Today was day two in my staging city. Tomorrow we leave for Ukraine and after a long two-days of travel we begin training in country.

In the past two days I have met so many incredible people. The Peace Corps staff is just amazing and the other PCTs (Peace Corps Trainees) have such wonderful stories to share. I have been overwhelmed with the amount of enthusiasm, support, and general level of care that each of the PCTs have shown.

Although training has been great so far, it hasn't been without its challenges - and this is just the start! I would be lying if I suggested that leaving home was easy. I miss my family and Jonathan more than I thought possible, and yet it is because of Jonathan and because of my family that I have the strength to be here.

For now I know life is going to be different day-to-day. I know I will be challenged at every corner and that I can expect to get frustrated, confused, and dismayed - but I also know that I will be inspired, energized, and thrilled beyond belief. I guess that's why they call this the toughest job you'll ever love.

I leave you now with a photo of two of my fellow PCTs with all of our luggage!

Two days - I leave in two days! Wow.

I have my packing mostly finished. Now I just have a lot of small things scattered around my biggest bag and I'm trying to figure out how to make them all fit.

I'm also mostly finished with my to-do list.

Today I am:

- running around getting a hair cut

- sending out a few thank-you notes

- finishing an article I owe to my graduate program

- grabbing my medicine

- and canceling my health insurance

Tomorrow I need to:

- cancel my cell phone

- weigh/measure my luggage one last time

- clean out my car so that it can be sold

- put the language lessons on my iPod so I can continue them

- and spend a LOT of time with family

I hope there isn't something major that I'm forgetting - but I think I've got it covered!

*Cheers*

I'm allowing myself five books. The books I've chosen include:

- The Namesake

- The Bookseller of Kabul

- Mountains beyond Mountains

- Yo!

- How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents

I have yet to read any of them, but they all come highly recommended!

Cheers.

I'm so excited that Peace Corps is now weeks away, instead of months, and soon it will be a matter of days!

I have written out my packing list, minus clothes. I know I have all the clothes I need (with the exception of one more pair of jeans, more underwear & socks) so I plan to lay them out as I pack and figure out what I should bring.

I've also written down a comprehensive to-do list before I leave. Now I'm working on crossing things off as I go. Next Wednesday is my last day of work, and then we leave for Maine on Thursday. I'm hoping to finish most of my list by then.

I'm very excited for everything & I'm feeling more prepared after having finished the curriculum that PC sent.

Now I'm off to work on that list!

On Saturday I went to A Prairie Home Companion with Jon & my parents. Garrison Keillor was at the fair, so being the NPR-junkie that I am I bought tickets months ago. The show was amazingly funny (as is to be expected) but it also seemed very timely. I know I've never felt quite so emotional singing our National Anthem.

I am now in my last weeks before the move. My PO told me that our information about staging was sent yesterday. The one month mark has kicked me into high gear, reading all I can about packing lists, trying to get through the TEFL curriculum (and take notes) as well as contacting friends & family.

My last visit to Maine to see all of my college friends, and Jon's family, is going to be on the 12th. I can't really believe I'm saying that... "my last visit to Maine." Wow.

My emotions are all over the place, but most of all I'm excited. I feel like I've finally been able to focus 100% on getting ready, and it feels good.

September 25th, here I come!

Cheers.

I met Will Shortz the other day. You know, the crossword puzzle guy?

As he was signing my crossword puzzle books I explained that I was headed to Ukraine with Peace Corps. He than asked, "Now, is it 'Ukraine' or ' THE Ukraine.'" Although this is a fairly common question, when asked by Will Shortz I finally realized the extent of the confusion regarding Ukraine's status.

Just in case you're wondering, it's Ukraine.

Cheers.

I haven't figured much out about my packing list, but I do know which shoes I'm going to bring!

Shoes:

- Ulu's (winter boots)

- Frye's (indoor boots)

- Chaco flip-flops

- Running shoes

- Black Dansko shoes (for warmer weather)

Next I'm going to tackle electronics!

