April 28, 2011
Hello my friends and family. How are you all? How are things in the U.S.?
I am writing you all to list some recent updates.
I’ve had another week of many ups and downs (as usual). I am struggling with a few things (natural when adjusting to a new country) and was also lucky enough to do a few cool things to break the normal boring monotony. I’ll try to balance these things out, but I apologize in advance if this is a long posting.
I’ve officially been here more than one month. It feels like at least 3. Time goes incredibly slowly here. It’s less stressful in some ways, but it’s particularly brutal others. There is absolutely nothing you can do about it either. People and things just move at a glacial pace. This is extremely difficult for Type A people like myself to handle. Any suggestions and input is always appreciated.
It has indeed – finally rained (though it was 107 degrees out while it rained according to the local weather report). It turns into a hot muddy steamy mess outside when this happens, but when the land and people are in desperate need of that rain, it becomes infinitely less important.
I am working on fixing my laptop. It’s not broken, but my Microsoft office decided that the key that came with the computer to initiate Microsoft Office, which I purchased, was INVALID. Therefore, I am actually going to have to re-purchase Microsoft Office. This is why I miss my desktop – it’s a mac. And once you go Mac, you never go back, despite all the perks a PC offers.
Training continues to move on. The projects are piling on, which is both good and bad. It’s good, because I like having things to do. It’s bad, because it is impossible to get anything done in my host home. There are far too many pikni (kids) running around, asking what you’re doing, banging on your door and making lots of noise. Nothing can be done at home. For this reason I am going to spend this weekend in the Peace Corps office strictly to bang out a few projects and be done with them. This is also a good time to contact me via e-mail or facebook because during my lunch hour, I will actually be responding to e-mails and messages.
Speaking of correspondence, I’ve got 17 letters going out today and I’ll have more ready to be sent out on Monday. As promised, if you sent me your address, I WILL send you at least 1 letter or post card, if not more. Bear with me, as these things do take time to be delivered as well as to write. Robert Eckman – I need your address again. It got lost among the facebook mail. Jim – I’m aiming to mail your envelope on Monday. I want to see if I can find any cool shells to put in it. Family – I sent your postcards out about 2 weeks ago, you should be getting them soon. Please let me know when you do so I can roughly time it. Also, feel free to write. I love getting letters. It makes me happy. I got my second piece yesterday – thanks for the comic Jim (assuming you sent it). If you haven’t already sent me your address and you want me to write to you, please either e-mail or facebook message it to me.
Just a reminder my address is:
(My Name)
Peace Corps
P.O. Box 492
Belmopan City, Belize
As for recent events, I had a few days off for Easter. That weekend was particularly brutal, due to the time just going slowly and not really being able to get too much done unless I was in the office. I did get some research done last Saturday because I went to the office. I had to wait until after the cross-country bike race passed my house not once, but twice, which was actually really cool to see. I took pictures. You know where to find them. I was actually really happy to get back to classes, though classes come with their own set of frustrations which I can’t really go into due to the public setting. On a positive note, I’m feeling much more confident speaking Kriol.
On Tuesday, team Health Yeah (the health sector) took a trip to Gracie Rock. It was amazing and beautiful. We learned about herbal medicines, took a nice hike through the forest and got to explore a cave, which I saw most, but not all of due to my claustrophobia kicking in. I was convinced there was going to be an earthquake, I was going to get trapped and die so I hightailed it out of there once things got too narrow. I saw what I needed though. Once again, I took many pictures, though sadly a lot of the cave ones are blurry because my camera was on the wrong setting. Sorry everyone, but I am trying. I got to see a fruit bat though.
I am looking forward to next weekend. The PC is letting us have a few days off from our host families and sending us to visit a current volunteer in country. I find out late Friday who I will be visiting and where in the country I will be exploring.
That’s really it for now. I love and miss you all more than you know. I hope things are going well in the states. Until next time…
Peace Out.
Xunantunich
April 19, 2011
Hey everyone.
