June 1, 2001 Update:
Dear Ones -
I leave in two days for Philadelphia and a short visit with my sister, then it's on to Africa on June 6!!! I'm not too anxious or nervous, but I'm so hyper and excited I'm about to drive myself crazy! I can barely even sleep anymore (that's big for me!).
I've packed and repacked four times. Not only am I trying to stay under the 80 lb luggage limit, but I'm trying not to pop the zippers on my duffle bags. Lots of stuff didn't make the final cut... hairspray, some t-shirts, the Polaroid camera I bought to entertain the local kids, some stationery, books, ... although I couldn't part with any of my shoes (7 pair) or sundresses (10 are going). It's such a tough decision! My carry-on will be too heavy to lift!
I feel certain that I'm taking lots of the right things, based on the list the Peace Corps gave me. And anything that didn't make the cut, well, either I can buy it there or I can live without it, or I'll be begging my mom to send it to me.
I so appreciate those of you who signed up to send me care packages! I'm looking forward to letters and pictures, since I'm afraid I'll be homesick early on. As I made my final scrapbook to take with me, I was so touched to think of each one of you, and how our lives will surely change over the next two years. Babies, marriages, deaths, travels, job changes, ... two years is a long time!
As I depart, I feel confident that this is the right path for me to be walking. And, to quote Susie Shew, I know I've got everything I need inside me already.
You'll hear from me in a few weeks from Africa! Blessings! ...Kate