I’m finally past the two-weeks-until-Peace-Corps-staging point. In just a week and a half, I’ll be heading to Philadelphia for staging. Staging is a 2-3 days of training that occurs in the United States before you depart to your country of service. In other words, staging is the point at which you say goodbye to all of your friends and family members and start your journey in the Peace Corps.
I have to admit, it was a bit of a shock to come back from our South Africa trip and realize I only had about 3 weeks left before I left. Before our trip, it still felt like a safe distance away, but three weeks is pretty close! I’m definitely getting a bit stressed at the moment. There’s a lot to do before I leave- buying last minute items, getting things settled at my bank, figuring out loan deferment, getting prescriptions sorted out, visiting and spending time with my loved ones, figuring out how to pack everything into so few bags, and much more. I’ve also been subbing at our local elementary school, which I’m thoroughly enjoying, but it’s also taking away from the time I could be spending getting things crossed off my 2-page to-do list. My lists have gotten a little out of hand…I have a to-do list, of course, but I also have…approximately 3 packing lists, a list of passwords for all of my online accounts, a list of luggage information, a list of days I’m subbing at school, a list of the people I want to see before I leave, and a list of things I still need to get. I’ve always been a list-maker. Just ask my mom- she’s always been a little annoyed by the hundreds of lists she finds all over the house. But I think this time takes the cake- my mom actually told me today that she’s “never seen [me] make so many lists!”. Oops! I think there’s just so much swirling through my head, and I’m worried if I don’t write it all down, I’ll forget to do it.
I’ve also been a bit emotional the past couple of days (but I totally blame the season finale of NCIS on my excess emotion tonight!). That’s not necessarily unusual for me, though. I’m trying really hard not to think of all of the goodbyes and such that are coming. Or the hundreds of little things I need to do.
The Oke Den 