It's getting closer..

Hey all-
So here is my official first blog post. I'm starting this thing in hopes that it makes keeping up with my adventure a little easier for everyone. As long as I have internet access, I feel like I should be okay at keeping up with it. *Let's keep our fingers crossed*

So as most of you know, Im taking off for South Africa where I will live for 27 months as a peace corps volunteer. I have a really long job title that ends in resource volunteer and basically means I will be assisting teachers and administrators in schools in whatever they need. A big part will be the implementation of new HIV/AIDS awareness programs. I'm so excited to be around kids and try to make an impact through 1 on 1 relationships in my community.

I leave for Philadelphia on July 16th. I will be there for my staging until we take off for South Africa on the 19th. Ill spare you the silly details but we leave JFK on thursday night and I don't arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa until Saturday morning. It obviously gonna be a fabulous trip...haha.

I will live with a host family in a village during the first 8 weeks of training. After that I will be moved with a new permanent host family at my site in another village for my 2 years of official service.

I'm so up and down about going. Mostly down which I know is not the right attitude. I'm so scared about what I'm leaving behind. But I know that I will gain sooo much through this experience and in the end, it will be well worth it. Everything happens for a reason right? If it's meant to be, it will be. Think positively.

South Africa is an amazing country and I couldn't have asked for a better assignment. I'm excited to be overseas again and learning 24/7 about a new culture and this planet we call home.

Anyways, I just wanted to get this thing started so people have something to read when i send them the address. Ill post more as I get closer to leaving. Love you all!