Life Is Calling . . .: August 2012

Friday, August 31, 2012

Let the journey begin!

Here we are...the night before departure! I feel anything but organized. My bags are packed, but my mind is all over the place! I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting, things I'll wish I had packed BUT I'll learn to live without whatever those things may be.

There is so much on my mind that I really can't think about what to write. The last month has been amazing, surrounded by my family and friends, touched by their kind words of encouragement and some of the best going away gifts that I could have ever asked for!

I am in DISBELIEF that in 5 short hours I will be headed to the airport and on my way to LA. I guess that means it's time to pack the rest of those last minute things!

Here are some pictures of the last 2 weeks!

Tongan flag cake!

Monday, August 20, 2012

Preparations, Parties and Packing Panic

Where to begin????

Firstly, I received more information on what is happening when we arrive in Tonga on September 4. We will stay at a guest house in the capital city for the first few days and nights before departing to our homestay villages. Pre-Service Training will take place through October, followed by our swearing-in ceremony the second week of November. After swearing-in as official Peace Corps Volunteers, we will travel to our permanent sites, either on the main island of Tongatapu, or one of the other island groups. The first couple months at site will be a time for settling in as the schools are winding down for the holiday break. This is an important time for us to bond and integrate with the community before we begin teaching full-time in late January. So much to look forward to!

Given that I have less than two weeks until departure it's definitely time to buckle down, buy those last few items on the list ANNND finally turn the pile of belongings in the corner of my room into 2 neatly packed bags. Today, I bought a mask, snorkel and fins that I cannot WAIT to use in Tonga. The snorkeling in Tonga is supposed to be incredible and I can't wait to experience it first hand! I've been taking a scuba certification class this month and my first dive is this weekend. If there was ever a time I should learn how to scuba dive is is definitely before I move to the South Pacific for 2 years!

What else have I been up to?? I spent the day in New York City last week with my Sister-in-law. We saw the musical Chicago and explored the city a bit. It was a special day all around -- minus the bus. Sadly, I didn't take any pictures. I also was fortunate enough to have lunch with an amazing woman who lived in Tonga for several years. Hearing her stories and advice was amazing and made me all the more excited!

Last Saturday was a MAGICAL going away party at my Dad's house. It was such a special day complete with red and white balloons -- colors of the Tongan flag! I truly feel so blessed and grateful for my amazing family and friends. They made the party so special with their well wishes, I'm so lucky to have them sharing in this journey with me.


I love you Dad!!

The beautiful cake - which was amazing!!

My first glimpse of the Pa'anga (Tongan currency) - the perfect gift, special ordered and all!

Coming up next: more parties, Boston's restaurant week, my birthday, more packing and goodbyes AH!

Sunday, August 12, 2012

7888.3 miles

In THREE short weeks I will be moving 7888.3 miles away from Boston to my new home - TONGA. So much has happened since I last posted 2 weeks ago!

On August 1, we received our Staging information. Staging is the 1-2 day orientation all incoming PCTs (Peace Corps Trainees) attend before departing the USA for their countries of service. Staging for Tonga Group 77 will be held in LA on September 1 and 2. This year, there are 15 volunteers headed to Tonga. I will leave Boston in the early morning on September 1. Once in LA, we will have our orientation on the 2nd before flying out of LAX in the evening and arriving in Tonga on Tuesday, September 4.

This past Friday was my last day of work!! The summer was a very hectic time at the office, working long hours and weekends to prepare for all our events. It's so hard to believe that it's all over now! I'm incredibly grateful for the relationships I've formed with my co-workers and supervisor over the last four years and my last day could not have been more special! My colleagues got together and purchased items from my packing list -- an amazing hammock, beautiful new English/English dictionary, and an incredibly generous gift card. I could not have been more surprised and touched by this send-off!! I can't thank everyone enough for the gifts, kind words and good-bye party complete with a map of Tonga! I'm very much looking forward to keeping in touch and sharing my experience in Tonga with everyone!