I am so impressed with the life experiences and attitudes of my fellow Peace Corps trainees. Some examples of their foreign travel experience:
- Studied in Italy for four months
- A year in Russia as a Rotary exchange student
- Month-long trip to build playgrounds in Brazil
My big adventure before graduating from college was spending a summer working as a reservation clerk at Glacier National Park.
We represent a wide variety of educational studies: architecture, economics, international studies, psychology, social work. Many have their masters. My education degree closely matches our role as “educators” for Health: Water and Sanitation.
We’re from all over the United States. California, Arizona, Alaska, Iowa, Florida and several from the East Coast. I am the only one from the Lone Star State.
Perhaps it’s our nervous energy and the knowledge that we’ve all left familiar environments to head to the unknown that encourages everyone to reach out with warm smiles and a genuine effort to include everyone. We’re exchanging life stories and descriptions of “what brought you to the Peace Corps.”
My most interesting experience with the group: After watching the tail end of the Super Bowl, we walked to Mac’s Tavern a few blocks from the Holiday Inn. We rearranged a couple of tables so we could all sit together for food and drinks. The waitress asked to see our IDs when beers were ordered. I proudly got out my ID thinking she might wave her hand dismissively when she got to me. Instead, she took my driver’s license and looked for my birth year. She smiled when she handed it back to me. My smile was larger. It’s been at least 20 years since I’ve been carded. I think I’ll like hanging around a younger crowd.
“Staging” (our initial training today) went great. We learned about each other - our reasons for joining the Peace Corps as well as our hopes and fears. We also reviewed Peace Corps history, expectations, and safety. No shots – all the inoculations happen when we arrive in Ghana.
We’re all set to head to Newark tomorrow for our flight to Ghana. And most of us are hoping the airline isn’t too picky about the weight of our bags.
Here’s our first group photo. Won’t it be interesting to see what we look like in 27 months?
We're all smiles at the end of staging - heading to Ghana soon
Fabulous and we can hear more excitement in you message! Of course you are in the only one from Texas – you are quite unique and very special!
Hugs!
Missing you in Keepsake Writing and thinking of all you’ll have to write during and after your experience. Admire you so much! Your commitment to help heal the world is a constant reminder to me of the little import of the things that usually have me agitated. You help me put into perspective what is important and what isn’t, and most of it falls into the latter category.
Have a safe trip and a wonderful, fulfilling experience.
Love,
Sandi
What a photo! Can hear the excitement in your voice. Lifted an iced-tea toast to you yesterday at Panera’s. We voted also. Unanimous for hauling whole 80 lbs to Ghana. Never can tell what you’ll need 10 mos. from now. Of course, we’re a bunch of frisky old broads. Always with an opinion, even on whether to leave in the comma or take it out.
Keep writing. We love hearing of your adventures.
Bev
I believe you may be in the process of building part of your Ghana family. And, perhaps, you’ll be adding to that family as time goes on. I feel as through it may be impossible to do otherwise.
Linda, I am excited for you. I look forward, with great anticipation, to reading your notes. What a great adventure.
Seriously, you should plan to publish a book of your experiences. So take good notes and good luck with Chapter 1.
Bob
Amazing how different a generation’s summer adventure can be…I also found myself working during the summers! Your trip sounds like an incredible adventure. Be safe!
I’m predicting, 27 months from now , the photo will look like a “Kente Family” Kodak Moment!
In living color!!
Thanks for sharing. Your excitement is contagious!
Hugs & Be safe–Have fun