Cheers

The three goals of Peace Corps include:

1. To help the people of interested countries in meeting their needs for trained men and women.

2. To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.

3. To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of all Americans.

When I first applied I thought the first goal was by far the most important. I thought that my main focus would be my project and that the others would just come in time. Since applying however, I've realized just how excited I am to work on the other two goals.

GYLC was amazing, but travelling for just a month felt a bit artificial. I could partly understand the German spoken in Austria, but I was at a total loss in Hungary and the Czech Republic. It made me realize how wonderful it will be once I get to the point where I start to recognize road signs and basic conversation in Ukraine. It will be even more exciting to understand the cultural traditions that take place & try to help my host family and students understand mine.

Over the past couple days, during these moments of panic, I've worked to remind myself why I signed up for Peace Corps. I know that it is going to be hard, really hard, uncontrollably hard, but I also know that I'm in for an amazing experience.

Cheers.

Saying goodbye to Becca was hard.

Getting home and realizing I'd said goodbye to Becca was harder.

Jonathan and I moved out of our place on Wednesday and as it turns out moving was the thing I needed (needed - ?) to make this experience seem real.

Tuesday night was rough. Jonathan fell asleep and I stayed up reading. Soon after finishing Water for Elephants I just started to cry. It is certainly an emotional book, but not that emotional.

I started to doubt my decision, doubt how things were going to go, and in general doubt my abilities.

I'm doing better now, and I am certainly not even entertaining the thought of not going, but I think I'm a bit less starry-eyed than before.

Sarah and I went for a walk on Wednesday and I talked to her about the night before. She is wonderful to talk to because she is so grounded about the whole experience. By grounded I mean that she has a way of bringing me back to reality when I start to get too excited, but also lifting me back up when I'm feeling down. In essence, she was the ideal person to talk to.

On top of leaving my old apartment behind, it turns out that one of my closest friends is moving to Chile on Tuesday, this Tuesday. The plans were made while I was away with GYLC, but we hadn't talked since then. Right now I'm frantically trying to find a flight to NYC and back (that I can afford) so that I can say a quick good-bye.

While this is all hard, I know there are going to be a lot of moments like these. I will get through them, and I will make it to Ukraine, things have just become much harder.

We'll see how it goes!

Cheers.

SATO travel called today - they have my VISA & Passport information - yay!

I also got back in gear & back to the gym! I'm hoping to get myself in much better shape before I leave, but I know there is only so much I can do in the next nine weeks - we'll see how it goes!

Cheers.

Today I sent in my passport & visa application. I'm also gearing up for Ukrainian lesson #1. Tomorrow I meet with Sarah (the Fulbright fellow heading to Ukraine) for some snacks, catching up, and planning for Ukraine. I'd also love to start to figure out our trip to Turkey!

I thought that my leaving for Ukraine was going to hit once I got home from GYLC, but I don't think it has yet. My departure date still seems so far away, even though it is only just over two months down the road.

Well, I'm off to start learning Ukrainian!

Cheers.

I just got back from Europe, GYLC was amazing. I was blessed with an amazing group of scholars (best at the conference) and incredible staff of faculty advisers that I couldn't be happier to have been a part of. I'm sure I'll write more about it later, but for now it's full speed ahead to Peace Corps!

Tomorrow I turn in my passport and visa application. I also start my Ukrainian lessons, and need to go through my room at my parents house.

This is going to be a busy few months, but I know I can do it!

More from me later.

Cheers

I realized recently that when I am confronted with a statement or question that I don't have an answer for I simply say, "it's going to be interesting." For example, Person: "Christie, did you know you might not have running water?" Me: "Yeah, it's going to be interesting."

While having coffee with Sara the other day she (quite rightly) asked what I meant when I said "it's going to be interesting." It was at this point that I realized that my statement could be roughly translated as, "I'm scared out of my mind and I just don't know how to say it!"

Yesterday marked the first of so many good-byes. I went down to White River to see Ryan before he leaves for Mali. He and I led an ASB trip together a year ago and have become very close. He started applying for Peace Corps soon after I did and we've been following each others application process throughout the past six months. Well, now he's off, on 7 July. As I'm leaving tomorrow until 18 July, yesterday was my last opportunity to see him in the states before he leaves.

