Some Thoughts

Many times when I tell people I'm serving in Georgia, I can tell that they first think of the state known for peaches. I can't say that I was any exception to that. As I read my invitation that clearly stated I'd been assigned to Georgia, my first thought was, "Oh, so I'll be training in Georgia, but where are they going to send me to serve?" It wasn't until I continued down the page that I realized I was going to Eastern Europe. At first I was completely shocked, and to be completely honest, a bit disappointed. I had thought without a doubt I'd be going to South or Central America or somewhere in the Caribbean, because that's where my latest nomination had indicated. Ironically enough, when I initially sent in my application, the one region I had requested to not be placed in was Eastern Europe. Even though I was initially a little disappointed, after some reflection I remembered why I had chosen to join the Peace Corps. I didn't sign up to go to a place where I'd be the most comfortable, or be the most familiar with. I joined so that I could do something that I love; helping others, while getting the opportunity to have new cultural experiences, adventures, and personal growth. That's when I realized how much I would actually benefit from being placed in Georgia. It's one of the last places I would have chosen for myself, which in turn makes it one of the best places for me to go. We learn the most from things that challenge us, and this certainly will.

One of the questions that everyone is asking me these days is "Are you excited?" The short answer is "Duhhhh," but in actuality it's a bit more complicated than that. I have been excited ever since I found out I was going in November (minus the aforementioned initial shock). It has been about four months of me knowing I'm going and being filled with anticipation to start the adventure, but now it's hard to realize that my departure day is approaching quite rapidly - three weeks! Slowly but surely reality is sinking in, and yes, I am extremely excited. The people are warm, the scenery is gorgeous, and the excitement of my group of new volunteers (the G13s) along with the veterans who have been there for 1 and 2 years is contagious.

One of the hardest things is coming to the realization that when I say goodbye to friends and family members, it could be a very long time before I see them again. In person I do a good job of not showing my emotions, but I have had a couple of days when I think too much about the people I'll miss and those days haven't been fun. Despite the sadness involved in saying goodbyes, I know that the people who I truly care about, and those who truly care about me, will still be here when I come back, and that's comforting. In addition to that, in saying these goodbyes I've realized all the love and support that surrounds me, which is incredibly empowering. I'm so lucky to have such great people in my life.
Side note: can you imagine what it would've been like to join the Peace Corps when we didn't have cell phones, skype, email, etc?!? Now those were some hardcore volunteers.

These last few weeks are dedicated to a few things:
- Spending time at the beach. I'm going to miss that salt water!
- Buying last minute things to keep me warm! (i.e. thermal underwear)
- Packing, a daunting task.
- Eating delicious foods such as enchiladas, curry, sushi, the list goes on.
- Running the Gulf Coast Half Marathon
- Spending time with family and friends
- Enjoying hot showers that come with the turn of a nob (rather than a bucket bath)
- Trying to appreciate real toilets (squatting over a hole in the ground is common practice in Georgia)

While I am a little nervous for this huge change, I am so ready for it. Finally I feel like I have some direction and purpose. Not many people get to experience the things I am about to, and for that I am extremely grateful. Truly a once in this lifetime opportunity.