Goodbye goodbyes, hello hellos

This may be my last chance to post for several weeks (I've officially been prepared for worst-case scenario). So, from my Philadelphia hotel staging, I will try to briefly cover everything that's been going on...

Packing: I don't even want to talk about this. I am trying to push it far far out of my mind. I may have done an okay job, or I may have done horribly. I'm really not sure and I won't be sure until I arrive. All I know is that I'm not looking forward to being responsible for all of my luggage at once. For those of you who knew me with "the house/la maison" on my back, you ain't seen nothin'.

Goodbyes: They were difficult and plentiful. They consisted of lifelong friends...and family...and newly formed relationships...and colleagues/coworkers. Although I am saddened, to put it mildly, I am also extremely grateful to have so many amazing people to miss. And missing you is exactly what I am doing. At the risk of sounding cold and without a soul, I am glad they are over.

Hellos: These may seem exciting and all-together cheerful, which they were, but not without their own element of discomfort. Present were the always awkward "ice-breakers," the team-building exercises, and the sharing of feelings. All-in-all, I am excited to get to know my fellow trainees and learn from each and every one of their unique sets of experiences.

Staging: Pre-departure orientation went pretty well. We had wonderful trainers who, despite the often dry content, managed to keep things quite entertaining. There is already a seemingly strong network of support evident among my peers and the Peace Corps organization in general.

So tomorrow I will set off for JFK with 25 other future EFL teachers. We will have a brief stop (not even allowed off the plane) in Dakar before reaching Johannesburg. There we will set up camp for one night before leaving for Tana on Thursday. By Friday night, I will be completely immersed in my host family's culture and lifestyle. I'll let you know how the next phase works out. Until then...