Monday, January 29, 2007

Goodbye

This morning, I leave for DC. The goodbye will be tough, but it'll be okay.

Please write me and if you send a letter or a care package (desires/wants will be posted once I get settled), please write 'AIR MAIL' on the envelope. Also, if you're sending a package, padded envelopes are best as they are not usually subject to customs' tax.

I will miss you all.

Take care and peace out. Next time I'll be talking to ya, I'll be on the smiling coast of Africa. :)

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Final Days

Well, I head to DC on Monday, and it still hasn't quite sunk in yet. I had a nice week of lots of eating with friends. I've been told that I needed this week to 'pork up' since I'll be living on rice and peanuts for the next two years and probably will contract some parasite (which will be named by yours truly). Anyway, I've had a nice time with everyone this past week. I can't believe I'll be trading this whole period of waiting and uncertainty for something that's slowly becoming a reality This new reality will also begin it's own period of uncertainty. I feel I'm ready for this challenge and I will do my best to step up and begin my 'dream'.

I will miss you all and I only hope that I can share with you my experiences in such a way that makes us feel closer and more connected, not only to each other, but to the world.

I'll be thinking about the all the memories and thankfully will be bringing lots of photos and momentos with me to bring me to the place I feel most comfortable during times of frustration. I love you all and thank you for all the support. Thanks for cheering me on.

I'll update as soon as I am able.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Reality Is Setting In...

I now have one week before I leave for probably the most challenging leg of my life's journey thus far. Over the past week and a half, I have tried to gather things together, get things in order for packing, and tie up some loose ends. I still have much to do this week...wish me luck.

This past week, I finished work. I am happy that I had the position that I did and I truly am going to miss my co-workers and many of the people our office serves (as quirky as they may be). It was always a gentle reminder that there are many worlds that exist beyond mine.

Throughout the week, there were constant reminders of how blessed I truly am. Additionally, I am amazed by so many people's generosity and support. For all of those who have given me gifts-whether it be material or other forms: advice, wisdom, or support, I am so thankful.

If you'd like to write me while I'm in Gambia, please reach me at the following address:

Stephanie Stawicki, PCV
US Peace Corps
PO Box 582
Banjul, The Gambia
West Africa

Specific mailing instructions will follow in a later post.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Purpose

I've created this blog so that my family and friends can sleep well at night knowing that I'm alive as I live in The Gambia, West Africa upon joining the Peace Corps. My staging for Peace Corps service begins on January 29, 2007. I fly to The Gambia on January 31, 2007.

I'll attempt to provide readers with stories and musings of my experience, but unfortunately, I may not be able to provide you with consistent updates. I look forward to sharing this experience with you, and I ask that you please keep me in your prayers.