Whirlwinded

Overwhelming. Enthralling. Stressful. Exhausting. Vibrant. Grounding. Confounding. Riveting. Intriguing. Intense.

Many words can describe Peace Corps training. It's a multifaceted experience. You are plunged into a new language, culture, and lifestyle. Amidst the rapid adaptation, you are fed a vast wealth of information. Survival skills, technical skills, and logistics are all crammed into your head in a thimble of time. You are immersed in your new life, absorbing as much as you can...You are constantly adjusting, growing, and learning....and it is stressful, but absolutely fantastic. 

It is fantastic because the experience produces high yields. Greater perspective, capability, knowledge, and strength are fostered by all I see and learn. The adventure of a new land and the passion for purpose stimulate my progression. The stress is real, but I take it in stride. I know all I am gaining is worth the stress. I embrace the whirlwind.

So training is fun. Training is challenging. Some of training builds off my previous knowledge and experience. Some training is relatively new. All-in-all, it's an experience of a lifetime. And I've only been here two weeks!

Here's some details of my Peace Corps Madagascar lifestyle, observations, and experiences thus far:

Departure

Saved by the Bell (photo from quickmeme)

This is really happening.

I have officially left Texas. 

First, to Philadelphia for staging. I met my training group of about 45 soon-to-be Peace Corps Volunteers. In staging we had a day of preparation for departure, training, and service. A day to bridge ourselves between home and Madagascar.

Next, to Africa. Before long, I will be flying over ocean blue and distant lands to Madagascar. I will be going to my new home for the next two years.

Once I arrive to Madagascar, I will be off the communication grid for the first few weeks of training (aka, no phone or internet). In other words, you won't hear from me for a while. But I

Swan Song Adventures

What's the deal with this picture? What does it mean? Learn the significance here. 

My Last Hurrah. My Final Round. My Swan Song. My last days before leaving the United States...

The goal » See as many people as possible one last time before moving to Madagascar
The challenge » Complete the goal within the month of January, via road tripping

So goes my Swan Song Adventures...

»Stop 1: Phoenix, AZ, 5 days

With my mom, sister, and two nephews, I drive from central Texas to Phoenix. We visit my Grammi, aunt, uncle, and two cousins (oh, and my Grammi's cat). Aside from being delayed seven extra hours in a Texas ice storm, it's an excellent trip.

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Arizona

»Stop 2: Cherokee, TX, 3 days

I meet up with other Aggies For Christ members in Cherokee to serve at the local children's home. Each year AFC members go on "Weeklong" trips; groups split and travel to eight Texas children's homes to assist and encourage children and staff. This is my fourth year to go to Cherokee, although this time I'm only able to stay for three days instead of the full week.

AFCers wear "war paint" to the 
Cherokee Middle School and 
High School basketball games.

Giving pigs "crew cuts" for the livestock show is a 
traditional Cherokee Weeklong project.

finis

Movie still from Madagascar (2005)

Preparing to die.

That's what I feel I've been doing for the last five months. More in an amusing way than a morbid way. An amusing--but very real--way. 

Reality sharpened when I received my Peace Corps assignment and departure date. Priorities shifted at the realization of an approaching drastic life change. 

The first thing that changed? I stopped dressing up every day. Just kidding... I've never dressed up every day. But other things quickly became unimportant and impractical. I quit