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

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

Live Action

It started as a mere concept and theory. It started as a collection of words--peace, justice, compassion, understanding, development, service--that first manifested intellectually. A collection of words that patiently, painstakingly grew beyond a theory and sunk into my heart.

It started with me. How easy it was to

Aspiration Statement

My Aspiration Statement for my Peace Corps Madagascar assignment identifies my strategies and expectations for training and service.


»Identify three professional attributes that you plan to use during your Peace Corps service and how these will help meet your aspirations and commitment to service.

Resourcefulness, diligence, and communication skills are three professional attributes I plan to utilize in my Peace Corps service. I hope to be resourceful by finding creative solutions, seeking opportunities, and networking with others. In diligence, I will strive to

Pilot

My Peace Corps journey begins at the end of my normal, Stateside life. In 40 days, I leave for Madagascar... In 40 days, I leave Texas. I leave for new adventure... I leave the familiar. I trade the known for the unknown, the comfortable for the challenging.

I am grieved to leave much... My community, my nephews, and cheeseburgers. I am relieved to leave some... Let's not specify those. But I