meeting my fellow PC volunteers

I arrived in Miami yesterday, Monday, June 27.  I will write later about all the "angels" that showed up to help me prepare for this adventure.  I don't think I could have done it without them.  The most wonderful experience so far is meeting the amazing people accompanying me on this journey.  The volunteers are so diverse and fun to be with.  We all have sort of an instant bonding because of the knowledge that we are all in the same boat.  We all have stressed over the same things and have very similar dreams and aspirations.  Tomorrow, June 29, we will leave for Jamaica around 10:30am and will be in Kingston a couple of days before heading out to Hellshire to meet our host families and begin our training.  Last night, I slept for 11 hours!  That was the most restful sleep I have had in weeks.  I feel good and looking forward to what tomorrow will bring.

leaving for Miami

It is finally here!  I leave for the airport in Tulsa in about 40 minutes.  I was up very late last night trying to arrange last minute details and figure out how to stuff two suitcases worth of stuff into one. Oh well, at this point if I can't take it, too bad.  I have had the most amazing help from dear friends and family in getting ready for this adventure.  I will say more about that later.  The hardest part for me is saying goodbye to my grandchildren, ages 4 and 5.  They have no concept of time and I cannot explain it.  I told them that I am following my dream and for them to always follow theirs.

packing and pitching

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This aspect of beginning my service in Jamaica is not the fun part.  I have been packing and throwing stuff away and giving stuff away with wild abandon.  There is just an overwhelming amount of details to attend to when one is preparing to leave the country for two years.  Each day sees me a bit closer to being ready and I am trying to take it one day at a time and not stress too much about anything.  Afterall, it is only Life!!!
When I return I will tell my friends and family what I need and trust it will all be provided.  Besides that, I figure I can go to Goodwill and for a small investment buy everything I need.  I am rather liking this de-cluttering phase of my life.  It is actually quite liberating.

Welcome

Today is the first day I have started this blog.

By the way, these are items I have for sale...let me know if you are interested.

https://picasaweb.google.com/117191485410866377019/ItemsForSale?authkey=Gv1sRgCMeeodH7_4P0PA