We had a great day together. We'd planned on hiking and swimming, but the rain kept us inside enjoying sushi and tea. When it came time to say good-bye we gave each other a big hug and I couldn't help but think of all of the good-byes that lay ahead of me.

It's going to be interesting.

Cheers

I leave for GYLC on Saturday - woah! Getting ready for GYLC has been a great way to get my feet wet. I've been studying the curriculum and trying to pair down my packing list.

I also canned my first fruits this week! I went strawberry picking and made three types of jam: strawberry-ruhbarb, strawberry-blueberry, and good ol' strawberry. I was so excited when the jars sealed! I had no idea how difficult canning could be!

In addition, I've been getting together with a wonderful person who is also heading to Ukraine this fall! She will be there on a Fulbright and so we've been chatting about the language, culture, and challenges of leaving loved ones behind. We're also hoping to plan a trip to Turkey together!

This week I'm going to focus on getting ready for GYLC, continue going to the gym, and finish up my research assistantship hours.

Cheers

I'm trying to figure out what it is that I "want" to bring to PC v. what it is I "need" to bring. Once I figure that out I'll need to pair down my "wants" list.

Right now my big to-buy items include: a watch, another pair of glasses, planet earth (wants?), another piece of luggage.

I also can't decide whether I should buy boots in the US or wait until I get to Ukraine once I know where I'm going to be. The same applies to a winter jacket. I know I'll need a better pair of shoes to kick around in (I'm thinking Keens) so maybe if I find a great pair of boots while I'm shopping for regular shoes I'll just go for it?

Who knows!

Cheers

P.S. - Yesterday was day ten at the gym (since San Francisco) - go me!

I leave for GYLC in 15 days! That is 15 more days of gym-going, language lessons, apartment cleaning/sorting/etc., and simplification. I'm lucky to have a good friend who works for GYLC that I can run with in the mornings and also who can help me keep on track in terms of eating, indulging, etc.

For the past week I've been keeping track of all the money that I spend. With Fathers' Day and Jonathan's birthday I ended up spending quite a bit. I'm going to continue to track my expenses and hopefully get them down to the basics: food, gas, bills, and things I absolutely need for Ukraine.

I'm also going to map out the rest of my summer. I know that I'd like to get to Boston, Montreal, and Maine again before I leave and possibly down to Florida to visit family and friends. That will depend on how I've been doing with expenses however.

Tonight I'm cooking Ukrainian food with friends and going to my parents' to visit the new puppy. For now I've got to get back to work finishing up my research assistantship hours!

Cheers

Also, for your viewing pleasure, here are some photos from my recent trip to sunny CA to visit Keri!

I turned 24 this week (on the 6th) and decided it was time to remove my nose and upper ear piercings. Included in my welcome packet was information regarding piercings in Ukraine, it essentially stated that facial piercings are uncommon and that volunteers with facial piercings may have a harder time earning the respect of Ukrainian nationals. With that in mind my nose ring came out on the 5th and my upper earing came out on the 8th (only because I couldn't figure out how to get it out before then). With every transition, however small, this journey becomes more real.

I am, however, finding it hard to focus on Ukraine with Central Europe just around the corner. I have yet to finalize a packing list for Ukraine as I'm still working on my list for GYLC. That said, I am still plugging along with my goals. It has been too hot to even think about cooking, but I plan to make Ukrainian food later in the week. I'm also slowly starting to move things out of the apartment that I no longer need and have spent a respectable amount of time at the gym this week.

Here's to hoping the weather will cool down soon and some motivation will head back my way!

Cheers

Yesterday I finished my PC resume and aspiration statement and sent them off to the Ukraine PC desk!

Today I called SATO Travel to figure out what to do about my passport (to apply now, without sending in my current passport, or wait until I get back on July 18th so that I can send in the passport). The woman I spoke with was amazing. We had a great chat about the work I'll be doing overseas this summer and she suggested that I wait until I get back - but send it in right away after the 18th.

So, now I need to keep pushing through the paperwork, working on the language lessons, practicing my Ukrainian cooking, and simplifying my life!