So, it’s still crazy hot. I had to downgrade my sunscreen and now I’m starting to change colors. My hair has officially become a curly hot mess, but I’m embracing it. It’s also changing colors as well, but pretty colors, unlike my skin. Make-up, hair dryers, hair straighteners are all mystical items that are only for special occasions because 5 minutes in this beautiful Caribbean weather and all your work is undone. By the way, it still hasn’t rained.
Things are better with my host family, so my stress level is now down dramatically and I am much happier. I have a lot more control over my diet now, so I’m physically feeling better as well (far less digestive issues).
On Sunday I did some cool things. I took the bus up to Succutz with some other Peace Corps Trainees and we hiked up the Xunantunich ruins. It was one of the top 5 most terrifying things I’ve done, but I did climb all the way to the top of the ruin. It was quite exciting when all was said and done, but coming down was just as scary as going up. I also saw an iguana, a wish willy, a red rump tarantula (POISONOUS) and some howler monkeys. Pictures of most of those animals and a video of the monkey will be up on my facebook page.
I miss everyone at home, but I am slowly getting used to Belize. There are some nights I’d do almost anything for certain American luxuries, but I just deal with it and go enjoy a Belizian luxury, like coconut water or check out the night sky (so clear!).
Also, I got my first piece of mail from home!!! So a big shout out to the Bankers, Jaclyn, Alyssa, Kerry, Chuck and Maria. Your card made me smile and your kind words are much appreciated! I just bought a bunch of postcards, so I’ll be writing them out and mailing them soon as long as I have your address. It’ll probably take about a month to get there, so don’t feel unloved.
That’s all I’ve really got for now. I’m going to post my movies and books update soon, when it gets slightly more substantial. There’s no point as of yet.
That’s all I’ve got for now. Love you all. Until next time, Peace Out.
Hey everyone.
So, it’s still crazy hot. I had to downgrade my sunscreen and now I’m starting to change colors. My hair has officially become a curly hot mess, but I’m embracing it. It’s also changing colors as well, but pretty colors, unlike my skin. Make-up, hair dryers, hair straighteners are all mystical items that are only for special occasions because 5 minutes in this beautiful Caribbean weather and all your work is undone. By the way, it still hasn’t rained.
Things are better with my host family, so my stress level is now down dramatically and I am much happier. I have a lot more control over my diet now, so I’m physically feeling better as well (far less digestive issues).
On Sunday I did some cool things. I took the bus up to Succutz with some other Peace Corps Trainees and we hiked up the Xunantunich ruins. It was one of the top 5 most terrifying things I’ve done, but I did climb all the way to the top of the ruin. It was quite exciting when all was said and done, but coming down was just as scary as going up. I also saw an iguana, a wish willy, a red rump tarantula (POISONOUS) and some howler monkeys. Pictures of most of those animals and a video of the monkey will be up on my facebook page.
I miss everyone at home, but I am slowly getting used to Belize. There are some nights I’d do almost anything for certain American luxuries, but I just deal with it and go enjoy a Belizian luxury, like coconut water or check out the night sky (so clear!).
Also, I got my first piece of mail from home!!! So a big shout out to the Bankers, Jaclyn, Alyssa, Kerry, Chuck and Maria. Your card made me smile and your kind words are much appreciated! I just bought a bunch of postcards, so I’ll be writing them out and mailing them soon as long as I have your address. It’ll probably take about a month to get there, so don’t feel unloved.
That’s all I’ve really got for now. I’m going to post my movies and books update soon, when it gets slightly more substantial. There’s no point as of yet.
That’s all I’ve got for now. Love you all. Until next time, Peace Out.
Pray for Rain
April 14, 2011
So, sorry I haven’t posted in a bit. As you probably surmised, I don’t typically have an internet connection.
First - a friendly reminder that if you want to see pictures, go check my facebook. They’ll be there and my albums are public. http://www.facebook.com/slevineightnine
So it still hasn’t rained since I got here. I’ll probably be kicking myself for being sad about that once rainy season hits and I cry myself to sleep during massive hurricanes. The song “Pray for Rain” by Massive Attack is consistently running through my head.
