So, after looking like the biggest dork ever squalling (Southern for crying) my eyes out as I arrive in Philly. Tara Hughes, another volunteer from SC who was also on my flight from GSP, exits the tiny aircraft with me and we set out to find the shuttle to take us to the Holiday Inn Downtown. *Another PCT (Peace Corps Trainee) told us abaout the deal*
On our way across and all over the Philadelphia airport we pass a sign advertising the Peace Corps that says “Never having to say ‘Should’ve’” we both get all giddy and took a picture in front of you. All I could think is that this experience is going to be full of serendipitous events, and I am ready for all of them.
We are apparently recognizable as Peace Corps walking to the shuttle by either our luggage (mine weighing in at a glorious 115lbs) the grunge, no makeup, and/or tear stained faces. Either way the driver asked is we were PC and then was forced to rearrange the entire luggage area. Thanks :/
Well, turns out our bus driver was from Africa!!! How crazy is that?! He moved to Philadelphia over ten years ago from Ethiopia, and told us Lesotho was great and a different side of Africa.
We get to the hotel, check-in, and go get some grub. A spinach and feta pizza with bruschetta hit the spot. Once back at the hotel, we register with the PC and meet the other volunteers. Already I can tell my friends, and I am thrilled to finally meet my new will-be extended family. Later that evening we head out to eat dinner. I sit with a group of gals, and we order too much food on purpose, and make is buffet style. Truffle fries, calamari, artichokes with zucchini and horseradish fries, and shrimp salad. And don’t forget a pitcher of sangria!
After bonding and learning where everyone is from in the states, I crash despite the fact that I swore to my roommate Anne that I wasn’t tired.
Training the next morning was great. I cannot tell you how enlightening the sessions were that day. We played icebreakers, created skits, and had in depth conversations about everyone’s anxieties concerning living abroad. I felt so relieved! I was with 20 other people in the same boat as I had been for the past year. Gahhh, why didn’t I meet them sooner?!
Once our training is done, it’s time to talk logistics. Our original flight to Johannesburg is delayed. And so then we miss our connecting flight to Maseru, Lesotho. So everything changes. Eeek! Now we are staying overnight in Jo’burg (oh drat)
Welcome to the Peace Corps. Remember talking about flexibility? Well, we are using it on day two. What a way to be broken in as PCTs ^_^
No comments:
Post a Comment