Leaving yesterday was quite possibly one of the hardest things I have ever done. Knowing you are leaving for two years is hard to justify when you look at your parents and see the red in their eyes and dogs who don't really know whats going on. The hardest part I think was looking at Snow, knowing that this is probably the last time I would rub her back. Taking everything in as I walked out the door, I took nothing for granted. I took a moment to look around at the house and the simple pleasures I have always taken for granted. Hot water in the morning at the switch of a knob. The whole process was really easy and relaxed for me. I was in no rush at all. I didn't set an alarm but woke at 6:15 and then just kind of finished packing and then headed out the door. (So far, I think I have everything I need).
We drove to Bojangles in Greensboro because we all know it is a best kept southern secret which has not been shared with the rest of the world. I mean, think of how the world responded to Krispy Kreme. Now, multiply that by a bzillion and you would have the ending of homo sapiens. Anyway, after eating we went to the airport and actually I met another volunteer, Sue, who is an older women who recently retired and decided she wanted to do this. I think it releieved a lot of pressure for both me and my parents. After going thourgh security, I talked with Sue and then pretty much slept the whole flight to Philly. I only woke up when there was a bang of the airplane landing.
In Philly, Sue and I got our bags and we walked to the van and met up with two other volunteers. Dave (who is turned out to be my roomate) and Sam who was from (I forgot). The man that drove us (steve) was awesome. He was cursing up a storm when some guy wouldn't let him go down a road because it was under constuction; so what did he do... he pulled out in the middle of traffic and turned around when it was a red light. How awesome. At the hotel, I met some of the other people. Everyone is really nice and I think understands how everyone else is feeling. It is kind of like College Orientation but on a more "holy crap, you're just as crazy as I am... what the hell are we doing". Anyway, we checked in and then seven of us walked to a chinese restaurant and ate. It was alright. We had a training session from 4 to 7 and it was awesome. We got to meet the other 46 people in the group, do ice breakers, talk, and learn about what to expect. Here is the awesome part:
We are leaving JFK, flying to Vienna and we have a 16 hour layover. They are giving us day rooms so that we can do pretty much whatever we want, just as long we are back for the flight at 10:30 at night. They gave us a credit card with 160 dollars on it and said, get the money out tonight, the cards get cancelled tomorrow and that is our money to get to Yerevan. First off, this is awesome. Secondly, what is the deeper meaning behind this. Im pretty sure this is usually what people do before they slap you on your back and say, "now that you've had your fun, eat rice and beans and we will see you in two years" kind of thing. (Mom, im sure that isn't really how its going to be). Needless to say, the people I have met, I feel like I have known for years. There is that "something in the air" feeling knowing that the person in the room is going through the exact same thing you are.
We all went out last night as a last hurrah before leaving American soil. Awesome-ness. I came back with Dave (my roomate- come on Amanda, pay attention) and some others and socialized until we were all tired. I actually get to Yerevan May 31st, at 4:55am. Should be swell. Im going to smell like poop. I guess thats all for now. I love you mom and dad.
Until next time (I really don't know when that's going to be... probably a while from now)
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