Hey Everyone -
So I made it to Philadelphia safe and sound. It was definately an emotional night before. People were at my house non-stop and I had to say goodbye to some of my favorite people in the world. I ended up staying up with my bestest friend Deb until about midnight and then didn't fall asleep until 2am. 3:30am the alarm goes off.... and it is time to begin my day. Got ready, drove to the airport, said goodbye to Mom and Gene (tear) and flew to Detroit. Had a short layover and then flew to Philly. Once I got there I immediately found a shuttle to take me to the hotel and then I had just enough time to grab a Starbucks before I had to be in meetings until 7pm. Had dinner with a bunch of people from my group and am now lying in my hotel bed taking advantage of internet for one of the last times in awhile.
Staging was definately an eye-opening experience today. I met all of the people that will be going with me. And boy, did it take alot of the pressure off. There are 22 of us. Everyone is absolutely amazing. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and has a different story to tell. Everyone is bringing something different to the table. It was really refreshing because the Peace Corps didn't make us do those stupid ice-breakers. We all just got to tell "our story". It was nice to hear about the people. It is weird what a bond we all seem to have already. I think we just know that we are each other's families right now and need to be there to support each other. The meetings were pretty basic stuff about general Peace Corps rules and regulations, safety stuff, what to expect, anxieties and aspirations, etc. Kind of a boring post I know.... But, tomorrow is another day of meetings and what not. I will probably post one more time. Then, Saturday we leave for the airport and I probably won't have e-mail access for awhile after that. I love you all and I thank you for the sweet messages and prayers. Your support gives me the strength to know that I can do this.....
3 comments:
Dearest Jillian:
It is a very interesting post and very informative. I am glad your travels have gone smoothly and that you have a great bunch of people to be with in your work. It will be sooooooo good! Life changing and unforgetable!
I wish I was 23 again.
I Love You and will communicate again with you soon. All the Best!
Love,
Dad
This is an email Jillian sent out today. I talked to her on Saturday morning and she is now under the impression that she will not have internet access until August. -Deb
Hey All-
Just wanted to shoot off a quick email letting you know that I am fine and well. I am at the Johannesburg airport currently and my flight for Malawi leaves in about 45 minutes. We had to buy internet time so a bunch of us are sharing... so I don't have a ton of time. But, just wanted to let you know I am safe. The flight was terrible. Just the length... but that is to be expected. But we made it. Had a great night in Joburg in a terrific hotel with yummy food and great beds. After we get to Malawi we have an hour drive to training and then it begins. I won't have internet for 8 weeks probably. So, if this is that last you hear from me in awhile... I love you. Please pass on this information to the rest of the family and Deb, my friends if you would... I would appreciate it. Until later. I love you all.
Love Jillian
Jillian! Good work my friend. I hope training goes well and I can't wait to hear how everything else is after you get finished training. I might even see you some time next year!
Hope this finds you well. Bye for now.
Jake
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