My family threw me a going-away party on Saturday, Feb. 3rd, and it was fab to say the least. My friend Paige, Aaron and Kristine came in from San Francisco, my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and all my good friends were there. Thank you to all for coming to the party to send me off! I also got to hang out with some friends that I hadn't seen in a while - Christian, Justin, Colleen and Joe - so that was awesome. And whose ever idea it was to bust out the carrom board was genius and my cousin Jeremy totally rocked it!
It was a great night and allowed me to momentarily forget about my anxieties about leaving and packing, so that was especially good.
It is the strangest feeling - going into the Peace Corps; leaving everyone and everything you know and are comfortable with; knowing that in a few days I will be living in rural El Salvador and all that entails (which I won't know till I get there); not coming home for longer than I've ever been away; not having easily accessable modes of communication; using a latrine (yikes); living with scary bugs; and meeting a whole new group of people with whom I will be embarking on this crazy adventure and "experience of a lifetime" (or so I'm told).
Thanks all for the letters - I haven't read any yet, but I know they will come in handy on the hard days ahead of me. I am so lucky and blessed to have such a large family and a strong group of friends, which equals a huge support network and a lot of love.
7 comments:
Hey Nat its your brother Matt. Man I was hoping to get those pictures from you from friday night before you left. oh well. Love ya!! San Vicente here you come huh? Stay in touch. Love the profile too. Love ya again.
I will miss you nat.. I'm sorry we didn't get to hang more in the city but 2 years isn't that long. I came accross the picture of us kissing in the"calle" in queretaro yesturday.. good stuff. Enjoy your time there please update this often
Natalie, have a great time! We'll keep you in our prayers and hope to hear all about your time serving the folks of El Salvador.
Peace,
Joe
¿En cual comunidad estará? I´m coming to visit!
Hey Nat!!!!
Seems like El Salvador is the place to be in 2007! I hope you and Patrick are able to get together. He's having a wonderful and deep experience, and I'm so proud of him. And I'm proud of you too, and what you're doing there. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Leah and Nicholas send their love. God bless,
Hi Bug! I LOVE the blog! What an awesome way for us to check on you. :) The pictures from your party are so priceless- thanks for posting them. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as always. Have an amazing time! (Apologies for the good bye tears...I promised myself I wouldn't cry...but you know, what can you do?)Love you to pieces! Can't wait to hear details. Stay strong and remember we're always with you. Hugs!
How wonderful to read your blog. I hope you and Patrick will connect. He seems to be able to get where he wants to go and has some good traveling buddies, so I won't be surprised if you see him soon.
I've been helping Kevin get ready for his and Chelsay's trip to Kenya and you have been on my mind. You are in our prayers. Looking forward to hearing more of your adventures. Love ya!
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