WE DID IT! 33 individuals of group 517-13-01 are officially Peace Corps Volunteers 🙂
Group 517-13-01; official PCVs!
We’ve all been waiting a long time for Swear-In (application, interviews, nomination, medical stuff, invitation, LOTS more medical stuff, travel arrangements, get in country – for someone in my group, this process took them two years!). Training was not easy, but having 32 awesome new friends did make it more enjoyable. Thinking about it, yesterday was probably the most important day of my life thus far.
Lauren, Andy, me, John, and Kaley
As one of my friends put it, “receiving my invitation to the Peace Corps was like getting a key to my future.” Already, in just the few months we’ve been here, we’ve met so many incredible, knowledgeable, experienced, different, and fun individuals, all of whom I look forward to working with in the future; we’ve been introduced to various NGOs, business ideas and practices, and personal and professional resources; we’re learning how to live and work in a culture very different than what we’re used to; we’re growing…and today’s just the first day of our service! There will be plenty of ups and downs along the way, but in reality, I’m looking forward to it all. Can’t even imagine where (or who!) I’ll be two years from now.
Lauren, Ivette, Kaley, Maegan, me, and Caitlin
The ceremony was short but sweet. We took lots of pictures before and after, and gorged ourselves on cake. I’m proud of myself for this huge accomplishment, but a whole two years of work still awaits. More importantly, I want to thank all of my friends and family, in all parts of the world, for your support. When taking the oath, I couldn’t help but think of all of the love, advice, and well-wishes I’ve received; I dedicate my oath to you! I would most certainly not be here if it weren’t for my family and friends.
non-edible, beautiful, and patriotic display cake
Tonight, we’re celebrating our accomplishments 🙂 Tomorrow, we all head off to our individual sites to begin on the 3-month diagnostic phase of service. Wish us luck! Hope you keep reading my blog to learn more about the adventures that await…
Neighbors! Kaley and I will be living 15 minutes away from each other.
P.S. They’ve given us a mailbox key at the Peace Corps Office located in the Capital. If you’re interested, feel free to send me a letter! They recommend NOT sending items through FedEx or DHL, as those packages are more likely to get searched/charged when going through customs, so just use regular mail. If you’re going to send a package, use a padded envelope as opposed to a box. It might take weeks to get here, but it’ll be that more fun to open 🙂
que•lo•que 
Felicitaciones! My Spanish 3 students are all signed into your blog now, so be looking for some comments. I am so proud of you and can’t wait to watch what happens. I hope we can Skype with my classes before the end of the year. Let me know if that is possible.