Here I go!!!

Well, this is it. I'm heading to Philly tomorrow morning for "Staging." The next day, we fly over the pond.

Wow. It's here. I'm excited, nervous, scared, thrilled, blessed, jumping-out-of-my-skin, and yet....at peace. (Corps, that is). Seriously, though, I guess I'm feeling pretty ready for this. It took 15 months, from the time I applied, to the time I'm leaving, for this to come to fruition. I'm ready to learn. Ready to help. Ready to grow. Ready to live another culture for a while. Ready to learn more about the world and it's people. Ready to become a better person. Ready to share my knowledge - and hopefully make, even a small, little, impact.
Ok - after saying that - I'm actually exhausted. I think I've thought everything through a million times. I've packed and repacked hundreds of times. I hardly got any sleep last night (after a wonderful party of family and friends!). And I'm supposed to get up at 6 am tomorrow, in order to get to the airport - for my 2 long days of traveling (see this post for the entire itinerary). But I'm not complaining :)
Tomorrow we begin our orientation/training in Philly. As soon as we land in Namibia, we continue....and for the next 2 months, I will be training M-F - in language, safety & security, culture, etc. I'll be living with my first host family for about 5 weeks. After 1 month of training, we will find out where our permanent sites will be - as well as visiting that site, and shadowing a current volunteer. After the 2 months of training, I go to my permanent site, where I live with another host family for about 6 weeks. So, basically, the first 3 months of my experience in Namibia will be filled with lots of adjusting and learning. After that, I am hoping I will begin to find my own routine...and adjust to my new way of life....
I will update this as often as I can, but until I get over there, I really don't know what my communication options will be. I know I'll have a local phone number and probably a smart phone of some sort. As for the internet, I really don't know how often I'll have access.....
Sooooo.....here goes something! I'll check in as soon as I can, and will start sharing my photos, videos, and stories!!!
Peace & Love, me

9 days and counting...

