Oh the difference a year makes...

Just one year ago I was filling out my application to the Peace Corps with big dreams of being accepted and running off to save the world. I sit here in Old Town Alexandria with many of the same dreams and ideas but slightly toned down. The reality of my new life hasn't quite set in but I've come to accept the fact that I won't cure AIDS & HIV in the 2 years that I'll be in Niger.

I'm nervous, excited, sad, anxious... so many things all in one. In just a few short hours I will register as a trainee into the Peace Corps and meet my new best friends and only source of normalcy for the next two years. There are 30 of us total and I can't wait to meet these 29 other people who saw the prospect of no running water or electricity and a high probability of catching malaria as a good option for their next career move or retirement, I'm sure we'll be a fun bunch.

The good-byes have been tear filled and sometimes more than once but without a doubt my mom will be my toughest. I love you mom... Take care of you! I will miss you all greatly!

I will do my best to update this weekly but I have no clue how frequent I'll be able to get to a internet cafe.

Love you all!

Change begins with you...