Here We Go....

Officially leving American soil today :) and I can't wait to jump on that plane!

Yesterday started a great day! Early morning I met my dear friend and lovely pledge bro - Lori Motooka. She took a 4 - hour bus from NYC to meet me in Washington D.C. We had my last Dunkin Donuts (for awhile) and then went to see the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian Museum. Again, I'm overwhelmed by the love and support of my family and friends.

Then I had training -- lots of group exercises and lots of talks about "feelings" - our anxieties and aspirations. Apparently we're all afraid of getting food poisoning and "copious vomitting". HA! We all want to help others and share our talents. And when I refer to "we," I mean 25 Peace Corps Volunteers - 12 Small Business Volunteers + 13 Environment / Forestry Volunteers. It's awesome that we each have this instant connection with one another -- "I know the shit you've gone through to get here" kinda deal. I can't wait to continue bonding with my "Staging Family."

After several hours of hugging out our feelings (jk), a few of us hit the streets of D.C. and hopped 2 bars. I was very happy that I was able to reunite with my FAVORITE GERMAN - SEBASTIAN! Sebastian and I studied abroad in HEC Paris together and he's now currently working for the German Embassy in Wash D.C. Talk about small world.

So that's been the haps for the last few hours. I'm about to head out with my new friends to Dulles Airport to fly for 18 hours to Jo'Berg, South Africa ( as they all call Johannesburg).

Last note of reflection - I have a family whose love and support could move mountains. Thank you Dear Ate Myra for my book of pictures and letters from family friends. Thank you mom dad sis and ate for the random little surprise notes of encouragement you've hidden for me throughout my luggage. I love you guys and I will miss you!