finding rest prior to the flight

amy and i have settled into Lawrence, KS one week before we leave for S. Africa.  we're thankful that moving is over and that resting is the priority after a long week of feeling under the weather.  we're spending time at amy's parents home.  it's been wonderful to be at ease while our minds and souls can absorb the momentous occasion that will be occurring very soon.  we've been updated on our expected schedule.  

Phase 1 will include our Community-based training from Feb. 09' - April 02, '09.  Phase 2 will be the first three months at our permanent site.  we'll be given assignments that will help us explore our community and assess technical aspects of our work.  Phase 3 in July '09, we'll be brought back together again for 1 week to review what we've learned and engage in additional training.  After a successful completion of Phase 1 we will be sworn in as official PC volunteers on April 02, 2009.  

it's likely that we will not have much access to the internet to post new entries during our first few months.  we will do our best to post as much as we can.  we're glad you're able to stay in touch w/ us through this way.  

We're not gone yet...

Glenn and I are heading for South Africa with the Peace Corps* as of February 2nd!  I wish I could give you the exact wording on what we'll be up to; but I've misplaced the little information brochure we were sent (we're packing, purging...it's a mess around here).   So the gist of it is that we will be partnered with an NGO that is involved in some capacity with HIV/AIDS and working with children.  You might say: That sounds vague!  It is and I'm realizing that's how the Peace Corps operates.  They also told us that our location for training will be 1-9 hours from Pretoria.  Yes, very specific!  But we're up for it and can't wait.

Our goal is to write updates, thoughts, and the general hi's and lo's of our South Africa adventure here.  Enjoy!

Amy

*If you don't know what the Peace Corps is, then you may have been living under a rock, check out www.peacecorps.gov