Cheers

CA was great, but now it's time to crack down! The theme of this week is going to be: simplify.

As part of my preparation for Ukraine I need to also prepare myself to return. In doing so I'm going to be donating/throwing away/giving away anything that I know is not going to be useful two and a half years from now.

I'm going to start with the school supplies I've been taking from place to place (i.e. old lesson plans, unit plans, textbooks, etc.) then I'll move on to clothes/shoes/bags. We'll see how far I make it doing those two things this week. I'm starting first with my apartment, and then with my room back home!

I also need to get my paperwork ready to go. I'll work on that once I get back from the gym today.

Once I've finished simplifying my life and getting my paperwork together I'll be ready to start thinking about a packing list.

Cheers

Now that it's official I'm trying to do my best to get ready. As my Dad said, "Peace Corps doesn't start when you land in Ukraine, it starts when you accept."

So far my preparation has included:

- joining a gym (and going)

- learning how to cook Ukrainian food

- studying the alphabet (both Russian and Ukrainian)

- buying lots of books (on history, language, culture, etc.)

- buying slippers

- buying long underwear (hopefully the first of many pairs)

- starting to clean up my apartment (getting rid of school things, etc.)

- helping Jon find an apartment (done - yay!)

- lots of conversations with friends, family, etc.

I still need to:

- fill out my Peace Corps paperwork

- continue going to the gym

- learn how to can foods

- come up with a "to-pack" list so I know what I will need to buy over the summer (including another pair of glasses)

- continue trying to learn what I can of the language

- have lots more conversations

- continue changing my eating habits

... and a whole lot more that I'm sure I'm forgetting.

On Thursday I leave for San Francisco to visit my friend Keri, so a lot of this list is being put on hold for a few days. That said, I'll be back on Monday and will get back to it!

Cheers

The past six days have flown by. I've had many conversations with friends, family members, professors, and co-workers. My first conversation with my parents was the hardest. My dad asked some tough questions and helped set me on track with a preparation plan I would need to follow to be ready to leave.

Today I stopped by my parents office and spoke with my mom. It was by far the best conversation we've had about Peace Corps since November. I could tell how hard she has been trying and it made me so happy to know that she is willing to support my decision.

After that, around 1:00, I called th placement office to accept.

As of September 28th I'll be on my way to Ukraine!

Cheers.

Here is a quike update of the past few days:

5/12 - Phone call from P.O. with questions about how my family is doing with my decision to apply and if my relationship status has changed. After a long (and good) conversation she says that my invitation is in the mail!

5/13 - I left for D.C. with two friends for a few days, mainly to be a tourist (it was our graduation gift to ourselves).

5/14 - No mail. Still in D.C.

5/15 - While in the airport I learn that it arrived! I call home and ask my parents to open to package... I've been invited...

TO UKRAINE!!!

Now I have ten days to have a lot of conversations and make a huge decision!

As of today I've been medically cleared for a month.

At each stage of this process I've tried to remind myself of the frustration that came before so that I'm not constantly thinking "this has got to be the worst part." I kept reading that the medical process/clearance was the worst, and I would agree that it was pretty painful - in many ways. But now I'm sitting here, having been cleared for a month, and I can't help but wonder why I ran around putting everything else in my life off to get my paperwork in so early if it meant waiting so long to hear about an invite.

I graduate in two weeks, two weeks from today. Back in November I thought for sure I'd know what I'd be doing once graduation hit. Instead, here I am with no answer to the, "what are you doing with your life," question. I have a short term answer, a really good short term answer, but nothing beyond July 18th. In two weeks I'll have two degrees and no answer to the question.

The lack of a definitive answer has led me to apply for jobs. Lots of jobs. So far I've applied for eleven. I'm not sure what I'll do if I get said job, but I might just stick around.

In the time following my application to Peace Corps innumerable opinion articles have come out about the recent push for older PCVs. It makes me wonder if I'll be just another doe-eyed idealist without the skill set to effect positive change.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm tired, I'm tired of the process, and I'm tired of not having an answer. I haven't given up yet, but I'm not thrilled anymore either.

Cheers.