And I'm off...
Thanks to everyone who came out to see me last night or made a special trip otherwise. It has been really great catching up with people the past week or so. I'm going to miss many. And it's nice to be able to say "see you later" and know that distance and time won't really change a relationship. You know who you are. ;)
But aaaaaaahhh! I'm moving to Africa tomorrow!
posted by Callie @ 21.5.06
9 comments
9 Comments:
Her dad and I were not part of any formal "going-away" party for Callie but tried to spend as much time as possible with her before she left our home to begin her "new life" in the Peace Corps. We took her to the airport this morning and both felt sad and empty instead of being filled with excitement for her as we were convinced we were going to be.
Anyway, we said goodbye to Callie this morning and I was amazed at how grown up and beautiful she looked... and I was not really surprised at the vision of her in my head--my baby girl with her hands on her hips telling me it would be OK. That was only a few hours ago and I miss her already. I will put sunscreen on when I go outside to take my nap on the deck in the sun. And I will think of her as well as pray for safe travel and wonderful new adventures.
I am sorry I couldn't be there to see you off, but our goodbye was nice enough in Broadlawns. I almost went to the airport to see you off, but that was at like 6am, and I need my beauty sleep. Hope Philly was allright, hope your group is allright...I guess next time we talk you'll be in Kenya.
Que te vaya muy bien.
Casey
Callie,
Hope the trip is "uneventful" and that the long hours in travel are actually a fun part of the adventure!
I enjoyed being a part of your "send-off" and look forward to hearing of your adventures in Kenya.
God bless and keep you. Love, Peggy
Hi Callie
I belive this is your 5th day in Africa. Many people have asked me HOW I will know you made it to Africa safetly... I believe "no news is good news"... as I think it may be a while before I hear from you. I am wondering many many things and pray for your safety and for you having a good life each day.
I am hoping you can make an entry on your blog site so everyone can get the scoop on you............
What's your family like?
Do they have lots of kids?
Are you making friends?
What's the food been like?
Have you seen any "different" animals in the "wild"?
How are your language lessons coming along? Are you able to communicate with others in Swahilli yet?
I think about you constantly.
I love you. Take care. I know you'll communicate when and how permitted.
Mom
Nancy,
As a former PCV I know all too well how parents worry. Peace Corps keeps good tabs on volunteers, and as a trainee you are hardly out of site of Peace Corps staff, your host family, or other PC trainees.
Fortunately I was able to make contact with the US in my first week in country. We had an internet cafe where our training site was. The Peace Corp's office in Nairobi should have internet, or at least a phone line. I think they discouraged us from calling home in the first few weeks so that we wouldn't feel the urge to return so suddenly.
I can tell you this; Peace Corps takes excellent care of their volunteers. If a volunteer ever feels alone, needs immediate medical attention, or just needs a break from volunteer life, they go the extra mile to accomodate you.
In my 27 months of service I never became extremely ill. The medical staff treated me with care for all of my minor needs, and I felt that if something would have happened to me I would have been in good hands. The volunteers safety comes before everything, and Peace Corps will go the distance to make sure they are safe, happy and healthy.
I am more than happy to discuss my experience (both the good and the bad) if you would like.
Hope to hear from Callie soon as well.
PS: I ALWAYS told my mother, "No news is good news."
Casey,
Nice of you to post a personal note to Nancy.
You said you would be glad to discuss the both the "good and the bad" with Nancy. As her cousin/friend, I think you should only discuss the good with her,at least for now!! Discuss the bad with her after Callie gets home--PLEASE. Really, Nancy has such a strong faith and I know she is praying for Callie every time she thinks of her. I would be surprised if she can get any work done!
Sounds like you can be a good support for the family while Callie is gone and your post was good to see. I am sure it will reassure them and help to see that contact will come in time.
Regards, Peggy
Hey Callie! I miss you and have been thinking about you a lot. I'll keep looking for updates. Take care of yourself girl and you'll be in my thoughts. <3, Jill
Hey Callie, Long time no talk. I was very excited to hear about your adventure to Africa. I hope everything is going well for you. I am proud of you and miss you. Sorry we have not stayed in very good contact but i want you to know i still do think of you. Well take care and send a message to me if you can my email is trisha_donley1@hotmail.com
take care, Trisha =)
Curious if you are still in Kitui?
My daughter is in Kitui currently staying with a host family. She left for Kenya about 2 months ago and is also a PC volunteer. Her name is Karley from Seattle.
Any words of wisdom???
Post a Comment
<< Home