Donde Estas?

Everyone is asking where will I be.

Well it's complicated...at least as I write this it is. Everyday I get more and more clear on how this is all going to pan out. We received some packing guidelines with our staging information and we need to pack 3 separate bags for 3 separate stages. The 4 day arrival in Ecuador, 3 month training and the remaining 2 years (if I under stand that correctly) I have already sent out an email to the Country Desk for clarification.

So first stop...the Sierra highlands for four days. I'm guessing that's the Andes region, but I could be wrong. This area is approx 45-70 degrees, chilly at night and can get some rainy days even in the dry season (which is now). The best way to dress is layers. So that means two shirts on one days which equals, more things in the bag to pack. However, I can count these clothes towards the clothes I have during training....

Training, three months in Cayambe (finally city!) Our staging packet states that we need all kinds of clothing, t-shirts, long-sleeved, short sleeved, boots, different pants etc. This is where I need to pack smart. The letter puts a strong emphasis on not packing excessively. So that is the goal.

Our third bag is everything else we will need for our 2 years of service but can live without for 3 months. So right now I'm thinking that is mainly supplies and other various items. We are told to label this luggage "Quito" because that is where the are storing it. As of right now, where I'll be for the next 2 years is still a mystery..... 

Initial Packing

I have started my packing event. Yes, it is indeed an event as there are so many specifics. A few weeks ago we received new information about how to pack. Originally I had been searching the web for Peace Corps packing lists and I have a HUGE LL Bean roller duffle that is made for a 2 year jouney! So mentally I had my packing all planned out.

With this new information however I had to revamp a few things...well a lot of things. We actually need three bags. The three bags will be going to three different locations therefore each bag needs to have all the essentials to live. Don't forget there are weight and size limits also. We can't exceed 107 inches for checked bags and the limit for our carry on is 40 inches total.

The three bags we are allowed are our four day bag which needs to be the bag we carry on the plane. We will be spending four days in Ecuador (the 17th-20th) but actually I need a pack a bag that will take me to Miami on the 15th and last me through the 20th. There are specific items we need for this bag that are listed in our staging materials. 

The second bag is our three month bag. This is what we will have while living with our host family's and what we will be living out of during PST (Pre Service Training). We are sending this bag to Cayambe.

The third and final bag is our two year bag which would have everything else we need. This bag is being sent to Quito.

At first I was thinking the 2 year bag would be the biggest, but really the bag with the most essentials will be the 3 month bag. Whatever I need to live for 3 months I can use for the next 2 years. So really I think my 2 year bag will just have bulk supplies that are hard to come by in Ecuador. 

Also, since I'm traveling to Los Angeles I am going to pick out clothes to wear for the next 10 days so that what I wear in STL and LA won't be items that I also need to have packed. That way I don't have to unpack any items for my Peace Corps trip. 

My bags are all scrambled. The backpack I bought that I was going to use for my 4 day really is actually quite large so I think it will be my three month. I will use my small roller duffle for the four day (that's really seven days) and maybe this suitcase I have for the 2 year..not sure. But Big Red my favorite huge roller duffle I don't think makes the cut! 

I'm going to try to practice attaching pictures with the digital camera my dad gave me...maybe next post.

PST The New Monster

PST = Pre Service Training

It's the new monster I dread facing. There is always some impending doom. First completing the application essay, seemed like a mountain and is definitely a mole hill in retrospect. Then will I ever, ever, ever complete my medical packet, while quite the task (that I'm still paying for) when it's done it's done. There are many imminent tasks that all seem more intimidating than the next that have arisen during this process, but I promise, PST seems like the mother of them all!!

PST includes the three months were I will be going through 12 days of extensive training in Ecuador. I will be living with a host family, speaking Spanish to the best of my ability, eating whatever is served up and sleeping wherever I am told! IF by the end of those three months the Peace Corps trainers feel that I am not a fit for the assignment due to my language, technical skills, attitude...a seemingly endless list of reasons why... then I will not be sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Can you believe it!? After all of this I STILL could be send home. I don't hear people making that big of a deal about their swearing in moment, but THAT is going to be one shining moment for me (if/when I make it)!

I know, I know, how dare I speak death and negativity over my situation. I have the heart, drive and determination to tackle whatever is put in front of me, but I do get a weeeee bit nervous over the fact that I took on the task of "learning a new language" as if it was similar to learning to ride a bike. Hey, maybe it is. Except for the fact that if you can't ride a bike, you can still ask for help, get directed to the nearest bathroom, get something to eat, tell you host family you appreciate their hospitality, express...well whatever... it's done now isn't it? lol.

Better get back to studying!!