Orientation in Amman

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am safe in Jordan :)


The flight over from JFK was actually pretty easy. Since we left at night and I thankfully can get some shut eye on a plane, I spent the majority of my time sleeping. We arrived around 5pm local time and were greeted by P.C. staff and RPCVs. Thanks to the staff's efforts, we had a seemless time going through customs, getting our bags, and loading a bus to our hotel.



After arriving at our hotel we had a welcome meeting, followed by a delicious dinner of (you guessed it...) pizza! Actually, the familiarity was a bit comforting. Even now sitting here in the lobby of our hotel, I have to keep reminding myself that I'm a half world away from home! that's one of the great things about traveing ~ you learn how small and interconnected the world really is.


Our orientation has gone well so far today. We've set up our bank accounts, recieved our phones (yes, I'll have a phone here!), and got our first set of immunizations, among other things. We've met much of the Peace Corps Jordan staff, and will continue to go over basics after everyone is wrapped up!


All for now! I'll make sure to write when I can!

Leaving...on a jet plane

Hi there!


Well, I am leaving for Amman tonight! We're taking buses to JFK a little after 2pm and catching a flight after 10. Just wanted to let everyone know that I may not be able to call or email for a few days (up to a week?), so don't worry; no news is good news!


Take care!

Staging in Philadelphia!

Hola!!

Well, I'm here in Philadelphia! It's been a VERY long day, but well worth it. Justin dropped me off at the airport shortly after 5am and we said our goodbyes (tear...sad face...). I made perfect timing to board, and studied the arabic alphabet pretty much the whole way to Philly (minus a chat with a random but very nice German research scientist/lecturer). I'm happy to have done so much traveling in my life... getting out of the airport and into a shuttle proved little challenge for me!

The hotel I'm staying at is in the heart of the old historical districts. After checking in, I immediately came back downstairs and took off wandering (structured aimlessness is what I call it) throughout the city. I saw Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the site of the Continental Congress and the Tomb of the Unnamed Soldiers, Penn Station, and enjoyed my afternoon meandering throughout all of the parks and quaint (albeit lively) city streets. I also found time to stop and have my palm read (apparently I seek adventure and am full of life, am looking for change, and am conflicted by desires to explore the world and never look back versus to stay in one place with the people I love...EERY how dead on she was!).

After exploring for several hours I headed back to the hotel and ate (what else??) a delicious Philly Cheesteak. After dinner I met my hotel roomate MJ, who I'm convinced is an Oregon-raised version of myself!

Tomorrow I'm planning on having an easy morning and perhaps touring Independence Hall. Registration begins at 1:30 sharp, and no way would I be late for that!! Guess I'll go to bed now to make sure I am all ready to go tomorrow.

Miss everyone!

Stephanie

All packed up!

Here it is! Two years worth of belongings all packed up and ready for travel!!

Goodbyes and Promises

So the last few days have been a whirlwind of visiting friends and family and saying my goodbyes. I drove back to SD from my parents house on Thursday straight to the Salvation Army's Door of Hope where I volunteer with kids and was welcomed with a "Goodbye Steph" party. It was so unexpected, but I very much appreciated all of the warm thanks and homemade gifts and cards. Later that night I made some memories at dinner with a few of my best friends at Rocking Bajas in Old Town. Friday night everyone got together and went out in Pacific Beach... one last night out with all my friends together before I left. Saturday was date night with Justin and it was such a night to remember!! He took me to Flemmings down in the Gas Lamp and suprised me with a beautiful ring (smart boy! love you!). After that we went to the Civic Center and saw the Lion King (we both got chills throughout!!) and went to Raa Sushi for some quality face to face time. On Sunday I drove up to Los Angeles for a family Goodbye/Happy Birthday party (thanks to Julie and Di for the two beautiful cakes... even if Julie was upset with the baker, I still think it turned out wonderfully!). It was so good to see all my family before I left, and I was a teary mess saying my goodbyes. My dad especially got the tears flowing (nothing makes a Daddy's girl cry any harder than when her pops sheds a few tears himself (hehe, sorry for blowing your tough guy cover dad!)). And while it was hard to say goodbye to everyone, I was and still am beside myself knowing how much love and support my family has shown me throughout this entire process! Of course, I appreciate all the last minute gifts and packing additions that everyone gave me... seems everyone really does know me all too well!! It's crazy to think about how much will change in the next two years. I'm sure that time will fly by, but as much as I am going to miss everyone, I really want to get the full experience of living in Jordan, and I know that when I am there I'll want nothing more than to slow down time and appreciate the little things. I'm such a lucky girl and want to thank everyone for all of their love and support. I promise to keep in touch with you all, as long as you all promise to keep me in your thoughts and prayers!

Empty House

So my family all just left for school and work and I'm at the family house all alone. It's kind of sad to think the whole family won't be together in our house again for over 2 years. I don't know why I am so sad...after all, I haven't lived here for over 4 years, but still, it's just a reminder of how long I'll be gone. I'm alternating constantly between jubilation and tears, which I'm assuming is normal, but I'm not sure how much more of my mood swings Justin will be able to take!

A week away and counting...

Is this what I have to look forward to?? I am so excited!!!!

Getting ready for new adventures

Hello all!

Well, I am a little over a week away from leaving for my Peace Corps assignment and am getting very anxious. While I am excited to begin this adventure, it is a little bit unnerving knowing how much I am leaving behind in San Diego. Luckily, I have an amazing support system, and I know my friends and family will always be there for me!

Speaking of family, I'm home at my parents’ house for some quality time and R & R before I head off. For now I am just wrapping up things here, visiting with friends, and trying to find Jordanian-approved clothing at the local thrift stores. I received my invitation to serve just over a month ago, and I've got an intimidating to-do list ahead of me. About all my free time has been spent studying Arabic and the P.C. materials, but all is going well at this point.

Hopefully I'll stay as optimistic as I currently am about leaving. I've got a big adventure ahead of me, and I am ready for it :)

Until next time,

Stephanie