In preparation...

I have obviously neglected my blog since being notified of my invitation. I’m still riding out the thrill of being invited to serve in the Peace Corps.
I have occupied my last few weeks with babysitting, seeing as though 2 months is not ample time to get a real job…one more reason to postpone real world America. In addition, I have traveled back and forth to Memphis pretending like I don’t actually have to say goodbye to people. In this time I have discovered and confirmed that I am terrible at goodbyes. I will find any and every reason to say a “see you later” before I have to commit to a finalizing departure. I might regret this three months from now, but in the moment an evasive exit seems emotionally manageable and subtle.
I discovered the Botswana 10 Facebook group about a week after receiving my invitation and I am so grateful for the open forum of discussion and questions. In some ways it makes this venture seem so much less lonely than I originally anticipated. I keep comparing things to my study abroad experience in Spain. When I went to Madrid, I went totally alone…independent of a program or a familiar face, thinking that was what I wanted. I enjoyed that feat as a sign of my self-sufficiency and social ingenuity (I’m slightly prideful of my Spanish adventure for this reason). However, I would much prefer this form of camaraderie even with strangers to be able to have a foundation of people to share in this endeavor. I am excited and so nervous to meet these new people. From what I can tell we are a diverse group in different ages and backgrounds…just the way I like it.
I am trying to budget a few more items on my babysitting salary ☺…ha, good joke! I just purchased a down jacket, which seems totally ludicrous for Africa. I have read a few blogs and notes to learn that there are a couple of nights in the year that get below freezing in Botswana. My sensitivity to the cold is utterly ridiculous and I blame it on my mother’s genes. Because of this jacket I am going ready to endure even the slightest of cold weather with a smile and not a single complaint. I have also purchased a little French press (to sustain my dependency on coffee), a good set of kitchen knives (which apparently are scarce), electrical converters, & a hammock (because I have to find some way of justifying this purchase…what better excuse than a trip to Africa). I’m sure there are other things that I should prioritize for purchasing, but I’m taking the whole packing process pretty slowly. I hate packing. I struggle to pack for a week…imagine 2 years….in 2 bags!
In other news:
My brother, Lawson, and his wife, Courtney, just had a baby last week. I remember how anxious I was to receive my invitation and to get out of this country months ago, but since Baylor’s birth I cannot even fully explain how grateful I am to be around for this.
I went with my sister, Christine, to pick out her wedding dress! Being such a methodical person as she is, it didn’t take her but about 10 dresses to pick one that she wanted. I am also grateful to have had the opportunity to share that with her, particularly since I will not be here for the wedding (it is during my first three months of service on site, and I am not permitted to leave). I haven’t fully come to terms with that side of things simply because there is no way to compensate for missing something like that. Even still, I am so happy for her and Andy.
Next week I am venturing to New York with Chris to visit my best friend, Lillian. Along the way we plan to make frivolous stops in heinous little towns and also stop in Tuscaloosa to see my college roommate, EA. I imagine that I am setting myself up for another set of painful goodbyes, being that these are a few people who mean a great deal to me. Regardless, it should be a great trip and I am really looking forward to seeing New York and picturing Lillian’s life in the big city while I am gone.
Muchhhhh more later