If I could describe Maryland using only 1 word it would be TREES! SO MANY TREES! For those who know me well can understand why that makes me very happy.
August 8th marked the beginning of my adventure in the East Coast before my adventure in Central America. Leaving a few days early for Washington D.C. was both the best decision and the toughest decision I made this year. Although I did not need to be in D.C. until August 12th, I left early so I could see a city I'd never seen before. For months, weeks, even days leading up to my departure I was waiting for something to finally register that I would be gone for more than 2 years and nothing. Saying those first goodbyes brought no tears and I was neither excited nor afraid. Until just before I got onto the plane in Ontario California. Waiting for that plane was EXCRUCIATING!!! I just kept telling my mom and sister, 5 more minutes until there were no more to stretch, and for a split second thought: "What if I just didn't get on this plane? How badly do I know this is what I'm supposed to do? What would happen if I didn't?" Good thing I didn't listen to my head. After saying goodbye and releasing the tears that had been harboring for months, I was off. Looking out the window as I began to land in Washington D.C. I smiled because although goodbyes are very hard, I knew this was the best decision!
I have now been in D.C. for 4 days and it had been a blast. To future PC volunteers, if you get the chance to go up early to the city where your staging is at, DO IT!!! It gives you a little buffer time to be away from home but not too far that you can't still call them. It really let me think a lot of about and gain peace.
Nothing says adventure like PICTURES:
August 8th marked the beginning of my adventure in the East Coast before my adventure in Central America. Leaving a few days early for Washington D.C. was both the best decision and the toughest decision I made this year. Although I did not need to be in D.C. until August 12th, I left early so I could see a city I'd never seen before. For months, weeks, even days leading up to my departure I was waiting for something to finally register that I would be gone for more than 2 years and nothing. Saying those first goodbyes brought no tears and I was neither excited nor afraid. Until just before I got onto the plane in Ontario California. Waiting for that plane was EXCRUCIATING!!! I just kept telling my mom and sister, 5 more minutes until there were no more to stretch, and for a split second thought: "What if I just didn't get on this plane? How badly do I know this is what I'm supposed to do? What would happen if I didn't?" Good thing I didn't listen to my head. After saying goodbye and releasing the tears that had been harboring for months, I was off. Looking out the window as I began to land in Washington D.C. I smiled because although goodbyes are very hard, I knew this was the best decision!
I have now been in D.C. for 4 days and it had been a blast. To future PC volunteers, if you get the chance to go up early to the city where your staging is at, DO IT!!! It gives you a little buffer time to be away from home but not too far that you can't still call them. It really let me think a lot of about and gain peace.
Nothing says adventure like PICTURES:
Day 3: Visited the Peace Corps Headquarters!! There was someone at the desk but the doors were locked. They didn't listen to my constant pleas that I work for them now. He just kept staring at me from his desk, maybe next time.
Day 3: Went to visit Barack. Only got a pic of the front of the White House since Obama decided to land his helicopter right as I was heading over to see it. Guess he didn't recognize me because security made me leave.
Day 3: Lincoln was WAY BIGGER than I imagined. I loved being a tourist in the city :)
What I loved most from this city (California take note!)
1. People that respect the laws of the road
2. Trees GALORE!!!
3. Museums, zoos, etc. FREE!!! What?!
Next post will be from Nicaragua! Woohoo