Well “staging” is over and done with. It all started on Monday the 15th with a morning flight to Philly. Aside from some slightly overweight luggage, and an hour delay it was smooth sailing. I was not disappointed upon my arrival in Philly either as I landed a classic east coast cabbie. Our conversation was deep and meaningful…just like on Taxi Cab Confessionals…ok not really. It was as deep and meaningful as we get with one person using the F-bomb more than any other word. It just made me laugh.
From there it was all about “staging”. I was told staging would be like orientation, as in your 1st days at college, learning all about the rules and regulations. What to do and what not to do. We talked about our aspirations and anxieties, ways to mugged and stay safe. All in all just a general into the Peace Corps and a reminder of just what we are all getting ourselves into. And just like those 1st few days at college when you don’t know anyone and don’t know what to believe I am sure the experience will be totally different from what we all expect. What was the most interesting to me was the personalities that began to emerge. You had the guy who had an answer for everything, the folks who were shy and didn’t say anything, and those in between who spoke only when they had something to say. All in all though it is a great group of folks and I am already forming some friendships that I know will grow deeper over the next couple of years. I am also amazed at the depth of talent that we have with us, graduates from Brown and M.I.T., business owners and engineers, environmental whacko’s (I mean conservationists) and teachers.
I am writing this little note from the international terminal at JFK, reflecting on the week. Thinking more about what it is I am looking for in this experience and what it is am searching for in myself. How is this all going to effect me? What will life be like in two years? What exactly will I be doing and when? These are all questions I have, but the answers still elude me. I am learning patience though. I am learning that it will all be ok and remind myself that I am firmly in the grip of God. I am looking forward to sharing my experiences with you, along with my thoughts fears and triumphs. I want these letters and posts to be as transparent and as real as possible and an accurate reflection of the ups and downs of this adventure. So stay tuned for more….