I'm sitting here, in my parents' comfortable home in upstate NY - with heat, electricity, running water....and reflecting back on everything I've experienced so far up till this point in this crazy life, and wondering what the future will bring....
I finally packed up my life, and Murray (Bear is staying with my landlord in TN) in to a Dodge Caravan (2013, 3600 miles!) and drove out of the place I have known for the last 12 years....
Maybe there was a reason I never bought a house in TN. Maybe there's a reason I lived out in the country, for a few years in a small little house where the pipes would freeze, and winters were cold due to old heaters in the house. Maybe there's a reason I followed the singer/songwriter dream, learned all about internet marketing/promoting. Maybe there's a reason I worked at Vandy Sports Medicine. Maybe there's a reason for each one of my clients - and wow, did I learn sooooo much from each of them - from family and kids, to life, to God and religion, to photography, to music, to the world that is out there just waiting for me to find - we talked about everything! Maybe there's a reason I stopped pursuing music, became Lead LMT at Massage Envy. Maybe there's a reason I became a massage therapist, and learned, not only basic massage techniques, but also reflexology and energy healing. Maybe there's a reason that all of my finances worked out the way they did, finally allowing me this freedom to move about the world. Maybe there's a reason I have had one failing relationship after another, am still not married, and have no kids. There's got to be a reason. 
And what I'm learning in life, is that things truly work out the way they are supposed to. The more you try to force something to happen, the less likely it will. If it's meant to be, it will. There IS reason for everything.....
A week ago, I was so consumed with attempting to pack up my apartment, throw unneeded things away, sell my car, retire my massage license, suspend my phone service, see friends one last time (though I KNOW I'll be back - at least to visit Nashville), purchase things I may need in Africa, rent the Caravan....and finally packed it all up, that I didn't have time to think about Namibia and my new job. See, I'm a planner. Or at least I try! Leaving Nashville seemed to go very smoothly...so I'll take the credit of creating a smooth transition. But I can't plan this next step. I'm still not certain exactly what my job will be, what projects I will create, where I'll be living, what my living conditions will be like, where I'll travel....
And now I'm unemployed, carless, and living at my parents' house. Ha! Not exactly where I thought I would be at this time in my life. But again - there's a reason. Most people who join the PC do so right out of college, or once retired. People my age usually are in the middle of their careers and/or raising and taking care of a family. Not me. But I think this is actually the perfect time for someone to go on this adventure. I have gained life, love, people, and business experience. And this opportunity in the PC will give me so much more about the world, life, and people. I'll then be able to continue on with another job and my life, with even more experience under my belt!
But man, I'm sure going to miss hot showers! Ooh...and mexican food. And chocolate. And the gym. 
Ok...but besides all of that, I think I'm ready. Though, yesterday, I attempted to pack my things in to a big backpacking backpack and a duffle bag (with wheels - thank you Mom & Dad!) - about 2 1/2 feet long. Wow. I'm feeling overwhelmed. This really is happening. And I'm going to have to repack again and again, leaving some things behind, until I can fit it all in these bags - a total of 100lbs, 50lbs per bag. That'll be a workout right there - carrying around a 50lb backpack and pulling a bag. As for a guitar - I'm either going to buy one over there, or have my parents bring it when when visit this Christmas.
I had to take an online safety and security training class. Talk about reality. I know they have to warn us about things, and will be training us exactly how to keep ourselves safe, and at the end of the day, most PCVs have no major incidents. Usually it's just theft they deal with. But still. Kinda scary. Too bad I never took those self-defense classes. lol
And yet, I feel this overall sense of peace and calmness. Knowing I can't, and don't have to, plan this next step. I'm completely open to everything I'm about to witness and experience! I'm headed back to school...and bring it on!! I'm ready for a new way of thinking....and living....and how to really give back to people and the world.
I really don't know what my communication options will be once I get there. I do know that many PCVs use smartphones. I have an iPhone 5, which is available in Namibia. Which means I may be able to use that - and connect to the internet. I'm not sure how often I'll be able to get my computer hooked up to the internet, though. The first 3 months will really be transition for me - 2 months of training - with my schedule pretty much dictated by the PC - and then during the first 6 weeks in my permanent site I'll be living with a host family. Soooo....after all of that, I'll get settled in my own place, get my own routine going, and will hopefully be able to communicate much more with all of you! But I promise, I will upload pictures and videos and stories as much as I can during this transitional time....
I've updated my Contact tab - with a little more info on how to get a hold of me....so check it out when you get a chance!
I'll probably post one more time before leaving America - which is Tuesday, March 12! Please, stay in touch and send me your addresses! I'll make sure to send out lots of postcards to all of you.... :)
In Peace & Love, ~Johanna

my backseat driver - keeping me company on the trip home to NY!

and here's some random info... Since this post is titled "9 days", check out the band ninedays -  I became friends with one of the guys while in Nashville, and they are getting ready to record a new album!  It's been a while...and will be great to have them back!

This is REALLY happening!

Part of my horoscope the other day:
"Just because you only have one life, that doesn't mean you can't fit many different lives into it."
I was talking with my aunt the other day, and she said "So, this is really happening, huh?" I said "Well, I'm quitting my job and moving to NY, is really happening!"

The beginning of packing my entire life....to fit into a Dodge Caravan...

So yes, as of 2 days ago, I am now officially unemployed. Weird. Good. Scary! Last weekend, while I still had a job, my car, etc., I reserved a Dodge Caravan, online, to use to drive all of my stuff back to NY (gosh, I have soooo much stuffffff). (I decided to just sell my sweet little Kia here in Nashville, instead of using it to pull a trailer back to NY). I was literally shaking while making the arrangement. I mean, I'm still here in Nashville, at that point, I hadn't heard anything more from the PC, I still have my Kia, but I'm now supposed to pay for a rental to take me back to NY in 2 weeks! I hadn't even really started packing! "C'mon Johanna, you have to commit to this!", I kept saying to myself...."Ok, here goes something...."....and there it was. Rented and paid for. A Dodge Caravan. Whatever fits in there, goes  back with me to NY. My entire life. The last 12 years of Nashville, plus things I've brought with me from Ithaca, Raleigh, Lansing....now back to Saratoga. Scary. But at the same time, it feels really great to get rid of so many things I really don't need anymore...starting new....You should try this some time! It's very cathartic...which feels wonderful!
On Monday, I finally received an email from the PC! It gave lots of travel info...including the phone number to the travel agency who would be booking my flight from Albany to Philly - where we all meet for "staging" - or the first orientation, registration, training, etc....So I called, booked that flight, and then looked at the rest of the flight info they sent me - the flights from the US to Windhoek. You're gonna love this travel plan:
Monday, March 11 - 

