Both Sad and Glad

Well for those of you who don't know it yet....I'm home!  Its both a good thing and a sad thing at the same time.  Unfortunately, I got a parasite and was so sick that I was sent home.  I am now o.k., but I have decided not to return to Sierra Leone, because the program was just not for me.  I will be taking this blog down next week so feel free to facebook me if you want to re-connect.  Its been an adventure but I'm glad to be home and feeling better.  I wish the best of luck to all of my new friends that are sticking it out and I can't wait to see all of their pictures and hear all of the stories.

The Calm Before the Storm

Ok! It looks s if this will be the last post from N.J. before I head out for my big adventure.  I had such an awesome party thanks to my family.  It was really so great to see everyone before I left.  Right now I'm doing my last min. packing and starting to stress out!  I'm really sure it'll all be fine but its really crunch time and I want to finish everything today so I can relax and enjoy my last day home tomorrow.  I hope all is well and I hope everyone keeps in touch while I'm away.  I pray that everyone is happy and well and don't forget I'm coming back!  I love you and miss you!

AHHH The Clock is Ticking / Best Sister EVER

The clock is ticking louder and louder now.  The best sister ever took me to see the Lion King on Broadway last night so I could be prepared for what I'm getting into ; )  I have to say that it was pretty cool how they used all of the puppets. Today was a little crazy but I got so much stuff done.  All of my power of attorney stuff is done and I ordered all of the food for the party (yum yum).  But the best part of my day was visiting with the kids that my class in Africa is going to be writing to while I'm away.  They asked some really great questions and I'm looking forward to finding out the answers to the ones that I don't know.  It should be interesting to see if Sierra Leone has  some horses, for instances.  If you have any questions for me please feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer you.  I hope everyone's day is going as great as mine!

Less Than 10 Days!!!

 The countdown has officially begun.  It's less than 10 days and I have so much stuff left to do.  I just chopped off all of my hair since I think it's the best option considering I may not have running water and a blow dryer.  The most awesome sister ever bought me tickets to see the Lion King on Broadway before we go and I'm so excited.  I have seen so many movies lately so hopefully I won't go into withdrawal while I'm away.  I just got one of my going away packages from the Hrubys in Cali and I love all of the letters they packed for me for all of the occasions I will be missing while I'm away.  I also got some really awesome business cards, postcards, and return address labels to send out so everyone can send me some mail while I'm away.  I still need to pack, visit the beach, see another movie, and of course have my going away party, but overall, I'm so psyched for my departure date.  If you want me to write while I'm away and your not coming to my party please e-mail or face book me your address before I go!  9 days and counting until Chicago Staging!!!

Luggage Tags!!

Ok so I just got my luggage tags!!! Woot woot the date is getting closer and closer.  We have a conference call to find out some more info later this week and hopefully I'll get a little more information on what the plan is.  Thankfully, the government decided not to shut down and my departure date is still June 1st, 2011.  Now the way that works I'll be sent to a "staging" destination (yet to be determined) and I'll spend the night in a hotel with my fellow volunteers and the next day I'll get my shots and be shipped out of the country!  But before staging I have to pack which also means I get to go shopping.  So far I've ordered new Keen shows and some school supplies but I'm really waiting for by packing list before I go all out.  I only get two suitcases and there are a lot of things that need to come with me so I can't go all crazy.  Right now I'm just working on some paperwork, insurance, etc. and trying not to freak out.  I'll do my best to keep everyone posted so that you'll know when I know.  Please feel free to ask me any questions and I'll do the best to answer them.

I got my invitation!!!

It's official I received the big blue package in the mail via UPS. It was a tiny bit scary and very exciting at the same time. After months of waiting it was finally here! I will be serving in Sierra Leone from June 1st, 2011 to August 2013. I will be teaching English to high school students and I can't wait. I have even more paperwork to fill out, but I'm sure it'll be worth it. I promise to keep people updated and would love to answer any questions.