I’ve had a few lows, mainly involving issues with my host family and the PC staff and their role regarding the issues with my host family, but most of those have cleared up. We’ll see how the ones that haven’t resolve themselves. The projects are piling on though so hopefully those will be enough to distract me, captain Type A analytical learner from some of my frustrations. I’ve been keeping my head up though and I remind myself how blessed I am to be having this wonderful experience.
There are a few major things I’m looking forward too though, putting in the garden at the school, the health fair, PCV visit weekend, finding out what my final site will be, visiting my final site and in due time…VISITORS!!!! You should all be working on getting your passports right now if you don’t already have one.
Some things I’ve gotten used to are drinking obscene amounts of water, “Belizian/Caribbean time”, adorable geckos, cold showers, SOME bugs, the heat, waking up at 5AM and being asleep by 10PM, not being able to go out at night, malaria meds and understanding Kriol.
Some things I know I will never get used to no matter how hard I try are tarantulas, scorpions, giant grasshoppers that make obnoxious noises, snakes, bug bites and the bats that have a nest over my room and make scary noises, wake me up and give me nightmares – basically CREEPY CRITTERS!!!!!!
I’ve been able to do some cool things though. I’ve adventured around Camalote and Belmopan a bit as well. I got to spend a day at the Ministry of Agriculture learning about how to make organic insecticides and composting and learned a lot more Kriol, though I still sound like an American, but I don’t think that will ever change. Last week all of the PC’s and some host families went out and did KAREOKE at one of the only places in Belize that actually has Kareoke. I’ve also started a list of book s I’ve read, movies I’ve watched and random life goals. I will share said lists periodically as they are an ongoing process. Also, though I am still on a hunt for a guitar (which is only pointing to Guatemala right now) I did find a nice neighbor named Colin who worked with the PC in the past that will let me go practice on a guitar that’s just sitting around not being loved by anyone at his business, which happens to be right across the street.
I miss everyone in the states though. However, for those who don’t know, I do have this neat thing called a CELL PHONE. If you’re interested in calling me, incoming calls are free for me and I bought a ton of credits so I can actually call people too. Just contact me for that magic sequence of digits.
I also have a few requests for all my friends out there. The first one is simple. My file with everyone’s addresses got corrupted in the switch over to a PC so I need them re-sent. Send them either via facebook or to Harford.Stephanie.pcbz@gmail.com and then you shall receive mail in return. Along those lines, I like receiving mail, so please, send away! Some things I’d like to receive are:
-Letters filled with love from awesome people (pretty please)
-Books (Once read they will be donated to the PC library or a local school library)
-Other media
-Jigsaw puzzles
- Nutella
-Almond Butter
-Guitar tabs
-No ouchie hair ties
-Stationary and envelopes (so I can send mail! – no need to be fancy – loose leaf paper and envelopes work too)
- Band aid brand antibiotic band aids (they’re neon colored, you can’t miss them and they’re amazing)
-Equate (generic brand) contact solution
- Clean & Clear face wash
- High SPF sunscreen
Keep in mind you will be reimbursed for these items, it just may take several weeks for reimbursement to arrive in the mail.
To respond to one of my comments (which I read diligently): Stranger whose girlfriend is in PC with me here in Belize, who is your lady? This way at least I have some sort of reference point as to who you are
I’m also making a promise to make these blog posts more frequent as well as more detailed and interesting instead of being written in a rush like this one.
Last, but not least, I’d like to give a random shout out to Jay’s Dad. Your son told me you read my blog so I promised him I’d give you a shout out. What’s up homeskillet?
I love and miss you all and I hope to hear from you all soon, so until next time…
Peace Out.
So, sorry I haven’t posted in a bit. As you probably surmised, I don’t typically have an internet connection.
First - a friendly reminder that if you want to see pictures, go check my facebook. They’ll be there and my albums are public. http://www.facebook.com/slevineightnine
So it still hasn’t rained since I got here. I’ll probably be kicking myself for being sad about that once rainy season hits and I cry myself to sleep during massive hurricanes. The song “Pray for Rain” by Massive Attack is consistently running through my head.