• 9:30am - leave Albany airport. 
• 10:30am - arrive in Philly - a few other volunteers are coming in at that same time, so we're going to meet up at the airport. Then we head to the hotel.
• 1-6pm - orientation, training, etc at the hotel in Philly

Tuesday, March 12 -

• 2:00 AM - check out of hotel
• 2:30 AM - bus arrives to take us to JFK (why we didn't just do all of this staging in NY, I have no idea)
• 11:15 am - leave JFK and the US for a 15 hour flight on South African Airlines

Wednesday, March 13

• 8:05 AM - arrive in Johannesburg!!
• 2:25 PM - leave Johannesburg for Windhoek (yes, you read that correctly - a 6 hour layover!)
• 4:25 PM - arrive in Windhoek, Namibia. From here, I believe we get on a bus, truck, etc. to drive 1.5 hours to our Training Center in Okahandja, where we immediately begin training for 6 nights. Then, I'll be moving in with a host family for 5 weeks....

A few very long days.....(especially because I don't think I, or any of the other volunteers, will be able to sleep much from our excitement....)

So, during this process of trying to find out all the information about what to pack (thru current PCVs there already in Namibia, and the info the PC sent us, along with the facebook group I'm in - most of those who will be volunteering with me over in Namibia)....I think I started feeling overwhelmed, stressed and worried. What kind of shoes? How many skirts? How much deodorant? How many solar-powered things do I need? What about a knife? What about suntan lotion? What kind of luggage? Ugh...it was driving me crazy at times.

And then, in the middle of all of this craziness in my head, 2 clients of mine (a couple), who have also become truly wonderful friends, AND the first to make me cry when talking about my leaving, as well as humbled me by their kindness and friendship, said to me "You are about to go do something wonderful for the people over there."

It hit me. This was the reason I was going in to the Peace Corps. THIS was the important issue. Not how many shirts and shoes I could fit in to my luggage....

You know, part of this adventure, IS the adventure! So what if I forget my toothbrush? Or don't have a warm enough blanket? Or my (heaven forbid) iPhone 5 doesn't work in Namibia! Or I can't charge up my computer! So??? This is not what matters. Of course, I'll find a way to communicate with my friends and family back in the US, but this is NOT what this adventure is all about. It's about working, for the sake of working and helping people, and not worry about bills, saving, retirement, etc.  Side note: My father would not be too happy with me saying that - but don't worry dad, I'll get back to my retirement-saving after 27 months :)

The point is - over here in America, we get so wrapped up in our jobs, our bills, toys, etc, that we forget about everything else...and because of this, we are stressed, overweight, unhealthy, and we become selfish and greedy. I want to live, at least for 2 years, in a totally different way. Not only to learn about another culture and people, and to hopefully enrich my own life, but also, I want to help others. And maybe their way is better. Who knows? I'm excited, though, to help make their lives better - through the little I know, and hopefully they can thrive as a community. I wonder if they really want to learn the ways of the western world. Maybe not. Maybe they don't need it. Maybe they already are. But to be able to give of my knowledge, and lend a helping hand - THIS is what truly matters....

Well, except, I WILL need some Starbucks instant coffee to help me along the way....lol!

I am leaving Nashville in 5 days. Wow. So, if you don't hear from me, it's because I'll be spending quality time with good friends here (and Bear, of course!), packing and driving!! I'll update you all once I get back to NY, where I can then concentrate on the PC and Namibia....

Here is another video about Namibia:

p.s. I have also updated my Namibian mailing address in my Contact tab....this is temporary, until I find out where my permanent site will be!

                                  

What to expect...when you don't know what to expect...

Weird fact of the day:

Grinning or repeatedly pulling the lip is a definite sign of hostile aggression in monkeys.

hmmmm...may be good to know in Africa...

Ok, so my brain is a little fried...lol. I have had sooooo much going on in my head...but slowly, I've been making lists of what to buy, what to leave behind, how to get everything done before leaving, lists of more lists, etc....

