New Beginnings

Welcome to my first and only online blog! My name is Jessica and I will be serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines, working as a youth services teacher and advisor for the next two years.

It is about a month until I leave home for Staging, and then I am off to the Philippines. For over a year I have waited, nervously, impatiently, eagerly. But now it is so close I Am beginning to feel it! I have finally allowed myself to accept this as reality, not simply a dream for the far distant future. Every day now is filled with anxiety and excitement as I pack, prepare my goodbyes, and cram in as much pre-learning as possible. I have been trying to simultaneously read Stanley Karnow's "In Our Image: America's Empire in the Philippines" and Rizal's "Noli Me Tangere," neither of which are my cup-of-tea for a quick and fun read after a stressful day at work... I will read them both before I leave though! I am determined!

I was so excited to learn about a Facebook group for my Batch of volunteers. It has been reassuring to hear that many share the same fears, and to get advice from current volunteers has been a tremendous help. However, time is indeed standing still these past few weeks, each day the same as the last. Groundhog day, every day, with the same answers to the same questions. I am searching to find a quick hobby to pass the next four weeks... and of course, one to pass the empty hours while abroad.

Any day now I will receive a set of materials for the US-based Staging event (basic orientation, etc). Until then, I'll try not to count the hours and immerse myself in Karnow!

Jessica