I’ve had a few lows, mainly involving issues with my host family and the PC staff and their role regarding the issues with my host family, but most of those have cleared up. We’ll see how the ones that haven’t resolve themselves. The projects are piling on though so hopefully those will be enough to distract me, captain Type A analytical learner from some of my frustrations. I’ve been keeping my head up though and I remind myself how blessed I am to be having this wonderful experience.
There are a few major things I’m looking forward too though, putting in the garden at the school, the health fair, PCV visit weekend, finding out what my final site will be, visiting my final site and in due time…VISITORS!!!! You should all be working on getting your passports right now if you don’t already have one.
Some things I’ve gotten used to are drinking obscene amounts of water, “Belizian/Caribbean time”, adorable geckos, cold showers, SOME bugs, the heat, waking up at 5AM and being asleep by 10PM, not being able to go out at night, malaria meds and understanding Kriol.
Some things I know I will never get used to no matter how hard I try are tarantulas, scorpions, giant grasshoppers that make obnoxious noises, snakes, bug bites and the bats that have a nest over my room and make scary noises, wake me up and give me nightmares – basically CREEPY CRITTERS!!!!!!
I’ve been able to do some cool things though. I’ve adventured around Camalote and Belmopan a bit as well. I got to spend a day at the Ministry of Agriculture learning about how to make organic insecticides and composting and learned a lot more Kriol, though I still sound like an American, but I don’t think that will ever change. Last week all of the PC’s and some host families went out and did KAREOKE at one of the only places in Belize that actually has Kareoke. I’ve also started a list of book s I’ve read, movies I’ve watched and random life goals. I will share said lists periodically as they are an ongoing process. Also, though I am still on a hunt for a guitar (which is only pointing to Guatemala right now) I did find a nice neighbor named Colin who worked with the PC in the past that will let me go practice on a guitar that’s just sitting around not being loved by anyone at his business, which happens to be right across the street.
I miss everyone in the states though. However, for those who don’t know, I do have this neat thing called a CELL PHONE. If you’re interested in calling me, incoming calls are free for me and I bought a ton of credits so I can actually call people too. Just contact me for that magic sequence of digits.
I also have a few requests for all my friends out there. The first one is simple. My file with everyone’s addresses got corrupted in the switch over to a PC so I need them re-sent. Send them either via facebook or to Harford.Stephanie.pcbz@gmail.com and then you shall receive mail in return. Along those lines, I like receiving mail, so please, send away! Some things I’d like to receive are:
-Letters filled with love from awesome people (pretty please)
-Books (Once read they will be donated to the PC library or a local school library)
-Other media
-Jigsaw puzzles
- Nutella
-Almond Butter
-Guitar tabs
-No ouchie hair ties
-Stationary and envelopes (so I can send mail! – no need to be fancy – loose leaf paper and envelopes work too)
- Band aid brand antibiotic band aids (they’re neon colored, you can’t miss them and they’re amazing)
-Equate (generic brand) contact solution
- Clean & Clear face wash
- High SPF sunscreen
Keep in mind you will be reimbursed for these items, it just may take several weeks for reimbursement to arrive in the mail.
To respond to one of my comments (which I read diligently): Stranger whose girlfriend is in PC with me here in Belize, who is your lady? This way at least I have some sort of reference point as to who you are
I’m also making a promise to make these blog posts more frequent as well as more detailed and interesting instead of being written in a rush like this one.
Last, but not least, I’d like to give a random shout out to Jay’s Dad. Your son told me you read my blog so I promised him I’d give you a shout out. What’s up homeskillet?
I love and miss you all and I hope to hear from you all soon, so until next time…
Peace Out.
My first few days of Peace Corps
March 27, 2011
Hello all. First and foremost I’d like to reassure you that I am alive and well. I have reached Belize safely, soundly and have been enjoying my first few days. I am happy, safe and healthy.
