Things I will and won't miss...

I have been thinking about things I will miss AND won't miss after I leave for Africa, so I made three lists. Of course I will miss family, friends, and kitties, but these lists include things that I tend to take for granted at times. The third list includes things that are more 'obvious' because most people are aware of my life's activities.

Things I will miss...

being called 'Mom'

a bottle of Riesling

the sound of Canada geese flying overhead

the smell of a wood stove burning while walking in the woods during cold seasons

Big Bang Theory

making a snowball and throwing it at
someone

a view of the sunset from my house

towels just out of the dryer

toasted raisin bread smothered with unsalted butter

sound of a toilet flush


Things I won't miss...


Being called 'Mom' (this can go either way)

walking into a supermarket and seeing all of the food that will eventually be thrown out

television (except Big Bang Theory)

bills

being cold in my house during winter

breathing in gas fumes when filling my car

eating when I'm not hungry, because I'm bored

stick-figure stickers on the back of SUVs


More things I will miss...


running with my friends

spending time with my father

talking with my kids whenever I want to

watching my kitties sleep at the foot of my bed

watching birds with Jerry

spending time with good friends

Saturday night card games

the silly late night Fb conversations with my brother Bill.

and

living life in this beautiful and free country



The next list entry will include the things I will miss while living in Zambia. I'm sure the list will be difficult to condense as these lists have been.

























 

I'm getting close to my departure date which is early February. I actually leave for Zambia February 5th, but I will depart for Staging February 3rd.

Staging is orientation. I will spend a couple of days in a major U.S. city, most likely Philadelphia, getting to know other volunteers I will serve with in Zambia.

I have been introduced to some of the volunteers I will serve with on Facebook. We have a page specifically for Invitees. I'm at the Invitee stage right now. I will become a Peace Corps Volunteer after I complete the three month training period in Zambia.

These Invitees represent two groups: LIFEers (Linking Income Food and the Environment program) and RAPpers (Rural Aquaculture Promotion program). I am a LIFEer. The Facebook page also includes Peace Corps Volunteers who are currently serving and they answer our questions, such as what we should expect to eat, and what we should pack. Roasted grubs are included in the food items to eat, and for some reason I'm kind of excited about trying them! The current Volunteers are a great resource. I will meet many of them in Zambia while they enter their second year of service. 

I have a little over one month to complete my medical and dental tasks. I'm cutting it real close, but I had to put this off due to financial reasons. And yes, I admit it, this is also partly due to my being a procrastinator, but it is justified since I work much better under pressure. (Yeah, right.)

I've come this far and I am certain I will get everything done in time. All medical/dental has to be done two months prior to departure which means my due date is December 5th. It is a race against the clock now. My physical is scheduled, but I need my blood drawn first. I will then need my vaccinations. I had my dental exam, xrays, and five cavities filled. Once all of these things are finished I wait to be medically cleared.

I compare applying to the Peace Corps to a marathon: it is a race and the goal is to finish. Right now I am at the home stretch when the last few miles are most difficult. It is true, I've come a long way and even though I am tired of red tape, getting my teeth drilled, and scheduling appointments, soon I will be able to sit down, relax, take a deep breath and reflect what I just went through and envision what my future holds for me, just like envisioning my next race.