I arrived safely in Miami yesterday for the orientation.  After we checked in, I went to dinner with a group of about 15 others who will be in my training class.  Everyone in the group is great so far!   

Today, we began our orientation at 8am.  We discussed Peace Corps expectations, core values, fears, anxieties, and expectations.  A bus will be picking us up in a few hours to head to the airport for the 11:20pm flight to Buenos Aires… next stop Paraguay!

I really like the group a lot and am excited to spend the next few months getting to know everyone in Paraguay!  I will send an update as soon as I get internet access in Paraguay to let you know I made it safely.

Yours Truly, Julie G

It’s getting closer.  I officially leave for Peace Corps 1 week from today!  I depart for my 1-day orientation in Miami next Tuesday, then fly with the group to Asuncion, Paraguay (via Buenos Aires).  No US airlines fly from a US city to Asuncion, so flights usually connect through Buenos Aires or one of the airports in Brazil.  I’ve heard that there will be 28 people in my training group.

For now, I am packing and getting last minute items I can’t live without for the next 2 years.  I can bring 2 bags, 50 pounds each.  One will definitely be my new hiking backpack!  It’s tough to decide what I will need for the next 27 months!

I will be spending quality time with the family my last week here in the US.  I’m feeling very excited and a bit nervous about my big adventure ahead!

Yours Truly, Julie G