Burkina Faso in 22 days

With 22 days remaining things are slowly but surely falling into place.  The staging office has contacted us with staging and ticket information, packing is partially taking place, and we have heard from the Country Director as well as some other officials.

Staging is taking place in Philly, not Washington, DC as I had hoped, and we fly out of the country on the 10th.  We are scheduled to sign into staging at about noon and work through the evening until about 7:30.  From there I am hoping that we get the chance to explore Philly and most importantly, get some Cheese Steaks (Priority! Pat's is the best). So far, there are about 15 other volunteers that I know about and they all seem really cool. Its going to be really interesting to meet everyone in staging and then realize that we are pretty much stuck with each other for the next two years. We really represent a wide variety of Americans from all walks of life and regions of the country.  From College Athletes to Criminal investigators and Truck Drivers, we really cover objective #2 of the Peace Corps Mission

Packing is kind of happening, but its really a lot tougher than I imagined to pack for two years.  Peace Corps gives us an 80lb limit of what we can bring and provides a basic "packing hints" list.  This list provides some helpful stuff but overall, I think it leaves a lot to the imagination. (REALLY!?!? I only need 3 pairs of socks?).

For those of you curious, here is a basic country and project description of the situation in Burkina Faso. Covered are the answers to any questions regarding transportation, food, safety, temperature, and health.  

Last but certainly not least; this Saturday I'm playing host for the last of a series of going away parties, the LSAT is the following Saturday, and then followed by staging the following Sunday.  Life is good, Life is fast, Life is Happening.
It feels good to be alive.

The excitement is overwhelming!

22 days remaining at home and my mom plans on using each and everyday to get me as fat as possible before I head over.  Hmmm, I can smell the Banana Pudding in the oven right now...

Deuces