One month til Staging in D.C.

Well, it is one month until I have my 'staging' or orientation in Washington D.C. Received a letter from the Central America Desk in Peace Corps Headquarters the other day. It told me I will receive my plane ticket to D.C. and Guatemala within another week or so--they only give it to you about 2-3 weeks before you depart. So, that means I have to have my bags packed & ready to go. I will be in D.C. on April 30th for my 2 day Staging. On May 2nd I will leave D.C. with about 25 other Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) to Guatemala for an intensive 12 week training. When we arrive in Guatemala, our Spanish language skills will be accessed and we will receive immunizations. Our twelve weeks of training will cover language, cross culture, technical and health issues, as well as safety and security. The goal of this training is to develop a better understanding about the people, culture, and language of Guatemala; Peace Corps' policies and staff; individual job descriptions and host country counterparts; and the role of a Volunteer. After successful completion of this Pre-Service Training, I will swear in as a Peace Corps Volunteer. My two year service commmitment will then begin. My estimated departure date after 27 months total in Guatemala will be July 2009.
That is a brief overview for now. I will keep you all posted as the process itself unfolds. "Expect the unexpected" is what I keep being told by returned volunteers.
In the meanwhile, I am frantically trying to fill my "need to buy" and "don't forget to pack" list. They only give us 2 bags at 40 pounds/each. So, 2 years of my life in 2 suitcases...makes you reevaluate what is truly a necessity, that is for sure. So much for my tendency to overpack...Guess I will have to cut back on my shoe allowance :)