Staging was amazing in Dallas and I’m so lucky to have been placed with such a wonderful group of people here. Everyone in my group is amazing and I continue to look forward to getting to know them all more intimately as well as meeting and learning about and from the volunteers that are already here.
For those who feel like calling me, I will have a cell phone number tomorrow. It is free for me to receive calls, but costs a pretty penny to make calls.
I’ve already learned quite a bit here and I’d like to share some things about Belize and life in general. I will be doing this frequently throughout my journey. So here it goes;
- Watermelon and watermelon juice is delicious. Even if you don’t typically like watermelon.
- There is no speed limit in Belize, but there are speed bumps on the highway.
- Garifuna music and culture is rich.
- If you’re playing ultimate Frisbee in the park, don’t be surprised if your teams get vastly larger and those players end up being less than 4 feet tall and then instead of playing end up having you chase them around the field and give them piggy back rides.
- They do not use the metric system.
- Books are better than TV. I knew that already, but that sentiment is being strongly reinforced. I have a goal to read at least 100 books while here. Right now I am reading “The Sex Lives of Cannibals”. It’s hilarious.
- Rope is sold by the pound, laundry is most easily done in the sink or tub and you don’t need a clothesline if you have rope.
- Everything here is written in both English and Chinese.
- Don’t ask what something is, just eat it.
- There is a very large difference between ordering rice and beans versus beans and rice. Order wisely.
- Red Stripe beer is delicious.
- As is Belikin.
- Most people here make their own rum (No, I have not tried any…yet).
- Everyone is super nice.
- It’s hot, and that’s awesome.
- Good luck finding sunscreen over SPF 40.
- You can buy movies that are still in the theaters for about $2 USD. They are readily available. I have no idea what the quality is like though.
- The exchange rate is $1 USD = $2 BZD. Either is taken anywhere.
- Mail takes about 3 ½ to 4 weeks to get here and also be sent.
- 23% of the population has diabetes.
- The Caribbean Sea is warm and feels great on your feet.
- It is physically impossible to keep your feet clean for a period longer than 10 minutes if you’re walking anywhere, which you’ll be doing to get everywhere.
- Not every mosquito has malaria, but a lot do.
- Coconut water and Zucaritas (Frosted Flakes) is the breakfast of champions! (Opinion)
- There are various types of mangos. If it is not mango season it is hard to find them, but not impossible.
- Bugs are larger than you could ever possibly imagine. I think they were dipped in the same type of ooze the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were.
- Shampoo is cheap, conditioner is not.
- Stamps are 65 cents. I’m not sure if that’s USD or BZD yet.
- I’m in love with this country.
- The houses all are painted with awesome bright colors.
- Everything except a few stands and Chinese restaurants closes on Sunday.
- Easter and Christmas are the biggest holidays here.
- Skirts > Pants. Hands down.
- I love my life and have lived a very blessed life to date and continue to do so today. I’m truly lucky to be serving my country here and can’t wait to spend the next 2 years of my life here.
There are a few random missions I have as well. Here is what they are;
- See every country that borders Belize.
- Find a harmonica and learn how to play it.
- Find a guitar to practice my mad skills on.
- (Repeat) read at least 100 books.
- Learn to properly handle a machete
- Complete all entries in the book “List yourself’.
- More TBA.
That’s all for now. I love you all and miss you all very much. Just know all is well and such. Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail. I will update as frequently as possible.
Hello all. First and foremost I’d like to reassure you that I am alive and well. I have reached Belize safely, soundly and have been enjoying my first few days. I am happy, safe and healthy.
Staging was amazing in Dallas and I’m so lucky to have been placed with such a wonderful group of people here. Everyone in my group is amazing and I continue to look forward to getting to know them all more intimately as well as meeting and learning about and from the volunteers that are already here.
For those who feel like calling me, I will have a cell phone number tomorrow. It is free for me to receive calls, but costs a pretty penny to make calls.
I’ve already learned quite a bit here and I’d like to share some things about Belize and life in general. I will be doing this frequently throughout my journey. So here it goes;
- Watermelon and watermelon juice is delicious. Even if you don’t typically like watermelon.
