Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Got my pills against mosquito death*

I'm here in Panama safe. Everyone in the group made it with no issues that I know of. Hurray! Honestly, I'm not sure what to say so I'll just start by describing the day. We woke up at 2:00 am to catch our flight to Miami. It was the most turbulent flight I've been on so far but it turned out ok. I did get a little scared though. So fast forward several, several hours and we're in our site outside of Panama city by the canal. I haven't seen much yet but Panama City seems really neat. It looks like Miami mixed up with some Pirates of the Caribbean set pieces. The canal has some impressive boats in it but I haven't got a close up look. Today we had a brief meeting and the girls got blood tests to make sure we aren't preggers. We got our medical kits, malaria pills, mosquito nets, and water purifiers. Tommorow we learn all about why we need to use them.

The people I'm meeting seem really cool but I'm in such shock still that I haven't really gotten to know too many of them. It's going to take me a while to adjust and I know I need to just let that happen. I was just getting comfortable and really settling in to Baltimore so it makes the change just that much harder now that I don't know anyone and don't know my surroundings. I'm keeping a positive attitude and an open mind though. I think when we start training classes I'll get really gung-ho but for now I'm just a bit tired and overwhelmed. On the plus side, I haven't had too much time to think about that because the Peace Corps staff really has it together. They keep us moving. To tomorrow!

*I in no way endorse Alice in Chains.

This is what the old army base we're staying in looks like:





4 comments:

  1. Kelsi!

    The pictures are wonderful. I'm glad you arrived safely.

    Much love from the states,
    Juan

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  2. Thanks Juan! I haven't been taking too many pictures but I wanted people to be able to imagine where I am. Start planning a visit! You can find direct flights from Miami :-P

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  3. Hi Kelsi, Walt's Mom here (Kelly), glad to here you made it safe and sound. We're already missing you. Walt is counting the days already. Hope all goes well with your training, We're sure you'll do fine. It will take some time to adjust I'm sure. Have faith in yourself and you will succeed. Take care, hope you don't mind me reading your blog.

    Try and stay cool,
    Kelly O

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  4. Thanks Kelly! I'm glad you're reading the blog. Training is going well, although it's a a bit overwhelming, but I definitely miss everyone back home already. I know it's been just as rough on Walt as it has been for me so I appreciate all the support he says you have given him. Thank you,

    Kelsi

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