Staging in Philadelphia

Hey guys!! So, I know I haven’t updated you all throughout my packing process (even when I told myself I was going to) but there was so much going on within the week that I had in Indy to prepare myself that I am just now getting to it. First of all, the packing process itself was soooo stressful but I continued to tell myself that whatever I forget in the States I’ll be able to get while I’m gone so it helped the stress a little. Luckily, I had my very good friend Britney to help me throughout the process even after I tried unpacking everything a couple times. The Peace Corps allows two checked bags that are 50 pounds each, a personal item, and a carry-on. Usually, I over pack for every trip that I go on but I knew that everything that I packed this trip had to be specific and things that I absolutely knew I was going to need. Other than clothes, I packed many things that will help me through this journey. I love to color in adult coloring books so I brought 3-4 of those, I brought my camera, my Polaroid camera, a few books, pictures to hang on my walls, and many journals. I know that these things with the addition of a few more that I will get in South Africa will help me transition and feel homey.

After the packing was done, I obviously had to say good-bye to all of my family and friends. This was the hardest but easiest part of leaving. I say it was the easiest because I don’t think that the nervousness had settled in yet. I have been very ready to start my own journey for a long time and to finally get started on it brought me a lot of joy and confidence within myself. I say it was the hardest because there are many things that I will be missing during this time that I am gone. There is never truly the right time to start your own journey and after graduating, I felt that it was the perfect time. The amount of support that I have received is overwhelming and I thank everyone that has ever been supportive in any way along the way.

I am now in Philadelphia at staging which is a day and a half before leaving for SA. This day and a half is used to prepare us for the expectations of the Peace Corps and what to know before landing in SA. It has already been a journey and it’s only the first 9 hours. First of all, I have never carried this much luggage at one time, not even when I was traveling for volleyball. Let me tell you, it has been the struggle but it’s all a part of it and I’m enjoying every bit. The next stop is Johannesburg, South Africa!! (: