Packing and Thinking About the Unknown

As I went to bed the other night, I was trying to picture my life in Ghana and POOF - there it was! A complete and detailed vision of exactly how it would be for me!......................................RIGHT!!!! I would love to tell you that's what happened but the reality is that I realized I have NO idea what it will be like. Having spoken to or read about many Peace Corps volunteers and their experiences, the one thing that became clear is that every experience is truly unique. Physically, I might be living in a mud hut or a condo. I might have no running water or electricity or I might have all the modern conveniences. I could be surrounded by people who speak English or I could be struggling every day just to communicate. I could stay healthy as a horse or I could be sick most of the time I'm there. AND THAT'S JUST THE LITTLE STUFF!!! A greater part of the experience relates to the emotional realm. I may feel dispondency at the separation from Kimberly (my girlfriend), my family, and my friends and being overwhelmed by a new country, strange language, unknown foods (and how to cook them! Anyone who knows me knows that I'm challenged to cook even those foods I'm familiar with!), unfamiliar customs, money, and topography, and vague responsibilities. On the other hand, I could feel elation and excitement around a new adventure, helping people in a new way, experiencing the beauty of Africa, and learning more about who I am and what I have to offer.

The one thing that is clear at this time is that I just don't know what the future will bring and that's OK. A good friend used to say, "All is well. Unconquerable life prevails." With that in my heart, I'm ready to move forward and experience all of the above...............or not. I'll see what the future brings when it becomes the present.

Whoa..............hold on. Did I say, "I'm ready to move forward...."? That may have been a bit premature! I've still got a car and some furniture to sell, a bunch of stuff to give away, sell, or store, friends and family to spend a bit of time with, paperwork to do, and, did I mention PACKING? Unlike most Peace Corps volunteers who are in their 20's and fresh out of college, I have a whole house full of STUFF that I have to sort through. Hmmmmm....will I really need that electric pencil sharpener in Ghana? Will it be too hot for jeans or should I pack a pair or two? Are these sandals good enough or should I look into those "Chacos" that all the experienced Peace Corps volunteers talk about? And what photos should I take to help me connect to home?

Actually............what am I doing sitting here writing this???? I've got work to do!!! See you at my next posting..................