Two

Today marks two weeks until I start my adventure, half way around the world. It is starting to sink in slowly, but surly. I am becoming more and more excited, and also more and more terrified. It is daunting when I look at my bags, or read a current PCV's (Peace Corps Volunteers) blog. I am becoming to fully accept the challenge I have laid out for myself. I am going to take it head-on... but I will be shaking in my boots the whole time.

Until then, I continue to spend time with friends and family. Making sure I value every touch, hug, kiss, and word I have with those I love. I know that I will miss everyone and everything SO much! But I have to continue to remind myself, I am NO DYING! I WILL BE BACK! Its hard to imagine what things will be like when I return (June 2013). Better yet, will it be any different then when I left? haha I'm not sure.

I want to continue to value everything I have hear; my family, my friends, my house, my pets, my cheese :-), but I dont want to feel like Im never coming home again. I have a feeling people will be surprised how fast the time will go, and how often I will actually be able to contact home. It may not even seem like Im living in another country. I will probably get the "You're back?!?" when my return date finally arrives. It is reassuring to talk to PCVs or returned PCVs when they say how much I will appreciate the lessons I will learn and the cultures I will encounter while I am abroad. I am excited to see a different way of life and adapt it as my own for a while.

So... again I say, I AM NOT DYING. I appreciate those who are not currently treating me that way (which isnt many). I promise I will be back. My goal is to be home this Christmas. A mere 9 months away. However, during my time in Senegal, I am looking forward to Skyping, emailing, writing letters, while appreciating a new lifestyle.

That is all for now.