No matter where I be...

I am a Guyanese! I've had that song stuck in my head forever! It's so catchy!

Things I'm realizing I've taken advantage of my whole life: air conditioning/fan, microwave, clean water, reliable electricity, dish washer, washing machine, DRYER, having a basic knowledge of what is in my meals, internet, phone, cold weather, privacy, light after 8:00, quiet, things starting on time

Things I'm adapting to: heat, sipping, bugs everywhere, animals everywhere, random rain, being called 'Miss' by all my students, unfamiliar food, washing clothes by hand, extraordinarily loud music and tv, 'Guyana time'

Things I'm thoroughly enjoying: most of the new food (some not so much), the rain, new friends, teaching, new ideas, sharing knowledge, beautiful flowers, new experiences (such as Mash!)

Well that is all for now, hopefully I can add to this more (especially the last one) as I spend more time here :)

My adventure thus far

So I'm in Guyana! It's been pretty crazy. Training is...challenging. There are a lot of ups and downs. But I'm getting through it. I've been exposed to a lot of new foods, some which I really like, such as dry foods, sapadilla, soursap, and lots of rice dishes, and others that I'm not too fond of, such as salted fish. Sleeping in a mosquito net is something I'm also having to get used to, but it's worth it to not get eaten alive at night. I spray on bug spray at least twice a day and I'm still covered in bites. Guess that's what happens when you go to the land of many waters, ha ha. But don't worry, I'm taking my malaria pill. I was going to add some pictures but my stolen internet connection is far too slow for that!

Day 2

So I've finished staging! It was basically a general training on peace corps itself and safety and such. But very informative. We still haven't gotten much information on the country itself but I'm sure we will when we get there! I'm sitting in the airport right now waiting for the flight. Only 2 1/2 hours left, ha ha. I sure hope I can sleep on the plane. If not, tomorrow is going to be a very long day. I'm really enjoying this group of people so far. We are all a little different but we are all here for the same reasons. I've gotten along really well with everyone.

So far there are only two things I've regretted not bringing: a watch and a guitar. I'm sure I'll be able to get a watch there or get one sent to me. The guitar though, I think I'm SOL. Unless my family comes to visit and I can persuade them to bring it to me. We'll see I guess :)

Well I'm gonna skype Chris now, so long!

Day 1

So I've begun my Peace Corps journey! Mostly I've just been on planes but it's still been an adventure. Once in Philly, I met a lot of the other volunteers. We all went out to dinner and had a great time getting to know one another. I also got to skype my family and Chris. It was really good to see them. I know this is short, but I'm exhausted and need some sleep!

Peace Corps, here I come!

I finally got my invitation to the Peace Corps! I started this journey almost a year ago when I first decided to apply for the Peace Corps. I was just about to graduate and start my student teaching. I knew when I was done I would want to start teaching. I have been dreaming about having my own classroom for quite awhile now. But I also knew that I would have the rest of my life to teach. I really wanted to do something different, something that would give back to the world in a way I couldn't do here. I had thought about the Peace Corps in the past and decided to really look into it. So I did some research and found that the Peace Corps is an incredible program that would allow me to serve others in a needing place. I will be able to share what I know and certainly learn and grow as a teacher. I finally finished my application at the end of last February and had my interview on April 1st (April fool's day, I know!). Things went well and I received my nomination for Central/South America Feb 2012 short after. But then I got cold feet. I started dating a boy who wasn't supportive of my decision to join the Peace Corps. I also began to question the length of time I would be gone. Twenty seven months is a long time, no matter how you look at it. So I told my regional recruiter, Elene, that I would have to decline at this time. (By the way, Elene is an amazing lady who has served twice. She inspired me so much and it's because of her that I had such a difficult time turning down the Peace Corps.) However, after I made that decision, I never felt quite right about it. I knew I was taking the easy road because I was scared of the unknown. I thought about it and discussed it with my family. I decided that I had made the wrong decision and wanted to continue my pursuit of the Peace Corps. (Needless to say, that boy broke up with me soon after.) I contacted Elene and she put me back on track. This summer I went to multiple doctor appointments and after lots shots and tests, finally finished my dental and medical paper work. I received my clearance for these soon after and began the waiting game again. When I hadn't heard anything from the Peace Corps for 6 weeks, I e-mailed them asking for an update. They e-mailed me back asking for some more information and after a few e-mails back and forth I received an e-mail saying to look for my invitation in the mail by the end of the week. Then this morning I heard a knock on the door and it was the UPS man handing over my future. I'm so excited to finally know where and when I'm going and now I can move forward and plan for this gigantic change in my life. I have so much to think about and research and pray about and I'm so excited, yet at the same time I'm terrified. This is a such a big chance for an amazing adventure, to grow and learn so much. I've never really challenged myself in such a way and I guess all I can do is give it my all and hope for the best.

Big news!!!

My peace corps account has been updated and they are finished with my medical! Which means I most likely passed! I'm just waiting now to hear more information. Hopefully I'll have things in the mail soon!

Goodness gracious

my sleep schedule is so off right now!

This summer has been immensely busy! I think since I can't sleep now may be a good time for an update :)

Camp Lotsafun: I was a camp counselor at a camp for people with special needs for a week. I was paired with a teenage boy with MR and ADHD. He certainly was a handful but I enjoyed every minute (even if I was pulling my hair out at certain times). It was a great experience and I'm so excited to go back for another round next week. I will be working with girls this time though, so we'll see how that goes!

Las Vegas: Holly P and Kyle went down to Vegas to stay at Kyle's dad's house for a while and invited me to go along. I have never really had the over 21 experience in Vegas before and it was quite fun, if not a bit crazy! Holly had been to Vegas recently and knew a really good place for sandwiches. They were delicious. And we shared a berry crepe after. And the house had a pool which we spent a large amount of time in. It was a very relaxing trip and I'm very grateful Holly and Kyle brought me along.

Elko/Jarbidge: After Vegas my brother Jake and I headed to Elko to hang out with our cousins. It was a fun trip and it was really good to see Heather (and her bunS in her oven! I say buns plural because Jake and I are betting on twins!) and Ashley. Then we drove the rest of the way up into Jarbidge where we met my dad and Tami. I gotta say, Jarbidge is one of my favorite places in the whole world. It is so secluded and just naturally beautiful. We went on quad rides everyday, which is another reason why I enjoy Jarbidge so much. I wish it weren't so far away, I'd love to get up there more often. There is rumor of going up to see my niece for her 1st birthday which is very close to Jarbidge so hopefully!

This summer has been a whirlwind of adventures. I have hardly worked this summer but I think I deserved a break after finally finishing college. As soon as I get back from camp next week I'll start subbing as much as possible and going back to being a responsible adult.

Peace Corps update: I got my dental clearance!!!!! Woot! They requested a few more things for my medical which I'm waiting on my doctor to get back to me but then that will hopefully be all taken care of as well! I still have about 6 months until my estimated departure time but I have a feeling that is going to fly by.