I received another email from the PC. This time, it had LOTS of specific info - an itinerary, packing list, a letter from past PCVs (very helpful!) and a security and safety test I need to take...

Finally got my yellow fever vaccination, and sent in the passport and visa applications! I'll be getting another email about 4 weeks before I leave to let me know the info for booking my flight from home (Albany) to Philly - where our staging will begin, and from where we fly out of to Nam on March 12...

I finally have a day off from work. I've been so busy with work and seeing friends before leaving, planning a going away party here in Nashville, and checking off things on my to-do list (doctors visits, pets to the vet, car issues getting resolved). Oh, and that's another thing - how to get back to NY. I'm selling my car, either here or back in NY. I'm not taking any furniture - just boxes of stuff. And wow - I have lots of junk I've accumulated over the years! But it'll be nice to get rid of most everything....and start new. :)

Thanks to social media, I was able to find a Peace Corps Namibia group on facebook! And there, I found a few future PCVs who will be joining me in Namibia!! We've started our own facebook group - to discuss packing, etc, and will plan on using the online group to stay in touch, network, help each other out during our service, making our programs successful, etc. I think we're all pretty excited to have found each other! And since then, we've had a few more find us. I emailed our Country Desk Officer in Namibia, forwarding her the link to our facebook group, and hoping she will forward this along to the rest of our gang, so we can all connect before actually meeting in person on 3/11.

And to be honest, it's been nice to have people who will talk PC talk all day long....I know my friends and family are probably getting tired and bored of it! haha!

The group has definitely helped all of us. A few of the people know other PCVs over in Namibia right now, or have been to different parts of Africa. So, between the info the PC sent us, and all of our contacts, we're getting our packing lists in order. Some things that have been recommended to bring are:

• Clothing - cotton, if possible. Business casual - for work and training. This includes long skirts, pants, close-toed shoes, dress sandals, nice shirts,etc. In America, your style of dress is a form of expression. In Namibia, it's a sign of respect. So, if I wear a short skirt and tank top (mainly at work), I am disrespecting you. Pretty interesting! I love it! As for non-working clothes - I think we can pretty much wear whatever we'd like. Apparently, Namibians dress very nicely. 
• Leatherman swiss army knife - So, I guess we have a day of "Cultural Food Day" - and we have to kill a chicken. Yikes! And apparently, the knives over there are pretty dull. Believe me, if I have to cut a chicken's head off, I want it done with one swipe of a very sharp blade! 
• Hammock
• Sheets and towels
• Pillow - though we can get that once we land
• External hard drive - 1-3 terabytes, if possible. We will be sharing movies, tv shows, books, etc., and will need lots of memory space!
• Lots of toiletries - though we can buy more once we get there. But we should pack lots of deodorant - I guess the quality over there isn't too great. One thing that has eased my mind is that in Windhoek, the capital, you can pretty much buy anything you need. So that helps!
• Bathing suit
• Hiking boots
• Casual sandals
• Blanket or sleeping bag
• Portable air pump (not sure if I'll bring this)
• Flashlight - ideally, one that is solar powered
• Solar powered charger
• Backpack
• Things to do if I have no electricity - cards (though I've heard they don't play card games much, due to the gambling problem over there), frisbees, games (i.e. chess), books...and I'm still trying to come up with other ideas... Obviously, I plan on doing lots of hiking, exercising, etc. But I'm thinking of the time I'm at home at night...and need some entertainment! 
• Items to bring to the 2 host families I'll be staying with - hmmm...ideas anyone? Please send any thoughts my way!
• Guitar - this is a definite!!! Another volunteer who I'll be joining is bringing his guitar as well. I have an older guitar - not the best, but will work. I plan on leaving it with a Namibian friend when my service is over :)
• Music - hmm...may get an iPod?
• Kindle - again...maybe?
• 2 pairs of glasses
• Sunglasses
• 2 weeks worth of underwear and socks (well, I may not need THAT many socks!)

These are most of the items we need...I'm sure there are still more, but like I said earlier, my brain is fried haha!

I am also setting things aside that I won't necessarily need during the training. I'm planning on having my mom send me a box of other books, French press (need my coffee!) etc...

