For those who have followed my previous Blog at http://www.palew.blogspot.com, this blog picks up where that one left off. For those who have not followed that blog, it was an accounting of my experiences through 16 months of the PC application process.
So, after 16 months of dealing with the vagaries of the Peace Corps application process, there are just 14 days between the piles of clothing, supplies, and assorted other items amassed in my house and my actual arrival at Staging carrying/dragging it all into a hotel lobby in Philadelphia to register for Staging. There I will meet the other Invitees from all across the country and we will begin to experience the organized plans awaiting us as we continue to progress toward becoming Peace Corps volunteers. We are currently PCIs (Peace Corps Invitees). We will become PCTs (Peace Corps Trainees) for the next three months. For those of us who stick it out and satisfactorily complete the training program, including the language proficiency test, we will then be sworn in as PCVs (Peace Corps Volunteers) at which point our two year commitment to serve actually begins. In sum, that means that we will depart the States on September 10, 2011 and complete our service in November, 2013.
If all goes as planned, I will be among approximately 40 Invitees Staging near the historic district in Philadelphia Friday, September 9.
Independence Hall; just around the corner from the hotel where we will be Staging for departure.
After a day of indoctrination, we will go to JFK Airport and depart the States from that airport on Saturday, September 10.
JFK airport will disappear under our wings and we will cross the eastern coast of America heading toward Europe.
After a lay-over in Vienna, Austria, we will fly to Skopje, Macedonia and see Macedonia for the first time at Alexander the Great Airport.
Alexander the Great Airport in Skopje, Macedonia
But, all of that is still two weeks away and there is a lot to accomplish before then. Lots of packing and a whole lot of good-byes. Wishful anticipation is giving way to feelings of anxiety related to the growing reality that I will be leaving everything familiar not to return for more than two years during which I will experience new living & work environments, new geography, new cultures, new languages, and meet new colleagues, co-workers, friends & neighbors. For now, the focus must be on the present.
Last weekend was a highlight for me in a lengthy farewell tour I have been undertaking. In addition to the myriad errands to pick up necessary items for packing, I have been traveling around meeting with family, friends and former clients to somewhat formally say thanks for everything and farewell. The highlight of all of this occurred last weekend as a wonderful picnic planned by my wife.
Mary and me with American and Macedonian flags which were displayed at the picnic.
My brother-in law brought his two kayaks for everyone to take turns with while the others enjoyed the picnic.
Mary and Paul racing toward shore
Part of the picnic
Mary had a huge chocolate chip cookie to cap the celebration. I shared copies of the Pauza magazine.
All in all, it was a highlight for my farewell process.
For those of you not familiar with the Pauza Magazine, you might look them up on line.
I downloaded the files for the issues covering the past two years and had a local print shop make reproductions of the magazines. Everyone I have shown them to has enjoyed seeing them. I feel that my friends and family are now more informed about what I am headed for. There are numerous fascinating and very informative articles all witten by PCVs still serving in Macedonia. Many of the contributors are members of the Facebook PC Group site:
https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_182678295117094
Lots of wonderful photos, too!
Now, the list of things to do has shortened to: 1) get through the impact of hurricane Irene, 2) take a short get away trip with Mary, 3)visit family in Lancaster (PA), 4) finish packing and 5) head out to Staging.
