I have been back in Kansas for over a week now. The time has flown by while making final preparations to fly to Philadelphia tomorrow for orientation. The to-do list is finally almost complete!
The MP3 player is up-to-date with all the music I hope I want over the next two years. All audiobooks not yet listened to are loaded onto my iPod. I’ve selected my clothing carefully although I’m sure I still have a few articles too many which I will come to regret later. Everything is packed with a bit of room and about 20 pounds to spare!
My excitement for this adventure continues to escalate. This has been such a long time in the works; I submitted my application on August 31, 2007. After tons of paperwork, essays, medical and dental checkups, and lots of patience, the beginning of this experience is nearly here!!
I must admit that I’m a bit nervous too. I despise cold temperatures and just do not function well during the winer; I’d prefer to be near the beach where fresh tropical fruit abounds. But Kazakhstan has so much to offer that I could not pass on my invitation from the Peace Corps. I have spent some time researching the area and just began reading “Apples are From Kazakhstan: The Land that Disappeared” by Christopher Robbins. With such a diverse culture and complex history there is much to learn. And the varied landscape of the ninth largest country in the world will provide ample opportunity for short trips and exploration. I am looking forward to learning Russian (however difficult it may be) and am excited about living in Kazakhstan for two years.
I am spending my last day in Kansas with some of my family. I’ll miss all my friends, family, Tiger, and Lily (my cats) very much. I continue to hope that I will have relatively consistent email access so I can keep in touch with everyone (except the cats). This blog is a new adventure for me in and of itself. I’m not used to telling everyone what’s going on in my life. However, it is the best way to keep you updated.
Everyone, take care and I’ll be in touch when I can.
August 16, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Ok I have not experienced blogging at all but will give it a try. Good way to stay in touch. See u tonight.
August 20, 2008 at 3:49 am
Well best of luck to you! Hope it is great
August 23, 2008 at 12:46 am
Love the title of this entry of of your blog
You beat me to blogging – way to go! I hope you have a wonderful host family. I miss you!!!!!
September 3, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Just wanted to say Hi, and that you are missed. I hope your preparations are going well and please send out an update soon as to your whereabouts and what you are currently doing.
September 14, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Hey there! So how is the weather? I got a little info from your mom that u arrived ok and are getting settled with your host family. I am confident that all is going well although there is always room for the unplanned, right? Have u actually started your duties yet? If so, how is that going? Thinking of u often. Stay safe. I pray that God is with u and all of your new freinds and that u accomplish the things u need to do. Wish u the best!