Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Washington D.C. (Staging)

I arrived in Washington D.C. at about 9:00 last night and had meetings all day today. I was hoping the President would stop by to shake our hands--as he has done in the past--but, alas, he was a no show. He had some speech to make tonight which apparently took precedence over coming and saying bon voyage to a bunch of Peace Corps Volunteers. I think he made the wrong decision:) 

Anyway, today was full of meetings. There was not too much information given about Honduras, but it was more about the Peace Corps and general policy and procedures (I was told I needed to add the new disclaimer on this blog), health and safety, managing risks and threats, and logistical information about our trip tomorrow. We were also all given our no-fee government passport and a debit card with about $200 on it (who says this PC gig is a volunteer position?). 

After the meeting I went out to dinner with a few other volunteers, toasting all night to our impending journey and this new chapter in our lives. Now I am back at the hotel doing a few things before we have to check-out and head to the airport in about four hours, so I probably will not sleep tonight. 

We were told that we will be headed to the training center in a place called Zarabanda for the next three weeks and the town does not have any internet access so I need to warn my friends and family that they might not hear from me for a few weeks. Don't worry, I will be back in action on this blog as soon as I get a chance. 

As ready as I am to get going, it has been difficult saying goodbye to everyone. Especially the ol' GF. So if you guys see her, give her a hug on my behalf. Alright I guess that is it for now. Goodbye everyone. I will miss you.

P.S. I was hoping to get out and do some sight seeing here in D.C. but did not get the chance. I saw the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Capital Building from my shuttle to the hotel last night and the attached picture of the Washington Monument was taken from my hotel window.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Peacin' Out

It is now two am and I will be leaving Phoenix in 11 hours. I just finished packing my life away for the next two years (thanks for your help mom and dad). I have about 110 pounds worth of luggage which is about 30 pounds more than what the Peace Corps "allows". Hopefully they will still let me on the bus...

I am feeling a little sad, nervous, anxious, and all the normal feelings that come along with a trip into the unknown. I am also very excited which I think outweighs the rest.

I want to thank you all for coming to my going away parties. It was great to see everyone a last time before I head out. And as I said before, I love you all and will miss everyone immensely. You should all start planning a trip to Honduras sometime during the next two years.

I am not sure when I will get a chance to update my blog from here on out, but I will try to keep you all as informed as I can. I guess there is just one more thing I need to say...Adios.