EDogBlog

Living life as a Peace Corps municipal development volunteer in El Salvador from 06.2006 to 08.2008. Please note that the contents of this website are solely my own and do not reflect the views of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

The first of many

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go." T. S. Eliot

It's May 31st, four days from departure and I figure it's about time I get this thing up and running. So, welcome to my blog! and my world, of course. I'm a few short days away from embarking on a journey that I feel in some ways I've been anticipating for years, ever since I learned what Peace Corps was and that I could be qualified enough to become a volunteer. I'm anxious to head out, although not so excited about saying goodbye to loved ones for quite a while. However, in this continously globalizing world El Salvador doesn't seem that far away - not when you consider that most volunteers there have cell phones and some access to internet. Plus, back in February I met a man who drove from Maine to Costa Rica - took him 12 days. For some reason, knowing that my parents can theoretically jump into their car and show up at my doorstep in Central America a week and a half later makes this whole experience seem a lot less remote. Am I going "too far" by committing to be a Peace Corps volunteer? I hope not, and I don't think so. Growing accustomed to a new language, culture, environment and lifestyle will be challenging to say the least, but it is a challenge and exposure I welcome with open arms. I'm ready and willing to be out of my comfort zone and attempt to be a useful volunteer, and I'm incredibly grateful to have the support of my friends and family to back me up.

The first leg of the journey begins at 2:00pm Monday the 5th in D.C., with 12 hours of introductory orientation and a chance to meet some staff and my fellow trainees. We'll be on the way to El Salvador early on the 7th to begin the training portion. Until Monday, I am focused on spending as much time as possible with my family and friends, packing up less than 80 pounds of luggage, and buying travel size cans of Fabreeze. Thank you to everyone who is reading this! I hope it proves to be a great way to keep in touch over the next few (and short) years.

For the time being, I have a new pocket knife to figure out so I'll be on my way. Until next time, take care!

Erin