Staging 101

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.....