I've Arrived!!!!!

First things first, Google in Costa Rica pops up in Spanish and I don't quite have the language skills to figure out how to turn it to English, but I did find out how to write a new post, so... good news!

I suppose I will start at the beginning of my travels. On Tuesday morning, at 5:30am, my mom, dad, John and I hopped in the car and drove to the airport for my 7:20am flight. I was literally shaking when checking my bags and I was unbelievably anxious about getting to Dallas and starting the entire traveling process. Saying goodbye was a little rough and the worst part was then waiting in the security lines and turning around to wave goodbye one more time, and one more time, and one more time. 

I slept the entire way to Dallas so I didn't have to think about leaving, and met up with a fellow volunteer at the airport so we could take a taxi to the hotel together. We checked into the hotel and started with our introduction to Peace Corps right away. I met all of the other volunteers who are from all over the U.S. and everyone is very nice and have super interesting life stories. The majority of us are under 30, but we have two married couples, a blind volunteer, and I think three volunteers with dual citizenship. Fascinating.   

I'm going to expedite this part of the story. At 2:00am, we checked out of the hotel and boarded the bus to the airport. We flew from Dallas to Houston, and then from Houston to Costa Rica, and then right into buses to our training center.    

I have been in the country for two and a half days and so far, I am loving it. The country is absolutely beautiful. As we were landing in San Jose, we could see all of the mountains and forests and it is really quite a sight. Right now I am at a hotel in the province of Heredia and it is pretty fancy. We obviously have internet and I even had a warm shower. We have been busy all day, every day with lectures and activities, introducing us to Peace Corps, and getting us ready to move in with our host families on Sunday. All 21 volunteers will be divided up by Spanish abilities into four different communities for the next 11 months of training, and each of us will have our own host family. We all had a language proficiency interview yesterday and I got "novice high," which really translates to "good try." I have a ton of work to do, but I've been told living with a family will help a ton. 

All the volunteers are going into downtown Heredia tomorrow to figure out how to navigate in Costa Rica and eat lunch if we master the navigation. We were told to eat a big breakfast. 

I'll talk more about my actual job in the next post because this is a little overwhelming for you, just as it has been for me. I am really enjoying everything though and I'll try to keep you as up-to-date as possible.

Peace and Love.

Less Than a Week

At this time next week I will be in Costa Rica, beginning my adventure as a Peace Corps Volunteer. My departure date, Tuesday, February 21st, is creeping up quickly and I am doing my best to stay on top of everything that I have to do. Packing for two years is quite the challenge, and while I thought I would be swimming in all the clothes I wanted to take, I am actually overwhelmed by the number of books, markers, flashcards, games, and general stuff that I NEED (or maybe just really want) to take. I have piles all over my room and keep looking from them, to the suitcases I am taking, and back. I'll probably tackle the task of fitting all of my things into a zippered pocket last minute on Monday.      

If we are being honest, which I am going to try to be, I am a ball of emotions right now. They include, but are not limited to, pure excitement and exhilaration because of what is ahead of me, devastation because of all the people and events I am leaving behind, and shock because this job, that I have been waiting a year to embark on, is actually happening. A lot of people say their emotions come in waves, but mine are more like land mines that explode without any warning. I want to imagine that these surges will dissipate once I get to Costa Rica and begin training, but in reality I know that this is only the beginning of a sensitive span of months.

With all of that said, I am so lucky to have a huge group of people supporting and encouraging me on this two year excursion. During the Peace Corps interview and throughout the various stages of paperwork, they ask "does anyone not support you in your decision?" And every time I answered I could not think of a single person who questioned my choice. This could be because two of my sisters are returned Peace Corps volunteers and paved the way for my desire to join, along with my family's acceptance, but I really think that I am simply surrounded by wonderful, sensitive and loving people.

I am blessed to have parents that allow me to create and follow dreams of my own, and siblings who are incredible role models and show what can be accomplished with a little passion and dedication. I am fortunate to have an extended family that love me and push me to be the best person I can. I am privileged to have best friends that always listen to my anxieties and anticipations. And I am so lucky to have a boyfriend that is understanding of my desire to join Peace Corps and is selfless enough to continually support me through this long-distance.

I have a lot to accomplish in the next five days, and a lot happening in my brain, but knowing I have a strong support system makes everything a little bit easier. I can't say thank you enough, but I hope that everyone knows how much I love them and how much I will miss them.

Peace and Love.