A New Chapter: Feeling the love

A New Chapter: Feeling the love: "The mailman just delievered two packages and 3 letters from loved ones. Joey, thanks for the gas money that Mom and Dad actually gave you..."

Feeling the love

The mailman just delievered two packages and 3 letters from loved ones. Joey, thanks for the gas money that Mom and Dad actually gave you to give to me. Katie, thank you for the book, the pictures, and the notes you took before and during your time in Africa. I read through them with tears in my eyes. I already have felt much more direction from your own thoughts and prayers. I will take all of it with me. Thank you, Molly, for the playlists. You always know how to make

me cry! Kamper, thanks for children's animal book. It really helps clarify many questions I've had! Dana, I love the pictures and will take them with me. Andrea, thank you, thank you, thank you for that lovely picture. It was really touching. It will stay close to me. The cartoon will be put on my classroom door, whenever I'm given a classroom door! Aunt Judy, thank you for your words. I will keep in touch and hope to ease any worries. I love you all.

I feel blessed and loved. Thank you for the memories, the encouragement, and your love


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T Minus 3 Days

The sand is running low. With my free time I jolt into Target and quickly stock up on about $200 of random items I may need. I race through Bellevue throwing my money at Marmot, Office Depot, and even Toys R Us. At this point my "to pack" piles are growing at an exponential rate, regardless of the 80-pound limit Peace Corps has placed on me. I'm filling my nerves with material objects.

My days are packed with plans. Haircut. Last minute shopping. Lunch with Mom. Happy hour with Liz. Baseball game with Annie and Steph. Hang out with Colin. Peace Corps paperwork. Returns. Exchange USD into Rand. Copies at Kinkos. Call Peace Corps. Call Aunt Judy. The hours are racing. The heat is in full gear. The hottest days of the summer trick me into believing that summer is just beginning. In a few days, I'll be flying to winter.

Last night was my last date with Colin, or at least for two years. What a perfect summer night. He had Sunflowers and chocolates for me upon arrival. Dinner was at our favorite Italian restaurant; wine followed where we had our first date. We walked in the warm summer air hand in hand. Surreal.

Everything always feels perfect right when it's time to go.