Arrival into DC

I feel like several years have passed since yesterday morning and tonight. I'm exhausted, so this entry will be brief, but I'm attempting to discipline myself to write when I have a computer available--even when I'm tired and dull.

I am finally a Peace Corps Trainee. Officially! The powers-that-be have taken my paperwork, given me a government passport, and paid us our per diem for expenses.

I left Denver for DC yesterday morning. After driving on I-70 on very slick roads and cursing whoever is in charge of snow removal planning, I had the fortune of speaking at some length with Mayor Hickenlooper while in the airport waiting for our flight. Unfortunately, I had no idea who he was until after we finished chatting, after I had watched his bags for him, and after I had inadvertantly snubbed him by moving to look at the departures board when he tried to sit next to me. I missed my opportunity to inquire about the snow situation and would never have known of my minor celebrity encounter until someone in a very smart business suit came and addressed "Mr Mayor."

I was just under the 80lb weight limit for baggage by removing a book from one of my checked bags and adding it to my enormous purse. I am extremely glad that with Andrea's help I actually made the limit. There is no way I'm strong enough to handle any more weight than I have. And I have already discussed books with a few of the other volunteers and it seems we'll have a sharing system in place shortly.

We began the orientation process today and I was fortunate enough to have met the two ladies who are sharing my room with me last night. This was great because we had a chance to settle in and chat and I knew someone today when we started orientation.

It seems we have a friendly, affirming, and motivated group here. There are 32 women and 8 men split into two different programs: Community Health and Rural Education (apparently my program name is changing). We spent most of the day today just getting acquainted and talking about our anxieties and ambitions. It was great to hear that my concerns are pretty common to the group at large and I took comfort in the safety precautions the PC takes to try and make sure we come home in one piece.

I will write again when I can, but internet usage is limited and expensive. I feel jealous that all my new friends are tucked away in corners calling their loved ones while I sit typing away because my cell phone is not to be used except in dire emergencies. Then again, we’ll all be in the same boat in a few days and we’ll all be feeling the distance.

I did discover today that they advise getting a cell phone once we enter the country. The cost is about $75 USD and I’m hoping to have enough from my allowance to purchase one. Text Messaging appears to be the preferred form of communication back to the US because it’s cheap, but I don’t know how great the coverage is in the location where I’ll be assigned in April. I’ll certainly let everyone know more as I find out more.

Also, please write if you can! I found out we're going on site visits right after we arrive and it would be great to have mail from home once I return to Lusaka.

I am thinking of you all. Thank you so much to everyone who helped me in this process. I experienced so much love and kindness in the last few weeks from friends who understood the challenges of making this trip. I could never have made it here without your help.

Goodbye for now…
Stacey J.