just finished officially accepting my invitation :) I will leave for training on July 25th...just 77 days from now. I can hardly believe it!
I've made a number of frenzied phone calls over the past few hours, delivering the news about my destination. The number one reaction has been: "You're moving where?" Admittedly, I hadn't heard of Namibia until I began reading Peace Corps blogs... so I'm not far removed from having no idea where in the world this country is. Here's a map so you can get your bearings :)
Here is what I do know... It's a fairly large country in southwestern Africa. Namibia gained independence from South Africa in 1990, and the Peace Corps sent their first round of volunteers there just 6 months later. It's mostly desert, with temperatures ranging from 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to below freezing in the winter. It's a predominately Christian country. English is the official language, but I will also receive language training in at least one (probably several) native languages. I will be teaching science in an upper primary or secondary school (so in the range of 6-12 grade) with class sizes of 50-65 learners. My in-country training will take place from July 27th to September 20th, at which point I will be sworn-in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer.
So hold on to your hats, ladies and gents! It's going to be an incredible ride... and I can't wait to get to share it with you :)
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Medical Clearance!
Less than 24 hours ago I was despairingly considering the fact that I might graduate without being any closer to an invitation... which made me feel very directionless, very much like I was just going to turn into a wayward drifter.
However, this morning as I rubbed my sleepy eyes and checked my email, I was propelled into a victory dance at what I found.... Medical clearance! Yes!
So... everything is done. The next time I celebrate it will be the rejoicing of a woman with a placement :) And hopefully not very far in the future...
However, this morning as I rubbed my sleepy eyes and checked my email, I was propelled into a victory dance at what I found.... Medical clearance! Yes!
So... everything is done. The next time I celebrate it will be the rejoicing of a woman with a placement :) And hopefully not very far in the future...
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