Staging Kit

The staging packet came in the mail yesterday, dated April 2, 2008. Staging is also called a pre-departure orientation and will be held in Washington, DC to give us an overview of the demands of serving as a PCV. The packet included logistics of contacting the travel agent to make plane reservations, hotel information, a schedule for staging, our international flight itinerary, safety/security, emergency contact info, baggage advisory, and 2 booklets.

The reading material provided has been so helpful and also very dense at the same time. It addresses a lot of issues such as integration into our future communities, some job challenges, etc. but the most intense is readjustment into American society once we get back.

I've been in touch with a returned Peace Corps volunteer (RPCV) in the health sector who just came home less than a week ago and she's been very helpful in terms of packing advice and is just so excited to talk about her experience in Nicaragua. I'm lucky to have her input :)

Julie has planned a bon voyage party for me on Saturday, April 19th at her place complete with barbeque, appetizers, drinks, great friends, and family. I'm excited to see everyone!