Some other Namibian info:

• I have found a wine bar and bistro, along with a coffee shop, in Windhoek! 
• They give us money for a cell phone - not sure if I'll just unlock my iPhone 5...guess I'll just wait till I get there to figure it all out. Apparently, communication with those at home will be a little difficult at first, but after the first week or 2, I should be able to at least call home...
• I have also found lots of Namibian facebook pages - businesses, sports, universities, radio stations, online newspapers (see the news feed here on the left hand column of this blog) - and most of it is in English, which definitely helps. But I know we'll be having INTENSE language training! There will even be a test, that we have to be at least medium-low proficiency in order to stay. For those who are on facebook, if you would like to see these pages, and even subscribe to the list, here's the link: Namibia facebook pages.  This will definitely be useful when my family and friends come to visit. 
• One of the PCVs and I are planning on going to South Africa to watching a Springbok/All Blacks game! I, of course, have a long Africa To-Do List as well - like Mt. Kilimanjaro, Victoria Falls, Cape Town, Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned), a safari, the Lion Park outside of Johannesburg (see picture below!), and well, that's just a few things....

A british safari park ranger gives a foot massage to a lion!!! This is at Lion Park - right outside of Johannesburg, South Africa! I can't wait to see it :)

Here's more info on this pic: Lion Park

Well, signing off for now.....
I think I'll enjoy a little football...looks like Seattle is having a little trouble! You know, I enjoy watching football, even though I usually don't really have a team (except maybe the Giants, being from NY and all), but I'm sure going to miss NFL football...and will DEFINITELY miss March Madness...

Have a great week everyone! Below, I've added a video - made by a PCV in Namibia - about their homes and what it's been like for them, living with host families, adjusting, etc....

Enjoy!!




p.s. On the left hand column of this blog, I've added links to the blogs written by a few of my future/fellow PCV friends!

Kalahari on the BBC

A quick post....

I just found out that there will be a new series, starting TONIGHT on the BBC!

It's all about Africa, and specifically, the Namib and Kalahari Deserts in Namibia!

You can check it out here:

Africa

p.s. for other TV fans, Namibia was the location of the latest Real World Challenge...

I guess everyone is going to the desert! 

:)

Happy Hump Day!

~Johanna

Gelukkig Nuwe Jaar!!

("Gelukkig Nuwe Jaar" means "Happy New Year" in Afrikaans)

Hello all! I hope you all had a great holiday with friends and family, and a wonderful celebration, bringing in 2013. Wow. 2013. I can't believe it's here already....Let the countdown begin!!!!!

Just thought I would bring you up-to-date where I'm at in getting my head and heart on straight for this upcoming life-changing event....

First of all....I DID get to see snow for Christmas!!! I actually got a lot of it....and with cancelled flights, I had a few extra days up north to do some more research on Namibia, and such....

• I bought a book called Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two Years in the Heart of an African Village. It's a book written by a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Sarah Erdman, where she served in the Ivory Coast. Although it's not Namibia, I was told by another RPCV that this book is a great read...and may shed some light on what it's like to be a PCV in Africa...

• I purchased another book (Kindle edition), Colloquial Afrikaans: The Complete Course for Beginners. In Namibia, Afrikaans, along with English and German, are the official languages. And although I don't know for sure what, if any, language I will have to learn, I figured it wouldn't hurt if I knew a little of this new speech. Afrikaans seems to be highly influenced by the Dutch language. Here's a little more info: Afrikaans.

• Another book for Kindle I purchased is the Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. I've been told that reading, and even movie-watching (via my computer), will probably become a big hobby of mine, to help pass the time, entertain me, and at times, take my mind off my frustrations and loneliness that will probably occur at certain points throughout the 2 years....So, I'm slowly building up my Kindle repertoire...along with some yoga, pilates, Tai Chi and Qi Gong videos! Now, I just need some movies....

As part of my New Year's celebration, I made a traditional Afrikaans dessert - 
Melktart (Milk Tart)
I also brought some mini brownies for the party, 
just in case my creation didn't work out.
BUT, I must say, the Melkterts turned out pretty darn good!
I found many versions, but here's the recipe I used, if you'd like to try:
Melktert Recipe

Oh, and the last update for today - I finally got the correct version of my birth certificate, to prove I'm alive, so I can send in my visa and passport applications. I need to get these in ASAP. So, I went yesterday to the post office, after having to work in the morning. Aaaannnnd....wait for it....they closed at noon. Ugh. So now I have to find another time to go - and get out of work again - since they're only open 9-3 M-F (if only I didn't have a job!). 

