Almost to Ukraine

Well Dayna and I (my roommate from WY) are hanging out in the wonderous Doubletree Hotel on this Mardi Gras evening...catching up with family and friends. We've had a day and a half of intensive training with our fellow 67 volunteers headed to Ukraine. Most are 22-27, but there are several "mature" volunteers who I completely repsect and admire because they are giving up homes, families, jobs, etc. I moved HOME for 9 months before I left for Ukraine w/ no responsibilities or ties to anyone, so its pretty incredible that these special people are giving up their time for this amazing experience. We've been told over and over and over again that Ukraine is by far one of the best run Peace Corps groups around the world. They are all very educated in Ukraine and we have great support from the country and the communities. The Youth Development program (that's mine) is only a few years old, but is already VERY successful. None of us know where we are going, what we are doing, or who we are staying with. They like to keep us in the dark (not really...its probably part of the Peace Corps training:)
Also...today the Peace Corps President (appointed by the White house) came to give us a GREAT speech and go team type of send off. He has a great grasp of the issues and challenges that PCVs have to deal with (oh...just to give you the heads up, apparently Peace Corps uses a lot of acroynms!). He travels everywhere and is in touch with the volunteers who are here and in country.

So tomorrow is the big day. Our flight doesn't leave until 6 pm, but we are headed to the airport at 2 pm. I guess with 68 people on one flight headed out of the country on the gov't dollar, they want to make sure that all is well! I am nervous, but mostly excited about all the new people i have met and friendships that I have begun. Its just great. I won't be able to access my email or other communications for a bit, so that will be a bit difficult or more of an adjustment than I'm used to. Prayers folks...need yo prayers! I need to keep centered and focused and don't get overwhelmed. I hope all is going well!!!

love ya
kels

the 11th hour...

Its funny how I've finally sat down to write on this page and its actually 11:00 pm, so that means I have 12 hours, 11 min until my flight to chicago leaves this BEAUTIFUL state of Oregon. But here I am...with my bags that are each 52 lbs (not the regulated 50 lbs) and a "carry-on" that well, pushes the limits of carry-on bags (yes that means i will be one of THOSE passengers that hits all the other passengers on the shoulders as they walk down the aisle to their seat). My family hosted a "PEACE-out party" as Sean calls it and some wonderful people stopped by to say hello...goodbye...and hear about all my random Ukrainian facts (i don't have many). Its hard to say goodbye for 2 years because I just don't know what that feels like to be away from the people I LOVE and care about for so long! It will be an adjustment and an adventure all in one! I have badgered the dell support people making sure i completely understand my computer because well....i doubt i'll be able to call them when i need to in Ukraine:) anyhoo...hopefully i'll figure out how to work these blog things and will be able to post pictures soon. Thank you again for all your prayers...thoughts..and love!

Kels

Its the 10 day mark...am I ready??

Welp...here I am. 10 days. Can you believe it? I can't. There's so much to do over the next week and some change, but it will all get done and I won't have to worry too much...this much I know is true. I am done shopping (well one more trip to the REI garage sale:) and as for boots...I am tired of looking for them, so I'll just wait. I am a bit intimidated by the potential "elf" boots that I have heard are all the rage for Ukrainian women. The more I read from current PCVs and other people who have lived in Ukraine, the more I realize that I worry too much. Life will go on if I get a little cold from time to time, or don't fit in (because frankly...I never did!) I am prepping the first of many mass emails to go out to my friends, family, loved ones, etc and its interesting to write.. hi...i won't see you for 2 years...i'll miss you!

Anyhoo. Last few days of prep and trying to stop ignoring the rather large pachyderm that is sitting in my room and staring at me, hoping that I finally realize what is coming my way! Here's to the last days in ptown!