Oh how the tides have changed. Now that I am faced with the daunting task of packing my life into two bags (combined maximum weight of 80 lbs), the once distant reality is quickly becoming a very tangible, albeit anxious and excited, reality.
I leave Carson City, NV tomorrow (Monday) for Los Angeles where I will meet up with the 25 or so other volunteers destined for Peace Corps FSM/Palau. I’m not sure what our official agenda will be during these 48 hours or so in LA; I believe this time is officially dubbed, “Pre-Service Training Orientation.” My past experiences with orientations would lead me to guess that there will be some power point presentations on what it means to be a Peace Corps volunteer – the many obstacles one will undoubtedly face over the 2+ years of service – mixed up with those awkward get-to-know-eachother ice breakers that we all know and love...*cough cough*.
On Thursday morning we board a plane for Oahu (my first time “home” in over a year!), stay over night in Honolulu, and depart bright and early Friday morning for Kolonia, Pohnpei, FSM where we will officially begin the 3-month training period. At some point during the first couple months we will be assigned an official post for the 2 years of Peace Corps service.
So I know everyone is dying to know...will Ashley have contact with the outside world over the next 2 years?? Well that is certainly the plan. I’ll have this blog to keep all of you updated on my life and will of course welcome any questions/comments(/exciting packages..nudge-nudge wink-wink :) by way of the blog, my email or snail-mail addresses.
General pre-travel jitters and apprehensions of the unknown aside, I am thrilled at the idea of spending 27 months on a tropical island surrounded with pristine waters and white sandy beaches:) Sure beats an office cubicle....make you jealous?
7 comments:
I hope your travels go well, Ashley! I was so happy to talk to you the other day! I'm looking forward to reading your blog posts and hope you have an absolutely wonderful, exciting experience!!! Love you xoxo
Another fabulous experience for the fabulous ASHLEY JONES! You and Andrew can blog one another - that will be nice! I wish you the very best and know you'll make this meaningful for you and for those around you. By the way - "Ice Breakers" - I like them. They are, after all, drama games in disguise. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
The Island School diaspora continues sending great individuals out into the greater world to do great things, and you are one of the best!
Now, I'm trying to figure out how to get to Micronesia and find you to say thanks for doing real and good things in our world.
Aloha!
I am so excited and proud of you ashley! have a great time, and keep us posted to where you are! have fun, be safe, love you roomie!!
ashley you freakin rock!!!! lol aloha and have like way too much fun okay...??
Ashley, I've been reading your blog for a few minutes and am fascinated by your adventures. I'm also interested in the Peace Corps as well. It seems like it is a lot of fun. Good hard work, and an adventure that can't be beaten. Thanks for keeping your blog. Hope you don't mind me jumping in to be fascinated with your travels. I'm really excited now and looking forward to talking with the peace corps. It looks like so much fun.
Thank you for taking the time to ed my note. Hopefully we'll run into each other one day.
Brian. hamiltonbrian3@gmail.com
Hello Ashley, Here we are, Laurel, Russ and me trying to make a Blog or whatever...to reach you in sunny warm Pacific..This is a test, more to come another time
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