And good news, I get the yellow fever vaccination tomorrow (I need to send in proof of this, along with a second Chicken Pox vaccination by Jan. 11)! Yippee! I wonder what more vaccinations are in store for me......

I've also been trying to catch up on the reading the PC has sent me. I'm almost done - with a little more of the HIV/AIDS info, and I've gotten through about 1/3 of the PCV Handbook so far....(See My Assignment tab for both of these reads).

Well, totsiens (goodbye) for now!

p.s. 68 days, 6 hours, 48 minutes and 53 seconds till Namibia...but who's counting.... :)

Happy Holidays!!

I'm headed up north today to spend Christmas with my family! It looks as if I may even get a White Christmas this year!! And seeing as how I probably won't see snow for the next few years (Africa is in the southern hemisphere, so Christmas is during the summer solstice. UNLESS I can get to Mt. Kilimanjaro!) I will be enjoying every minute of it....snow angels and all.....

I'm still waiting on my birth certificate to come in the mail, so I can get my passport and visa applications out to the PC. Ah, patience is a virtue, isn't it? And I am sure learning it!

I have soooo much going on in my head right now - what to pack, what not to pack, what I need to take care of before leaving the states, etc. Thank God for plane rides and layovers! I will be making lots of lists, so I can get all this stuff out of my head, and on paper....

Oooh - and I received an early Christmas gift from my sister!! She sent me a backpacking backpack. The thing has so many straps to it - I'm still trying to figure out how to work it, and of course, how I can fit everything in there - for my next 2 years! I now have my main piece of luggage, along with a sleeping bag, which my sister gave me about a year ago (I've heard I should bring the sleeping bag to use at night during the winters.....). Yes, I'm already starting to pack...hahahaha!

I've been in contact with a girl in Namibia right now. She is a PCV (Peace Corps Volunteer), and is currently teaching. Check out her blog here: naMobia. She has given me lots of info already - though I'm trying not to bombard her with all of my questions. lol I'm aware that the answers to my many questions really depend on exactly where my site will be. I may be in the north, may be in the south, may be living in a mud hut, or may have a western-style house with running water and electricity. But I'm open to it all. I'm actually kind of hoping for the mud hut. I mean, if I'm going to do this, let's do it right! :) So I have calmed myself down, and am just ready for any situation. I know that I really won't know what options I will have for communication (phone, internet) until I actually get there. And you know what? It's ok with me. I plan on contacting my parents as often as I can - so they know I'm still alive - and as soon as I am able, I will post on here as well! I'm sure it will take me a few weeks to get settled....

So, I finally read the 97 pages of the Namibia Welcome Book (I put this link on my My Assignment tab). There is LOTS of info in it....and some I skimmed through, and am sure will be returning to at some point when I have more questions....
Here is what I've learned so far about the beginning of my journey:

March 11, 2013 - I will be flying to my staging city (either DC, NY, Philly, etc.). They will be giving me the info to book my flight to this city a few weeks ahead of time. Then I, along with the other volunteers (I'm thinking, about 30-40 total) will have a 1 day orientation/training/etc.

March 12, 2013 - fly to Namibia!!!! I believe we'll be flying into the capital, Windhoek (pronounced with a "V" - Namibia was once German territory).

The next 8 WEEKS will be extensive training - language, safety, culture, and of course, my job. I think I may even shadow a current volunteer for about a week! A side note on the language - they speak English, as well as some German, Afrikaans, (both official languages) and many more. BUT I found another blog of a PCV who is in Namibia right now, and he is learning a click language!!!! I'm very excited about the possibility of learning this! I've found 2 videos, showing this language....try it for yourself!





Now, during the first few days of this training period, we will all be staying in a dorm-style building. After this, the next 5 WEEKS will be spent with a host family. Each volunteer will be living with a Namibian family! This will help us learn the culture and language even more....Then, the last 2 weeks we will all be reunited, leading up to the swearing-in ceremony!

