On the road again...

I am in Westminster, MD now visiting family and having a wonderful time! This road trip has been so much fun! It has been great to see family and friends before I leave. I am really excited and ready to get to Romania and begin my service. I am nervous, but know that this is the right thing to do. I feel really good about serving my country and bringing some of my knowledge and heart to Romania. It will be amazing...

I'm Still in the US--Roadtrip is Going Well!

I have not had the time to write in this blog over the past few weeks as life has been extremely mobile. Right now I am in Needles, California for the night on my way to Houston to visit my sisters and nieces and nephews. Things are GREAT! I have already seen and done so much (been from Denver to Olympia, Washington, to Santa Cruz) and am having a blast! Travelling alone is such a great experience. It strengthens your will but lets you have so much freedom. As it comes down to wire for my departure for Romania, I feel confident that I am doing the right thing. I feel so good about the decision and am excited beyond words for February. It is a little scary though, to be honest. It is gong to be one of the biggest challenges of my life and I hope I am up for it. I keep meeting people who tell me stories about Peace Corps volunteers that couldn't hack it and left early. I don't want to do that. I am committed and my stubbornness will help that way, I'm sure.

Just 2 Weeks Left at Shoshoni

Well, the countdown has begun. It is crazy to think I only have 2 more weeks left here at the school. I am going to miss everyone so much--especially the stduents. They are such incredible people and I know they will do great things someday. I feel a bit overwhelmed with so much to do and not much time to do it. But, I trust that everything will work out the way it is supposed to...life has a way of figuring itself out. I'm not even nervous about going! Well, OK I'm a little nervous, but I am so ready to go. No cold feet here. Ready for an adventure.........

Two Months Out From Resigning at Shoshoni

The realization that I will be resigning at Shoshoni in less than 2 months has hit hard. I am still beyond excited...but reality is sinking in. This week flew by so quickly that it has left me reeling--thinking that if the rest of the coming weeks go so quickly, I will be gone before I'm ready. I am "ready" to go--mentally, physically, emotionally. But logistically.....not so much. I am stressing about selling my house and getting some cash. My road trip is something I am really looking forward to--but it's going to cost some serious dough.

Aside from the basic stresses that come with preparing to leave the country for 2 years, I have been working hard on preparing myself. Today I talked with my Peace Corps recruiter for a while on the phone. He was actually assigned to Romania back in 1999 and had some great insight about what to expect. It is difficult to learn everything over the phone--so I am hoping that we will be able to meet up before I leave. He did mention that alcohol consumption is a cultural norm in Romania. This is something that I think I may struggle with. Of course, I have worked intensely on reducing underage drinking and alcohol abuse here. It is something that I am passionate about...and I think I may have trouble seeing things that I do not feel are "right". My recruiter said that addressing any issues surrounding alcohol is a sure fire way to get yourself ostrasized.......which of course, I do not want to do in any way. So it seems that I must resign to overlooking issues surrounding alcohol during my time in the Peace Corps. Who knows, maybe I will find a gentle way to address these issues or will change my point of view.

Time Passes So Quickly

Another week passed by. Soon it will be time for me to resign at Shoshoni. I know it is going to be a difficult time, especially when it comes to the kids. They mean so much to me. Just another 2 months and then I'm gone. One month to travel and then off to bigger adventures. It is crazy how quickly time passes by--we need to take advantage of every moment we have. Make a real difference in our world and the world around us. Be good to yourself.

Only 1 day and I'm hooked

Well, I just started this last night and am already hooked to blogging. Reminds me of the whole initial myspace frenzy....

So, on the topic...kinda....my mom is coming over today to help me start packing up some things. My house isn't for sure sold, but I am pretty sure it will go through. That will be a big relief and will give me some much needed money. We'll pack up some things now and in the coming weeks, so that I don't have to do it all in one shot. I'm hoping to sell or give away lots of my stuff that I won't need. But I could be pretty poor coming back, so it would be nice to have some free stuff upon arrival back in the States. That's a long ways off though.............

My First Blog

I have set up this blog to prepare for my departure to Romania to serve in the Peace Corps. I want people to be able to see what I am up to and post questions or comments. My beloved students at Shoshoni--this is especially for you. I hope that you can get something from this blog--understand what it is like to volunteer in a different country and culture. Remember that the world is endless and so are your opportunities. Much love and peace, Maggie.