Preparing to commit 27 months to the Peace Corps in Seattle was a very memorable experience. Quitting work, holidays, moving out, packing up, saying goodbyes, freaking out, etc. I especially loved the amazing surprise party from my friends the first day of the new year. Laurita and Susie Q escorted me downtown to "Seattle's hottest nightclub" as Stefon would say... the Last Supper Club, complete with smiling faces, pink/purple balloons, a disco ball, hard techno oontz beats, people not afraid to just dance, upstairs fem-physio activity, the most epic tooth-brushing party, and plenty of fun photos:
One of my dear worldhouse roommates, Alex, drove me to the airport. With Laura and Patrick on either side of me in the back and Toni in front. I kept thinking the whole time during the ride: this is not happening, I'm not leaving them, are they really not going to be around? It was very hard separating myself from them. I have been talking with many other volunteers, none of which have admitted to a painful breakaway from their friends. Then I realized it hurt so bad because of all that we've shared and all the good time we've had together and that's when I smiled. I'm so grateful to have friends that leave me crying.
Washington DC
It is nice that all the volunteers have so many struggles in common but we are still diverse. In age (Jerry, charismatic, hilarious, well over 70), in lifestyles, in origins (one other girl from Seattle, Hawaii, Texas, Wyoming, New York, Tennessee, everywhere!), and much more. But because obviously there is a certain type of person that would join the Peace Corps everyone seems to be making friends quickly. In training I had the most fun listening to the director Aaron Williams talk about when he volunteered in the Dominican Republic and answer questions. We also had a fun group discussion about our anxieties, that ended with more things for everyone to laugh over and be worried about...
On my last trip to Central America I randomly made friends with two awesome Americans. Lots of hilarious, weird, and memorable moments with them. One of them worked in DC doing legislative work so I contacted him telling my staging happened to be there. Yesterday night he managed to show me around on a quick tour of all the building he has gotten to work around for years. Seriously a thorough, informative, great tour. Which ended at a very nice restaurant close to the white house. We special ordered hamburgers off the menu because I just had to have one last one before I left. It was DELICIOUS. The memory of that hamburger will drive me insane for 2 years and 3 months.
Tonight I dragged another volunteer on a run to see the national monument, abe lincoln (sorry forgot my camera laura!), the white house, etc. It's now 3:15 here, so I have to leave in 15 for Miami. Then off to Guatemala. I won't have phone and internet for a few days so talk to you all then!
02/25/11
ReplyDeleteHey, Kim
This, Tom Smith you might remember when I brought Randy by to see your mom some years ago in my blue Thunderbird. I just read your blog, your mom is very proud of you and I am very envious of you getting to immerse yourself in Latin American culture the way you are currently. I have always had a great love of and been a student of the history, culture, archeology and anthropology of Central and South America. I wish you well in your time and travels spent in Guatemala with the Peace Corp hope to hear about more of your adventures soon!
Take Care,
Tom
brotom@frontier.com
Hey Tom,
ReplyDeleteyes I do remember when you brought Randy! Thank you for writing. I am glad to hear that you are enjoying the blog and I'll keep it up. If you ever make a trip here I can definitely try and show you the ropes here. Sometimes I forget how great the gift is that I get to be immersed in Latin culture everyday, thanks for reminding me.
Cheers,
Kim