After training, we each go to our own site, where we will be living and working for 2 years. I may be the only PCV in the community, or I may have others with me. If this is the case, I still may be the only Health Volunteer. I've learned that the volunteers keep in close touch with each other (cell phone usage is pretty widespread), and even visit each other! (Side note again: One volunteer visited another fellow volunteer at her community and job - she is working at the Cheetah Conservation Fund! I DEFINITELY plan on finding this, and am hoping one of my fellow PCVs will be working there, or someplace similar. I would love to see these animals up close!!).

During the first 6 weeks at my site, I will be, again, living with a host family. This will help in my adjustment and assimilation into the community. Then I'll have a mom and dad, and hopefully brothers and sisters, I can always turn to for questions, concerns, and of course, a Namibian home-cooked meal! After these weeks, then I move to my own place. Again, it could be a nurses dorm (attached to a clinic or school), a separate house, a mud hut, or anything in between. I'm learning that you just have to go with the flow during this whole Peace Corps experience....which is totally fine with me!


So, for the next few days, I will be enjoying my time with my family. I will see most of them again before I leave in March, and they are planning on visiting me in Namibia (by the way, you are all welcome to visit me in Africa!! I would LOVE to share with you - in real life - my experience!). My aunt has a friend who is actually a PCV in Nicaragua right now, and she, along with my other aunt, just got back from visiting Carol. I can't wait to hear their stories!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season....time with family and friends is important, and so precious. I am trying not to think about the fact that I will be leaving Nashville in 2 months, and eventually, my family in March. I hate goodbyes. Actually, I like to look at it as "see-you-laters", instead. So, for now, I just don't think about it....and how I'll have to leave everything I have come to know...and this American way of life....(and, truly, I'm really excited to learn a different way of living!).

Just the other day, I thought "Oh my gosh, what the hell am I doing?". But honestly, I don't know what else I WOULD do.....So yes, this is scary, but exciting and thrilling all at the same time! I wouldn't even think of backing out now....this is supposed to be my next chapter in this crazy life...


Have a happy and safe holiday!!! Stay warm, or cool, where ever you are in the world.....

Peace & Love,
~Johanna

"The Physics of the Quest"

I'm getting 1 of 2 vaccinations today! Well, besides the many I had during the medical part of the application, it will be nice to get this part over and not be stuck with anymore needles...at least for a while....

I'm also waiting on my long-form version of my birth certificate....Apparently, my short version wasn't good enough proof of my birth into this world for the US Postal Service employee who was taking my application....So I had to call a company, pay extra to have it overnighted, then once I received the email confirmation, I noticed the woman spelled my middle name wrong, so I emailed the company, got it straightened out, and so I wait...again...for the package in the mail! Then I'll be able to get the passport application done, and send that, along my visa application, to the US Peace Corps for processing!! Apparently, I'll be picking these 2 items up at "staging" - this is my 1-day orientation in the US before flying over the pond.....

AND I'm sending my updated resume and an aspiration letter to the Namibia Peace Corps Office via email today. I had to write up a little letter, describing my professional attributes and how I believe they will help in my service to the community I will be helping. I also had to explain how I expect to adapt to a new culture, the skills and  knowledge I hope to gain, and how I feel my PC service will influence my personal and profession aspirations afterwords.....

*deep breath*.....and that's all there is to it, kids!

By the way, did I tell you that PC service is for 27 months?? Oh yeah....AND if the project I create requires me to be there a 3rd year, then I get to stay!! woohoo! I'm sure my parents aren't too thrilled about this piece of info, but I know they will understand. They have been so supportive of this from the beginning. I thought I was going to have to fight them on my grand idea...but nope...they, along with the rest of my family, have been wonderfully supportive! I will go into more detail about my family and friends' reactions in a future post....but for now, let me just say that I feel really good about my decision to do this, and know that I will have people here at home behind me 100% :)

"In the end, I've come to believe in something I call "The Physics of the Quest." A force in nature governed by laws as real as the laws of gravity. The rule of Quest Physics goes something like this: If you're brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting, which can be anything from your house to bitter, old resentments, and set out on a truth-seeking journey, either externally or internally, and if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue and if you accept everyone you meet along the way as a teacher and if you are prepared, most of all, to face and forgive some very difficult realities about yourself, then the truth will not be withheld from you." 

