I am currently sitting in an airport in Seoul, South Korea, awaiting to board my final plane going to Ulan Bator. I'm happy I have finally made it thus far. I'm not too sure what to expect but I am not setting any expectations for myself. I know it will be a rewarding experience no matter what. The traveling has been a bit difficult. It is difficult for various reason. One reason is luggage! Being that I packed my life into two suitcases, it was hard for someone as small as myself to lug around such heavy bags. Another difficulty has been the time spent traveling. It has taken us approximately 24 hours to get to where are. None the less, the difficulties do not outweigh the joy of finally being able to see, smell, taste, hear, and feel the new land that I will be calling my home for the next 27 months.
I'm already creating little scenarios in my head of the adventures that I am going to be taking. I cannot wait to emerge into this culture and serve such a beautiful and historical country. The jetlag hasn't kicked in yet but I'm pretty sure it will pretty soon. By the time we arrive to the capital of Mongolia it will be around midnight. I left Washington D.C. at 4:30 AM Thursday, May 30th and I will not be arriving until Saturday, June 1st. It is all worth it now because my journey is only now beginning. I am going to make my mom, friends, and my country proud!
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Counting Down!
So the countdown begins. 6 days until I leave for staging in Washington D.C. There are all sorts of feelings running through my head right now. I am most definitely excited to see where this journey will take me and the new people I will meet. I'm also saddened that I will be leaving my family, but they seem to be taking this better than I am.
My mom is extremely happy for me. She has been my biggest support system through this journey. She has been there since day one rooting for me and ensuring me that this may be one of the best decisions I've made in my life. I think the hardest part of leaving will be leaving her here in Brooklyn and not being able to see her as often. But beside my mom's encouragement, when I describe to people that I am going to Mongolia to teach English via the Peace Corps, they always look at me with this dazed and confused look as to why I would go to a place like that. People's ignorance outshine their support. This past year, I have gone through so much from the application process to people trying to make a mockery out of me, but I'm finally here, ready to leave and never look back.
I don't know what will happen to my life after this but I can only go up from here. I am ready to do something bigger than myself and even if I am only able to impact one child that will have great meaning to me. I am about to share this journey with other people who are going through the same things as me and we will have that unique experience forever. I am ready to take on the world and see what is outside of this concrete jungle.
My mom is extremely happy for me. She has been my biggest support system through this journey. She has been there since day one rooting for me and ensuring me that this may be one of the best decisions I've made in my life. I think the hardest part of leaving will be leaving her here in Brooklyn and not being able to see her as often. But beside my mom's encouragement, when I describe to people that I am going to Mongolia to teach English via the Peace Corps, they always look at me with this dazed and confused look as to why I would go to a place like that. People's ignorance outshine their support. This past year, I have gone through so much from the application process to people trying to make a mockery out of me, but I'm finally here, ready to leave and never look back.
I don't know what will happen to my life after this but I can only go up from here. I am ready to do something bigger than myself and even if I am only able to impact one child that will have great meaning to me. I am about to share this journey with other people who are going through the same things as me and we will have that unique experience forever. I am ready to take on the world and see what is outside of this concrete jungle.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Peace Corps Send-Off Party
Hello Blogger! I'm not usually the type of person to write down my feelings for the whole world to have access to. I'm usually a more private, reserved girl who keeps a personal diary hidden in the folds of her memory. Since I will be going away to serve for the Peace Corps in Mongolia for the next two years I decided I keep a blog or in other words a public diary where my friends, family, and hopefully future invitees can engage in this journey with me as I travel to the opposite side of the world. But that's way ahead of it's time!
Today I went to the Peace Corps Send-Off Party. It was the first event that I attended for the Peace Corps. I had no idea what to expect really. Before going, I assumed it would be a formal event welcoming and honoring the new accepted invitees. I was a bit incorrect. The event turned out being informal and it was open to the public. The event was held at one of the buildings at NYU. It had more of a career fair aura. When I entered the NYU building I was very nervous because none of the people I had been communicating with had seen me in person. I wondered if they would like me, or look at me and think that I was your typical New York City girl.
The Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (Aka RPCV's) were very welcoming. When I saw the section where it was entitled Asia, I ran over immediately and spoke to the representatives for Mongolia. I do not remember their names but they gave me a lot of information in regards to what to expect and they shared stories about their experience. From their point of views Mongolia was regarded as one of the most safest countries to travel to as an American. They stated that the people were very welcoming and looked out for the volunteers. I also had the chance to meet Anthony Trujillo, who is one of the recruiters from the Northeast region. I was excited to meet him because he too had traveled to Mongolia while in the Peace Corps.
I was in a room surrounded by lots of uplifting energies and excitement. Attending this send off party has pumped me up for my departure. I was more nervous and anxious than happy at one point upon receiving my invitation. Now I am ready to take on the world and engage in teaching which has always been a passion of mine. I cannot wait to emerge into a different culture, learn another language, and most of all make my mother proud. Peace Corps Mongolia, here I come!
Today I went to the Peace Corps Send-Off Party. It was the first event that I attended for the Peace Corps. I had no idea what to expect really. Before going, I assumed it would be a formal event welcoming and honoring the new accepted invitees. I was a bit incorrect. The event turned out being informal and it was open to the public. The event was held at one of the buildings at NYU. It had more of a career fair aura. When I entered the NYU building I was very nervous because none of the people I had been communicating with had seen me in person. I wondered if they would like me, or look at me and think that I was your typical New York City girl.
The Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (Aka RPCV's) were very welcoming. When I saw the section where it was entitled Asia, I ran over immediately and spoke to the representatives for Mongolia. I do not remember their names but they gave me a lot of information in regards to what to expect and they shared stories about their experience. From their point of views Mongolia was regarded as one of the most safest countries to travel to as an American. They stated that the people were very welcoming and looked out for the volunteers. I also had the chance to meet Anthony Trujillo, who is one of the recruiters from the Northeast region. I was excited to meet him because he too had traveled to Mongolia while in the Peace Corps.
I was in a room surrounded by lots of uplifting energies and excitement. Attending this send off party has pumped me up for my departure. I was more nervous and anxious than happy at one point upon receiving my invitation. Now I am ready to take on the world and engage in teaching which has always been a passion of mine. I cannot wait to emerge into a different culture, learn another language, and most of all make my mother proud. Peace Corps Mongolia, here I come!
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