When I first received my invitation to join the Peace Corps in October, I read through all the materials sent to to me, including the recommended packing list. At the time it seemed like preparing to leave would be a fairly easy task from a packing perspective. I was told not to bring valuable electronics and that most everything could be purchased in country, including culturally-appropriate clothing. Since then I've learned from current PCVs that most of that information was extremely outdated. My "to do" list has continued to grow, grow and grow some more due to my OCD planning tendencies. I've been working on dwindling it down and hoping to receive several things on my list for Christmas. I've given up on being fully prepared and decided at some point I'm just going to have to cut it off and go with whatever I have.
Packing lists aside - it's a daunting task to mentally prepare to live in another country for two years. Ironically, as anal as I've been about my lists, I don't think it's really hit me that I'll be leaving the country in 73 days. I'm treating it rather casually. The only emotionally trying part of this experience thus far has been preparing to give my dog away who's been my companion for the past four years.
A sense of hopefulness for this experience has overwhelmed me. My life has been a roller coaster over the past several years and while I am realistic towards the hardships I will incur during service, I am excited to be beginning this new season of life. I've wanted to serve others and truly experience living in another culture for quite some time. I'm looking forward to the me that will emerge on the other side of this.