- There is no speed limit in Belize, but there are speed bumps on the highway.
- Garifuna music and culture is rich.
- If you’re playing ultimate Frisbee in the park, don’t be surprised if your teams get vastly larger and those players end up being less than 4 feet tall and then instead of playing end up having you chase them around the field and give them piggy back rides.
- They do not use the metric system.
- Books are better than TV. I knew that already, but that sentiment is being strongly reinforced. I have a goal to read at least 100 books while here. Right now I am reading “The Sex Lives of Cannibals”. It’s hilarious.
- Rope is sold by the pound, laundry is most easily done in the sink or tub and you don’t need a clothesline if you have rope.
- Everything here is written in both English and Chinese.
- Don’t ask what something is, just eat it.
- There is a very large difference between ordering rice and beans versus beans and rice. Order wisely.
- Red Stripe beer is delicious.
- As is Belikin.
- Most people here make their own rum (No, I have not tried any…yet).
- Everyone is super nice.
- It’s hot, and that’s awesome.
- Good luck finding sunscreen over SPF 40.
- You can buy movies that are still in the theaters for about $2 USD. They are readily available. I have no idea what the quality is like though.
- The exchange rate is $1 USD = $2 BZD. Either is taken anywhere.
- Mail takes about 3 ½ to 4 weeks to get here and also be sent.
- 23% of the population has diabetes.
- The Caribbean Sea is warm and feels great on your feet.
- It is physically impossible to keep your feet clean for a period longer than 10 minutes if you’re walking anywhere, which you’ll be doing to get everywhere.
- Not every mosquito has malaria, but a lot do.
- Coconut water and Zucaritas (Frosted Flakes) is the breakfast of champions! (Opinion)
- There are various types of mangos. If it is not mango season it is hard to find them, but not impossible.
- Bugs are larger than you could ever possibly imagine. I think they were dipped in the same type of ooze the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were.
- Shampoo is cheap, conditioner is not.
- Stamps are 65 cents. I’m not sure if that’s USD or BZD yet.
- I’m in love with this country.
- The houses all are painted with awesome bright colors.
- Everything except a few stands and Chinese restaurants closes on Sunday.
- Easter and Christmas are the biggest holidays here.
- Skirts > Pants. Hands down.
- I love my life and have lived a very blessed life to date and continue to do so today. I’m truly lucky to be serving my country here and can’t wait to spend the next 2 years of my life here.
There are a few random missions I have as well. Here is what they are;
- See every country that borders Belize.
- Find a harmonica and learn how to play it.
- Find a guitar to practice my mad skills on.
- (Repeat) read at least 100 books.
- Learn to properly handle a machete
- Complete all entries in the book “List yourself’.
- More TBA.
That’s all for now. I love you all and miss you all very much. Just know all is well and such. Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail. I will update as frequently as possible.
Preparing for lift off!
Today - I leave today for Dallas, Texas and tomorrow to Belize.
The time has come!
So I'm off to staging. It's real and it's happening.
Packing was extremely difficult. Making the weight limit is really hard and I have to have some things shipped to me. My friend Christina is going to ship them to me.
On another random note, yesterday I had something crazy happen. My guitar was stolen from my storage unit. How do I know? I got a call from the store I've been taking lessons from for many years. Since my guitar is on the more unique side, they immediately knew it was mine. I checked the storage unit to confirm it was mission, the serial numbers matched up and the man who stole it was fired from the moving company and arrested. I tried to resolve it without the police, but unfortunately the only way to recover it was to press charges. It was sad, but I got Lucille back and she's now back in storage safely. So a public "Thank You" to Patrick McLaughlin and all the workers at Music Go Round.
So yeah, that's it. I'm headed to staging. I'm going to finish completing all my paperwork now, take a shower and head to the airport for my 7AM flight!
The time has come!
So I'm off to staging. It's real and it's happening.
