I Am the Champion... of Packing.

I have officially accomplished packing for two years in just two large suitcases. It took a while. I started last week and during the process, there were several times where I almost gave up. I would have everything I wanted all packed and ready, only to find out it was too heavy. So, I left behind 99% of my favorite snacks and condiments (believe me, I'm silently crying as I write about all the food I'm having to leave behind... oh how I love food). While I am very excited about being placed in the Kyrgyz Republic, there were times where I kept thinking to myself, "if only I was going to a country that was hot or tropical year round". Packing would have been so much easier.

In their blogs, other volunteers often include photos of what they actually packed. I'm afraid that I have decided to forgo that idea. Trust me, it would have only caused confusion because I'm pretty sure that I packed several unnecessary things that warrant judgement and at this point I don't need to be any more judged. Besides, my suitcases are just a mess and that would also result in more judgement. My advice for any future volunteers and volunteers who are currently going through the same situation: pack what you want to pack and then eliminate half of that. So easy, it even rhymes to make the process more fun! I mean, after all, isn't one of the main lesson from this experience is to live as our counterparts do? Aren't we suppose to return more humbled and appreciative of what we have? When in Rome, do as the Romans do (well Kyrgyz)? No? Well, I'll just keep telling myself that.  Don't be surprised if I end up begging for care packages with snacks and condiments in a few months.

Tomorrow, I head off to DC for a few days before staging/orientation and in 5 days I finally leave for the Kyrgyz Republic! It'll be goodbye good 'ole US of A and Здраствойте Кыргызская Респулика (Hello Kyrgyz Republic)! Hopefully, I will be able to get one more post in before I land in the Kyrgyz Republic, but things may start to get pretty crazy busy. Don't worry, I'll try to post ASAP!

Thanks for keeping up with me!

Love, Lida

PS, I want to thank everyone who has been so supportive of me and my decision to join the Peace Corps! It has definitely made the process much easier and less stressful. I have never felt more loved than these past few weeks and it has truly made a huge impact and difference in my life. I know it has certainly made my mother feel more at ease with my decision and a happy mom = happy Lida! So, thank you!

The Final Countdown...

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen!!!! The day is almost finally here! Even as I type, I can't help but have Europe's "The Final Countdown" playing in my head. That's right, today is one week until I leave for DC and 11 days until THE departure date! So what's up? What's new? What's been happening? Just a lot of packing..... or lack of packing. I finally moved back home last week and have been recuperating from all the busy last-minute trips before my big move. After finally finishing my finals (which I passed all of them), I went on an awesome Spring Break road trip to the Redwoods in Eureka, CA. 

 Right after that trip, my faithful travel buddy and I drove down to Sedona, AZ for an impromptu road trip!

 After that... a quick trip to Tucson, AZ with the madre and visited with our dear family friend.

This amazing 90 year old woman has lived such an amazing and adventurous life. She has been such an inspiration to me and I hope I live up to her expectations! 90 years old and she's still as active and feisty as ever! 

After all the traveling, I finally had to deal with one of the hardest things I have ever had to do: leave Denver. Packing was no fun- I have no idea how I accumulated so much stuff in such a short period of time! Saying goodbye to all my dear friends was even harder. Denver was just the beginning for me because it was one of the happiest part of my life. However, life must continue and it has. After making the 15 hour drive back to Arkadelphia, this past week has been filled with goodbyes to friends and family back at home.

 As I enter my last week in the good US of A, I now face the toughest challenge yet- packing for two years in just two 50-lb bags and two carry-on luggages. My mother gets to hear me randomly scream out in despair: What clothes are considered conservative and suitable? Oooh, but that's such a cute top! Nooooooo! That luggage is already full? I haven't even packed any summer wear! Darn, I forgot I have to pack business casual attire! Oh, I need to pack toiletries too? I forgot to pack my gifts.... I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH ROOM!!!! 

Therefore, stay tuned for the next post- the results of Lida's Great Packing Challenge!

OOOH... ALMOST FORGOT! While I am training in-country from April 29-August 29, please feel free to send letters, postcards and/or packages! Keep in mind however, it will most likely take approximately 3 weeks for them to arrive and anything that arrives AFTER AUGUST 29 will be returned to the sender.
Here's the address while I'm training (you can just print it out and stick it on the letter/package):

NAME                                                          NAME

Кыргызская Республика                             Kyrgyz Republic

г. Бишкек 10                                                Bishkek city 10 

ул. Токтогула 247                                       Toktogul street 247

Абонентский ящик No1393                        Post Office Box #1393

Индекс: 720010                                            Postal Code: 720010