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)