The Time Is Here- What!?!?

So today is the day! I'm so many emotions it's rediculious, (Nic and Beth I spelled it that way just for you). Nervous/excited/anxious/sad/scared and wondering what have I gotten myself into. After getting to Miami on Wednesday and two days filled with info, lectures and icebreakers, we are heading to Suriname. It's crazy to think that in less than 1 day (and 8 hours on a plane) I will be in another country- and a third world one at that (who would have ever thought- CS in Suriname). There's 24 of us volunteers in 2 programs, Business and Health. I think that I am the least well-traveled considering the only time I've been out of the States is for a trip to Cancun. Many of the other volunteers have been involved in similar programs, like hurricane relief or ESL. This is my first attempt! The amazing thing is how well everyone in the group is getting along. Each volunteer has their own little story (which we got to learn during the first session thanks to a wonderful icebreaker), and we are slowly learning about each other (we do have 27 months together so we can take it a little slow).

There's been a lot of talk about everything to expect, from sickness to loneliness to depression, so it's a little intimidating to walk into a situation where they're telling you it's not all fun and games. But then they remind us that this is "the toughest job you'll ever love", so hopefully it will all be worth it. It's hard to be away from my friends and fam and to not know when I will see/talk to them again. But the helpful thing is that I know they support me and love me and that is really helping me make it through. There are so many things about this situation that are difficult, but I keep reminding myself that it will be worth it. For some reason, a year into this looong process, I still want to be here, so I know somehow it will be worth it.

Well, it's time for me to pack up my stuff- all 85ish pounds (I'm a bit over my limit- 80 was so restricting!)-not including my massive computer bag which left my back sore from carrying it around Wednesday. Probably should have tried to pack it a little lighter- but it's too late now! So, I will talk to everyone when I can and I love you and miss you already and thank you for all the support! And thank you so much for the comments and good wishes! I got teary eyed reading them (big surprise)(Because he's wonderful Uncle Marty!)