Adiós Estados Unidos

First, I would like to apologize for the long delay from my prior post. However, it has been a whirlwind over the past month and a half. Currently, I sit in a hotel room in Arlington, VA awaiting morning's arrival and my departure to Panama. The bus leaves at 10:30.

Second, I would like to recap the past few days. I arrived yesterday evening in Arlington with 70 lbs of checked luggage, a carry-on backpack loaded with all my heavy items, and a man purse (or sometimes referred to as a murse or satchel). (FYI - I typically don't carry a murse, but the necessity for additional storage space outweighed my own personal taste.) In addition, yesterday evening, I was lucky enough to find my way to Arlington Cemetery where I observed JFK's grave-site, who also started the 'nontraditional federal agency' that I now volunteer my next 27 months to, and I honored our fallen soldiers in arms. Their service to our country is one that should always be remembered, for without them, our country would not be in a position to have the amazing opportunities we take for granted on a daily basis, including my ability to serve in the Peace Corps.

Today, I had my first opportunity to meet my fellow trainees (48 in this training class). Just to briefly describe the group, the volunteers range from just graduated to retired, are from all races, were born from California to Rhode Island (although, I do feel as if the southern states are under represented - unofficial count has two from Texas, two from Georgia, one from Florida, possibly one from South Carolina or North Carolina, a few from Virginia and West Virginia, and none from Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, or Alabama), and have a Spanish language proficiency ranging from fluent to non-existent (which is where I stand). In all, while we were required to do group activities, i.e. skits, drawings, etc., which I do not typically enjoy, the staging was beneficial, informative, and well organized. Congratulations to Leonard, Kevin, and Abby - the RPCVs who are now Peace Corp employees and worked the staging event!

Some very important information acquired during the staging includes the fact that I will be given anti-malaria medication and our departure to the airport has been bumped back three hours. Hooray for more time in a comfortable bed! I have been forewarned that I may not have as soft of a bed as I am accustomed to, but I am sure it will be softer than the Cosby campsites of the Smokey Mountains.

To those who may not have noticed, I have also added a contact page, and I will let you know of any additional methods of contact as I identify them. As of Thursday morning, my cell phone will no longer be active, and this will be the only reliable method of contact until I establish another source.

Finally, I want to say 'Thank You' to all of those who have been here and will be in the U.S. to support me. This includes, but not limited to, those who came to my farewell dinner at Nancy's, at my parent's, and those who came to the airport to see me off. These memories really mean a lot to keep me going! Thank You!