Oh, Staging is almost here!

     Last Tuesday I received my email all about staging. I was SO excited I nearly screamed (no like really, in the middle of my office while a meeting was being conducted- great self control hahaha). With the few, but immense amount of details given (PC sure knows how to keep you coming back for more) I finally felt the "This is it" moment. about five minutes after, I was paralyzed with anxiousness (not the good kind either) like a kid who got hit in the face too hard with a dodge ball and is trying to figure out if they want to cry, fallout or scream. I couldn't quite understand why after a year and a half of the "Peace Corps Process" I would get that one email everyone waits for and be on the verge of tears shortly after reading it... it didn't make sense. But then I realized what really comes with receiving that email. Coming to the realization that in less than 30 days you will be in a new country, with new people and desperately trying to understand and speak in a language {Albanian/Gheg} that to you sounds like a German-Hebrew language mash-up on steroids (please take no offense to those who know any of the previously mentioned languages, you guys are awesome!) Then you start thinking about missing those family events, the increase in long distance relationships with friends and family and being "on your own" for really the first time in your life *insert gasps here*. Now now, I have been away to college - where my cousin was already a student, and have been living on my own - with roommates- since graduation, so in actuality though I thought otherwise, I was never really ALONE. That thought scares the begesus out of me (is that how you spell it?). I realized that whatever comes out of this new experience will be completely dependent on me. I have no one to call in case of emergency, nor somewhere to escape when it gets to be "too much". When most come to the realization of that they would be on the next thing smoking, but I am looking forward to it. I can not WAIT for the ability to really spread my wings and start to develop into the young woman I am meant to be. To have an impact, though it be small, and to say I did that, just me will probably be one of the most rewarding things in my life. Peace Corps will not be a bed of roses - please don't get that idea - but the process of growth that occurs in those formative moments, that pressure can either turn you from a rock to dust or create a diamond... well I am prepared to be one of the most polished diamonds when I return so world - Watch out!

     Despite my being a little uneasy about the unknown, I know PC will be an amazing experience and I am SO excited about it! I can not wait to meet the rest of K2 (Kosovo 2 - we will be the second group ever in country) and experience this new roller coaster with them. So as I get ready to depart I just keep reminding myself - This is just a long see you soon, not a good-bye... {thanks Sky ;) }

Countdown: T Minus 25 Days!

May Day

Kosovo is officially 35 Days away...

     I also OFFICIALLY have my medical clearance *Que the marching band*. Additionally, I put in my notice for my job which was surprisingly well received due to the "positive reasons" for my departure. It has just been a lot of planning and executing and prepping which STILL isn't done. I still have things to do for the NY party... I am supposed to start traveling next weekend and I still need to pack my apartment..... Yeah about that - not looking forward to it. I have started packing my winter clothes that I will be bringing for PC Service and I am finally hip to the MAGIC and God-send that are Space Bags. They are amazing little pieces of gloriousness and I love their inventor(s) - from afar. Otherwise, everything else in life is normal and mundane, including the stalking of the email in search of that Pre-departure information that should hopefully be sent  by next week with all our staging information :)

 

     Actually no I lied. I had an extremely busy week with a friend coming in from out-of-town and doing various tourist attractions around the city. The "highlight" would have to be almost becoming stuck in Baltimore while they were protesting this past Monday. We though the day would be fairly calm considering that Freddie Gray was being laid to rest that day and the family petitioned for no protests - WRONG. We found out shortly after our arrival that protesters were heading toward the Inner Harbor and we went to the East side to grab ab bite at the recommendation of the young ladies who worked at the attraction we were visiting. well we were lucky to depart when we did from Canton because the Water Taxi system was now Shut-down, along with the entire Inner Harbor, due to the protests and some "extra events" that were taking place in the city. Well to make a long story a little shorter we ended up walking approximately 4 miles or so to Penn Station while NARROWLY missing the protesters who we could hear chanting next to the blaring sound of Police Sirens (which seemed more anxious and harsh in the tangible tension of the air).

 

     So that's my story as to some of my exciting week, and I am looking forward to celebrating Peace Corps with my friends this "last weekend" in DC. Its so interesting how time is almost speeding past for me, yet moving so slowly it seems on a daily basis. It is already May and Kosovo is really within my grasp. The emotions, thoughts and anticipation is on such a level its hard to describe. Its almost like trying to concentrate on one sense while having the sweetness of chocolate on your tongue,  smelling an abundance of lavender and lilac in the air, while sitting outside just daydreaming and the sun caresses every inch of your face in warm waves and resisting the urge to let your feet play in the short blades of freshly cut grass.... EVERYDAY - CONSTANTLY! It is exhausting, tempting and delightfully addictive. You're never sure what to think about next, but positive that Peace Corps shouldn't be such a consuming part of your daily mental processes HAHAHA. I think it is too late for me however... Now I just try to make it through moment to moment and bask in my abundance of everyday blessings and enjoyable moments...

 

Until we meet again :-*

T-Minus 51 Days

It's less than two months until I depart for Kosovo, and I am getting quite excited. There is so much to do, and literally so little time. I have yet to be medically cleared due to incorrect tests being taken and its a little nerve wrecking knowing I may be delayed as a result of this, but I am optimistic I will be cleared and officially on the list for departure. I have been told that medical clearance is the longest and most annoying part of the entire Peace Corps process and that was NOT a lie. I feel like I have been pricked and stuck and had to give urine for everything imaginable (and even the unknown). It is  more difficult when you add in the fact I am still under my parents insurance (thanks President Obama for that money-saver!) but have to travel out of state to see the doctor *ques in scheduling and work conflicts*. Despite all the issues with traveling at LEAST once a month 8 hours for doctor visits, I will say that the Peace Corps nursing staff is awesome at timely message responses and explanations - even when you think a one to two day wait time is an eternity! So in the mean time I am left to stalk my email awaiting that precious moment when I see the - You're Medically cleared - message come streaming through.

In other life areas, my ever shrinking (if not already filled) schedule has prompted me to start packing for Kosova (I can't get enough of typing/saying that) and getting last minute things in order. It's so crazy trying to create a packing list and making sure I have everything I need beyond what is listed in the Welcome Pack Peace Corps (PC) sends you upon accepting your invitation. Luckily, some of the current volunteers in Kosovo (K1 - the first group to serve in the country) have written down some recommendations as far as what to pack and info on what clothing styles are like in Kosova. My biggest hurdle as of yet is staying at my level of "fashion and comfort" while being able to pack.... *ahem* lightly (I am already cringing the thought of a minute shoe option). I am a shoe addict - I probably have at lest 60 pairs of shoes and that might be on the low end, so shoe versatility is something I will greatly miss in my wardrobe options. I will post a packing list and pictures of what I brought once I am packed. 

I have decided I want to invest in a good travel bag, but may also need a suitcase... decisions decisions... I just need to get the most space for my buck and compression bags will be a MUST! Hopefully Everything will work in my favor. Let the countdown continue....