My Life-Saver

I'm pretty sure I sat by an angel on the airplane.  His name was Edward.  As I cried my way down the aisle to my seat, I must not have been able to see well because I ended up sitting in the wrong seat.  As soon as my seat mate looked up, he asked me if I was okay and against the evidence pasted on my face, I said yes.  When I sat down, he asked again, are you sure you're okay?  Finally I obliged and told him about my Peace Corps journey and that I had never been away from home before.  He told me a short story of when his son moved away and after a few short words of wisdom, he offered me a lifesaver "to brighten my day."  I laughed a bit and although the small candy didn't save my life, it did brighten my mood.  He was such a nice man.  He proceeded to talk with me throughout the flight and he had to have taken out a million snacks and offered me a few.  I kept saying no until finally he just poured a bit of trail mix onto a napkin for me and said, "you've got to eat something." I am grateful he did that because I hadn't eaten anything all day and after eating some of the mix, I did realize how hungry I actually was.

All in all, it amazes me how a complete stranger can care so much.  Either that, or he really was an angel.  It seems as if God has already placed a hedge of protection around me.  Things have been working out so perfectly.  I have the armor of the Lord all over me and I am grateful for the smooth-sailing nature of the past few days.  This experience just couldn't get any better!

Love and Peace Corps,
Dametreea

A Tear-Filled River

Here I am at 2am trying to type as quietly as possible so I don't wake my roommate.  Tomorrow is orientation and I'm in Philadelphia at the Crown Plaza sitting in my bed trying to keep myself from doing what I've been doing all day--crying!  I'm still happy and excited, I just have never been away from home all alone and the thought brings tears to my eyes.  It's hard to leave those who you love behind while you embark on a new journey.  To put the way I'm feeling into perspective for anyone who can't relate, this feels something like breaking up with a long-term boyfriend--except worse.  It's my family I left; and although I'll be back in just two short years, the time I've spent away today already feels like an eternity.

Minus the river we cried at the house, on the way to the airport, and at the airport, we shared a few rather funny moments before it was time for me to board the plane.  I'll start by saying that I finished packing today at 12:30 pm...this probably doesn't sound like much of a problem until I tell you that my flight was leaving at 2:50 PM!  So, here is the series of events:

More Stuff than Space

Here is my packing list, give or take a few things.  Now you can see why I'm having such a hard time fitting it all into just TWO suitcases!

Clothing

Underwear

Slip

Sports Bra

Cotton Socks (gray or athletic)

2 nice outfits (khaki/dark pants/dress/skirt/cardigan)

2-3 jeans/cargo pants

3-4 casual cotton shirts

1-2 button down, polo type shirts

1 swimsuit

1 pair active wear shorts

1 hat/visor

Bandanas/scarves

1-2 pair sandals (chaco's or keen) /flip flops

1-2 pair running shoes/hiking shoes

2 pair closed toe work shoes (low heels)

2-3 tank tops

1 pair each pj shorts/pants

1 belt

1 windbreaker/raincoat

1 jacket

1-2 pair sunglasses

1 waterproof wrist watch

1-2 light sweaters

1 sweatshirt/fleece

Thong slippers

Toiletries (for 3 mo)

2-4 toothbrushes

2+ toothpaste

Floss

Face wash/lotion

Shampoo/Conditioner

Soap

Body lotion

Comb/brush

Metal hair clips

Bobby pins

Hair ties/head bands

Razors

Tweezers

Nail Clippers/nail file

Hair cutting scissors

Travel toothbrush container

Hand sanitizer

Aloe

Tampons

1 towel

3 mo supply prescriptions

Deodorant

Purple Listerine

Baby wipes-big pack and travel size

Mirror

Sunscreen with high SPF

Travel Toilet Tissue

Electronics

Kindle with case/Reading light

USB flashdrives/external drives

Flashlight

Solar/Rechargeable batteries AA AAA /Solar recharger/energizer recharger

Camera

iPod

Portable battery/solar powered ihome

Headphones with mic

Laptop with camera

Headlamp

Voice recorder with usb port

Everyday Tools

Leatherman knife

Tool kit

Money belt that fits passport

Can opener

Kitchen knives

Cutting board

Potholder

Spices

Work gloves

Umbrella

Camping mattress/sleeping pad

Compressible pillow (camping pillow)

2 sheets

Sewing kit

Duct tape

Super glue

Thermometer

Measure cups

Spiral notebook

Mini LED flashlight lantern

Nalgene water bottle

Crystal Light

Luggage

Day Pack

Two rolling suitcases

Miscellaneous

Invite kit with PC Books

Accordion folder for sorting papers

1-2 books

Ziploc bags

Reusable grocery bags

1-2 travel sized games/puzzle books

Small calendar/day planner

Photos-family, friends, home in US

A roll of US forever stamps

1-2 notebooks/journals

Art supplies (pens, pencils, colored pencils, scissors, sharpener, sharpies)

12 passport photos

Snacks (granola bars, candy, etc)

Gifts for host family (postcards of home, Arizona Souvineers, playing cards, etc)

Paper clips

3 small-med totes

Camping/hiking gear

Packaged sauces, spices, seasonings, drink mixes

Sunglasses

Bed sheets

Love and Peace Corps,
Dametreea

3am and Packing

I'm leaving in just 11 hours!!! Aghhhh!!!

I am beyond excited and mentally, I'm about as ready as I can be.  Now in all reality, I'm actually still not packed! Most of my stuff is currently in suitcases however, the two suitcases, yes TWO, that I am allowed to bring are completely full and overweight.  Not to worry though, I only have to take out a couple pairs of shoes, a few shirts, a couple bottles of shampoo, maybe some lotion, a pack of deodorant...haha! I guess you can say I over-did the shopping a little bit.  At least if I leave some of this stuff behind my mom will already have the items for her first care packing :)

After typing this short update, I will be painting my toe nails for the last time :) I figure I can at least leave the states pretty and in style.  Next up will be making copies of some important documents that need to be left with my family.  And finally, I will be stuffing my tummy with all the yumminess that it can stand without beginning to ache.  Oh yeah, and then finally finally, I will be finishing off those suitcases.

This weekend was pretty much the best weekend ever in the history of weekends.  I had the chance to

Two Weeks! YIKES!!

With just two short weeks left to go, you'd think I would be all packed up with everything in order and me ready to hop on the first thing smokin' out of AZ.  But then when you remember it's procrastinating Dametreea we're talking about, you'll immediately know that this isn't quite the case.

I ended up moving from Tucson a few days later than expected and didn't get to go on my Cali trip :(.  However, I did get to see the most amazing person off to her heavenly home.  I will always love and miss you Alicia *mwuah* I wouldn't have missed your ceremony for the world!

Now for this packing thing.  I somehow seemed to fit what was left of my belongings after my apartment sale into my old room in my mother and father's house, and believe me when I say I have stuff EVERYWHERE! I can take about two steps into my room (three if the steps are really small) then I begin to trip and stumble over boxes, papers, trinkets--you name it.

Aside from the stresses of packing, buying supplies, and filling out last minute paperwork, I am enjoying my time at home with my family.  Three things I'll miss the most: