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.