Day One and We're On the Run!

Quick little background: eight months ago I applied to the Peace Corps.  I was initially nominated for a September departure, secondary science teaching in Sub-Saharan Africa.  April comes around, my medical clearance goes through, and next thing I know I'm receiving an email if I'd be willing to leave the first week of June and dedicate some time to learning French.  After mucho freaking out, I said why not?  I've been talking about the Peace Corps for a couple years, I'll have graduated school, there's nothing holding me back, and the time is now, right?

Now, here I am sitting in a hotel in Philadelphia, about to leave on a twenty seventh month escapade in Burkina Faso.  Two months ago, I couldn't have told you where Burkina Faso is, let alone that it was a country.  You would think my nerves would be running high, but I am surprisingly calm.  I think for the first time in the long time everything has fallen into the right place and I know it's going to work out (including lot's of illness, heat, and the biggest challenges I will ever have to face). 

Today I flew to Philly for Staging - the initial orientation, are you sure you know what you are getting into?  We have a group of 50 as they combined several programs into one.  Everyone is open, friendly and ready to bond!  Attending orientation was like attending a class where everyone wants to participate and learn; after sixteen years in school, it's a new experience.  Tomorrow we head to the doctors clinic for some shots, before heading to JFK to fly out!  Peace America, you and everyone you hold will be missed.  I don't know the next time I'll be able to post, but hopefully I'll have a good story to share!

I love you all!