Packing Update...

Wow, time goes by so fast sometimes...
Wednesday is my last day at work! Wohoo :~)
I have to say I don't think I will miss work, but I will definitely miss the people I work with because they are so much more than co-workers to me, they are my friends...
This is the point when I start to realize that really soon I wont be here, I will be on the other side of the world, for 2 years!!!
For the past week I've been stressing about my shopping list, packing, and everything that had to do with Peace Corps, but now I realized that I should start stressing about being with my friends and family.
I just counted, and I only have 11 more possible days to spend with my sister...That's why were going out for dinner tonight!

So on a lighter note now:
As far as packing, my room doesn't have much in it in the first place...So that's pretty much done.
I sent off my Peace Corps passport application on Tuesday, and got my dental clearance, so that's done as well.
My Aspiration statement and Resume were emailed, and my staging packet is going to be sent out to me on May 15th. I found out the date has changed to June 12th now, and were leaving from Philadelphia. There are 39 people in the group, 1/2 Health Extension and 1/2 environment. Tanzania actually has 2 groups departing a year, mine - which is the first group, and then another in September, which is mostly teaching.
I also took a CPR/First Aid class with the RedCross...I figured it might be useful, and it was very informative.

So that's it for now, next post will probably be next week, after 4 shopping days and 2 intensive packing days, right before flying out to Israel!

Preparing for the Unknown

Well, it's time for me to start packing...
I finally figured out my schedule following up to departure. I gave my 2 week's notice at work and May 17th is my last day!
The same day I am going to take a bus to New Hampshire (where my mom lives) and start a very intensive shopping spree. I decided to go there because first, things are much cheaper, and second, there is no tax. I will stay there until May 22, when me and my mom are going to drive back to New York, spend the night and then fly out to Israel on May 23rd. I arrive in Israel on May 24th and depart June 7th. If I could I would had cancelled the trip, but its my cousin's wedding, so I have to go. Besides, it will give me a chance to see some family I haven't seen in a while (like my dad!) and know I wont see for at least another 27 months...Unless they decide to come to Tanzania, which I doubt.
I arrive in New York on June 8th, and its time for last preparations and shopping, my goodbye party, which I would like to have on June 11th and then bye bye USA for a while.
I have so many things to do in so little time! I don't know where to start and what to bring...
The only things in know is that I'm going to concentrate my packing on sentimental thing and items that will bring me comfort...Cloths and everything as such I'm sure I can buy in there.
I've been having a problem contacting other RPCV or PCV that served/serve in Tanzania.
When I looked in the Yahoo PC Group I saw all sort of African countries, but no one who is going to Tanzania :(
Well, I guess I will just have to figure it out by myself and make sure others can learn from my experience...
Ok, I'm going to go buy some large trash bags and start packing my closet...This is wired...I'm going to Tanzania!!!

Its Here!!!

It came this morning, in a FedEx envelope. Inside was a blue folder, that has says "Peace Corps invites you to serve". It has the information that will change my life forever, and enlighten me to my whereabouts for the next 27 months.

ITS TANZANIA!

If you read my previous post, you probably know that I guessed this might be it, but having it official, in your hands, along with a bunch of MORE forms you have to fill out - is just great!
Now it all begins, the packing, the sadness, the excitement, the unknown, the questions...

Its going to be an incredible journey, and your coming with me - as long as someone will provide me with a pen and paper, and maybe an internet connection once in a while!

Thank you for sharing my joy, and although my process has been a little different than others (such as every individual's experience) I would be happy to assist anyone who has a question or need information.

Invited!!!

So yea, I was so surprised everything was going fast for me...And then it hit me - an actual invitation!

I was medically cleared on Thursday, and on Friday afternoon I got a call from a PO for the Africa region for a short phone interview...She wanted to know some more details about my previous internships and volunteer work. She also said that my recruiter noted on my application that I will not be comfortable to serve in a Muslim country. I had to explain to her that there was a bit of miscommunication. In no means am I prejudice against Muslim countries, I just felt that in a country that is predominantly Muslim, I might feel animosity towards me due to my background (Jewish/Israeli). She agreed and stated that for safety reasons during training they might advise me to keep a low profile when it comes to my background. As much as I am proud of where I came from and who I am, I understand that there are certain situations that not disclosing your religion or background is a percussion.
As soon as the conversation ended I had to run to work (I'm a waitress at a restaurant - but not for long :)), I was already late and didn't even have time to talk to my mom. For the next 5 hours I was in a complete shock, I couldn't really digest everything that happened so soon and my heart was beating as if I just ran up a flight of stairs! All of the sudden everything became real, especially when my sister said "June 13th? That's like a month and a half from now!"

It is a few days later now, and things have started to sink in...All sort of thoughts are running through my head...A major one is how do you pack for 27 months??? What country am I going to, and how would the conditions be like.

There is no doubt that Africa is one of the most, if not the most challenging regions to serve. My friends have a very funny way of preparing me for what's to come...Here are some of their jokes:

- Start practicing going to the toilet by bending you knees.
- Bring a 2 year supply of wetnapes and toilet paper
- "Your going to Congo!"
- Get yourself ready for the flies and mosquitoes
- "There is no coffee in Africa"
- Bring a large supply of over the counter drugs (anti-diarrhea, constipation, etc.)

I learned to take their jokes and have fun with it, because its now that they are the ones who realize that soon, I wont be here!

I have a million things in my head, and probably two million things to do, but I refuse to take any steps before I have my official invitation in my hand and I accept it.

The only clue I have regarding the country is that the religious division is 1/3 Muslim, 1/3 Christian, and a 1/3 indigenous beliefs. Of course I couldn't help but researching everything I could to try and guesstimate where I might be going, and according to the world fact book, the only country that is divided such as in that region is Tanzania.
Now I'm going to try very hard to stop myself from researching that country and putting myself in this mindset in order not to get disappointed or surprised!

Ok, I hope the next update will be VERY soon, because I cant take this mysteriousness anymore!