Philadelphia Pre-Service Training

Hope everyone is doing well on this lovely Thursday! I arrived in Philadelphia yesterday from Burlington and began Pre-Service Training, better known as PST. PST is the first time all of the volunteers meet each other. My class includes 43 total persons who will be volunteering in either the health or agriculture sectors. Everyone seems very nice. Not other Vermonters :( but that's alright. Many of the states are represented, including many states out west (California, Oregon, etc.). I am excited to get to know the other volunteers further and work together to learn the languages and culture when in Niger.
During PST yesterday, there were a lot of discussion about our expectations for the Peace Corps service as well as what we can expect from Peace Corps. We also discussed anxieties and aspirations for Niger. It was beneficial to know that many of us are on the same page and share similar hopes and fears. We then talked about logistics of the trip and how the next few days are going to pan out.
This morning we went to the Occupational Health clinic to receive Yellow Fever vaccinations. This is the only vaccination we will receive until we get in country. In country, we will also begin malaria prophylaxis medicine.
 We are soon taking a bus from Philadelphia to JFK where we will leave this evening. Our first flight will bring us to Paris, and, after that, Niamey, Niger. I cannot guarantee Internet connection for the next three months of training. I know that we will all be studying language and culture during the day, and then staying with a host family in the evenings and during the weekends. My hope is to write journal entries on my computer in the evenings and then post a big blog when I am able to reach an Internet source. Until then, best of luck and happiness to everyone. Keep in touch please! I will update you about my journey through Niger when possible :)

Sister reunion in Vermont before departure: Sarah and me

Getting Packed for the Journey

Oct. 16, 2010
Hope everyone is doing well. This is my first post on my Peace Corps blog. The anticipation is building as the big day approaches when I will be leaving for Niger. On October 20th, I will be flying from the Burlington Airport in good ol' VT to Philadelphia, PA. I will be in Philly for two days for Staging which consists of an introduction, paperwork and immunizations, among other matters. On October 22nd, I will be flying out of JFK for Niamey, Niger. I am excited to meet the other volunteers that I will get to know for the next two years and to begin Pre-Service Training in Niger. I have started to pack for the 27-month journey. The weight limit on my baggage is 80 pounds for the checked luggage and 40 pounds, I believe, for the carry-on luggage. Items I have bought to complete my packing list have included: solar-powered battery charger, ipod, waterproof windproof raincoat, sleeping bag, Birkenstocks, head lamp, etc. I have so far fulfilled the 80-pound limit with two large suitcases. I may need to rearrange some items before leaving this Wednesday. I will post once more before I leave. I hope to attach a photo every time I post so people can actually SEE what I'm up to, as well as useful links so that those reading may learn alongside me as I go off into my service.

Here is the first:

Me in Australia this past Spring 2010.

Links for followers:

Peace Corps Information peacecorps.gov

Niger Information CIA Niger