Packing was extremely difficult. Making the weight limit is really hard and I have to have some things shipped to me. My friend Christina is going to ship them to me.
On another random note, yesterday I had something crazy happen. My guitar was stolen from my storage unit. How do I know? I got a call from the store I've been taking lessons from for many years. Since my guitar is on the more unique side, they immediately knew it was mine. I checked the storage unit to confirm it was mission, the serial numbers matched up and the man who stole it was fired from the moving company and arrested. I tried to resolve it without the police, but unfortunately the only way to recover it was to press charges. It was sad, but I got Lucille back and she's now back in storage safely. So a public "Thank You" to Patrick McLaughlin and all the workers at Music Go Round.
So yeah, that's it. I'm headed to staging. I'm going to finish completing all my paperwork now, take a shower and head to the airport for my 7AM flight!
As I lay here on the floor of my empty house
It's finally starting to sink in. I'm leaving for Belize on Wednesday. A majority of my life is officially in storage. Some things are in suitcases. I really hope I somehow make this 80lb limit with my 2 bags and my 2 carry-on bags.
I feel like a stranger in my own empty house. This week has been an emotional roller coaster. Especially in regards to my personal life. Why do matters of the heart always have to be so complicated? Why does love often require so much sacrifice?
*sigh*
Anyway, I best be getting on with my day. Still a lot to do.
I feel like a stranger in my own empty house. This week has been an emotional roller coaster. Especially in regards to my personal life. Why do matters of the heart always have to be so complicated? Why does love often require so much sacrifice?
*sigh*
Anyway, I best be getting on with my day. Still a lot to do.
It still feels like a dream
Less than a week...
In less than a week my whole world will be officially turned upside down. It still doesn't feel real, but I know when it hits me it'll be like a ton of bricks. The past few days have been really emotional though. That's the only part that seems real so far.
I started packing, my bedroom set is sold, my bookcases are sold and my desk will be picked up this weekend. my bedroom is so empty it actually echoes. I canceled my cable/internet and settled things with my bank. There's still so much to do and I'm super stressed, scared, excited, happy, sad, and I just plain don't know anymore. I had cold feet for a few hours today, but I got over it. Once I'm in country, I'm going to feel A LOT better. Until then I'm probably going to be the moody mess that I am, but this is my life and these are the choices I have made and I'm standing by them. It still just seems surreal.
I am excited to meet all my fellow Belize volunteers/future family next Wednesday at staging. Steve and Cathy, don't be surprised/scared when I run up and say "Hi!" and start talking to you out of the blue.
Alright, it's time to stop rambling and get some sleep. I have a long day of packing tomorrow with several runs to goodwill and consignment shops.
Until my next update...
Peace out.
In less than a week my whole world will be officially turned upside down. It still doesn't feel real, but I know when it hits me it'll be like a ton of bricks. The past few days have been really emotional though. That's the only part that seems real so far.
I started packing, my bedroom set is sold, my bookcases are sold and my desk will be picked up this weekend. my bedroom is so empty it actually echoes. I canceled my cable/internet and settled things with my bank. There's still so much to do and I'm super stressed, scared, excited, happy, sad, and I just plain don't know anymore. I had cold feet for a few hours today, but I got over it. Once I'm in country, I'm going to feel A LOT better. Until then I'm probably going to be the moody mess that I am, but this is my life and these are the choices I have made and I'm standing by them. It still just seems surreal.
I am excited to meet all my fellow Belize volunteers/future family next Wednesday at staging. Steve and Cathy, don't be surprised/scared when I run up and say "Hi!" and start talking to you out of the blue.
Alright, it's time to stop rambling and get some sleep. I have a long day of packing tomorrow with several runs to goodwill and consignment shops.
Until my next update...
Peace out.
About Me
- S. Wanderlust
- I'm Stephanie, a 26 year old Social Worker who got bitten by the travel bug at a young age. My innate need to see the world and philanthropic ways have led me to become a Peace Corps volunteer leaving for Belize in March 2011 as a Youth HIV/AIDS Facilitator.
S. Wanderlust
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