Staging/ Departure

The first small group of volunteers (9 out of the 41 total) arrived a day early and we were able to meet up at the airport and get to the hotel together; only ~$10 per person for a shuttle that we were all able to ride in together. After we got checked into the hotel we were able to head down the street to the "Prohibition Bar" were we got Philly cheesesteaks ("when in Philadelphia...") and some cold beers.

The next day the other 32 volunteers arrived (mostly on time; only a few flights were delayed) and at noon we started a 8 hour staging event were we learned the history of the Peace Corps, what is expected of us, and some of the bare basics of our service. The two women that lead our staging had never been to Malawi, and knew nothing about the specifics of what any of us would be doing. After a very long day of ice breakers, information, and excitement we were given debit cards loaded with $120 to use that night and the following day at the airport. We split up into groups (some going to Chinese, some to an American grill, and some to other restaurants) where we had our final meals - with a few drinks of course. Myself, along with about 15 others, decided to go to "Smokin Betty's" and get burgers and beers for our final meal - which ended up being a GREAT choice if you ever happen to find yourself in Philadelphia. After we went back to the hotel to find that a current Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) had sent money to his brother in Philadelphia to buy us 2 cases of beer. The rest of the night was spent sharing stories and drinking warm beer in a small hotel room. Great relationships were formed and the stress of leaving began to disappear. Knowing I will be spending the next 27 months with such great people made me even more excited for the adventure to begin!

With no sleep we all made it onto the bus at 2:00am and arrived early at JFK for our 10:00am flight. There was a moment of stress when we realized that our carry on baggage had a a weight limit (18lbs), but other volunteers with available space graciously offered us room to lighten our bags. When all was said and done we all made it (despite some volunteers having to check bags that had hope to bring as carry on), and now we wait for the plain to board.

This will be my last post for 10 WEEKS - so expect an update mid June! Love you all, and wish me luck! Don't forget to send letters (see my first post for the address)

Departing

Although it was extremely hard saying goodbye to the people and places I love I'm happy that my last few weeks at home were more fantastic than I can even begin to describe. A few days before I left home I invited a bunch of friends I had made over the last few years out for a night around Bellingham. I've made many friends living in bellingham for 5 years, but it wasn't until they were all in one place that I realize how fortunate and loved I really am. I feel like people always strive to surround themselves with great friends, and that night I realized I've more than achieved that goal.

The realization was bittersweet; because just 2 days later I was packing up my apartment and moving all my things into storage. One of the hardest things about leaving Bellingham was saying goodbye to my girlfriend, Devan. We had spent the last month together going on adventure after adventure (bowling, eating all the good food, going to Canada, and watching horror movies and food network together until we fell asleep) trying to make the most of the limited time we had - and I know these are some of the memories I'll miss most while I'm away. I don't know what the future holds for us, but I'm confident we have many more adventures yet to come

After leaving Bellingham I got to spend a day with my mom and Gary going out on their new boat and spending time together (see above picture). Mom even made me my favorite apple pie and ice cream for dessert! Gary, my mom, and myself spent nearly 9 hours organizing my bags trying to get everything to fit / making sure everything was the right weight (see below picture) only to wake up the next morning and realize one suitcase was too large - so we had to do it all over again! Once the bags were packed I went to see my Dad, Elaine, and younger brother Simon. We went out and had a sushi feast (hopefully enough to hold me over for two years!) and got to spend some time together. Both my parents have given me the most loving support the last 22 years, and I wouldn't be the man I am today without them. I'm hoping I can share some of the love they showed me with the people of Malawi as I begin my next chapter in life.

** Stay tuned - another post is on the way with details about staging/ preservice training (PST)/ and more~