Packing, etc

I have always considered myself to be an excellent packer. Unfortunately I may have to give up that title since it's taken me over a week to get everything packed. Tonight was the second or third time I've had to take items out of my luggage. Thankfully I think both of my suitcases are under under the 50lb weight limit. I really hope my carry-on bag isn't too big. We'll see how it goes. I think reading the recommendations of current and past volunteers was a great idea, but I felt the need to pack everything they suggested. :) I liked to be prepared!

I have one week before my parents and I head to Toledo to spend the night before my wonderful 6am flight to Chicago. I have a slight delay then will depart for Philadelphia where my group will have orientation. (I wish I just had a direct flight, but oh well...I will read!) I get my first shots during orientation (or staging, which is what the Peace Corps calls it). I'm actually happy about that. I figured we would get a few series of shots before we left, but that will happen while we're training in Lesotho.

I do have a few things to look forward to this week. I'm going to a roller skating party for employees of Applebee's this Tuesday. It'll be nice to see everyone in one place before I leave for good. I'll be in BG on Friday, then spend the weekend with family in Defiance.

It's all starting to feel real finally. For the longest time it felt like Lesotho was so far in the future that I hardly thought about it. I said goodbye to a friend of mine who is getting married next weekend. She will have had 2 anniversaries by the time I get back! Another friend of mine is planning on having a baby within the next year or two. And many people I know are just now starting their careers. Where will they be when I get back? Hopefully a few of my closest friends are still planning on making the great move to Portland or Boulder soon. :) If not I'm heading out that way when I get back. And I'll need roommates!