- Liz Gilbert in Eat, Pray, Love

Overwhelmed...but happy!

Just wanted to give you a quick update:

Today I'm sending in my visa and passport applications, writing up an "aspiration letter" and updating my resume for the Namibia Peace Corps Office, setting up appointments for 2 more vaccinations, organizing and making lists about when I need to cut off my phone, car insurance, etc., looking in to how to transport my "stuff" back home to NY, and of course, reading more blogs, PC info they have sent me, and googling Namibia till I'm blue in the face.... 

.....and finishing up my Christmas shopping!

Oh...and working, of course! lol

Until the next post, I came across this wonderful inspirational video, 
and wanted to share with all of you.
When I'm feeling overwhelmed by everything I need to do, to get to the PC in Namibia,
 I think of this video, 
and realize that Alan Watts' words ring true to me....

And just maybe, if you're evaluating your life, and trying to find your next step, 

I hope this can help....

:)

(via the website: Tragedy and Hope)

Thank you, YouTube....

They say if you want to learn about something, google and YouTube it....
Well, here are few "educational" videos!
:)

 

p.s. I will continually try to update and make this blog as easy to read and as educational as possible. I want to share with all of you EXACTLY what I am going through during this process! So, last night I updated the My Assignment tab and added a Links tab, both with a little more info....check it out when you get a chance!

Peace out! :)

The PEACE CORPS?? WHY??

First of all....MY FIRST POST!! Yeehaw!!

Second of all.....Welllll.....why NOT?

Ok, I know, not the answer you were looking for....

I will try to keep this as short as possible...to explain how I came to this conclusion as the obvious next chapter in my life....

Around August of 2011, I was working as a Massage Therapist and dipping into the singer/songwriter thing here in Nashville. I was traveling every 2 weeks or so, playing at vineyards, coffee shops, and restaurants. Trying to learn more and more about music, and better my craft. My plan was to finish a second album. I already had a few songs recorded, and more written. But when I got back to Nashville in August, with no more out-of-town dates, I realized I needed a break. I was worn out. Between full-time job and full-time music (with very little income from this endeavor), I was exhausted. I would wake up early, or stay up late, just to send emails, book gigs, write, practice, play out, market and promote, update my website, etc....You name it, I was the only one doing it for myself. My mind was constantly going - trying to come up with new ideas, songs, etc. on how to get my music out there! Now, don't get me wrong...I LOVED this! I loved music and creating and playing. I think I just needed a break. So I decided to put the guitar down for about a month. For the first time in years, I would come home from work, and just sit and watch TV, with my mind blank. It was kind of nice. :)

After awhile, I decided I needed to get back at it. But I wasn't quite sure I wanted to continue pursuing the "Indie Artist" thing. And since I never truly chased after the idea of just being a songwriter, that was my next move. So I nudged myself back out to the writers nights and the networking (ugh!). And thanks to a good friend's help and a phone call, I got to play for a BIG publisher and get a BIG co-writing appointment at a BIG publishing company here in town. And we wrote a great song!

But my heart was just not in it anymore. I mean, I love the creating and writing and playing. But chasing it as a career is draining! Especially when I had to have a full time regular job because I had student loans to pay. I finally came to the conclusion that in order to make it in the music industry - whether as an artist or a songwriter (besides the obvious - great talent, look, etc), you really need to do this full time. And, well, the cards just did not fall in this way for me. I came to peace with this. I have done things that many never get a chance to do! I had my own website, am on iTunes, Amazon and Pandora, was in a band, opened for Charlie Daniels and Gretchen Wilson, went "on the road" by myself, played 3-hour cover gigs on my own, made an album, and created some amazing music!!! I cannot complain!

But it was time for me to move on....time to see what else this world has to offer. So - I always told myself, that if and when the time comes where I am done chasing music as a career, I would leave Nashville. I have made amazing friends and family here, and will always stay in touch with them, but it's not my home. I never quite felt settled. So...the question was...Where would I go?? Gosh, I can go anywhere! My family and I are close, but I never felt the need to live close to them - at least, not right now. Maybe in 10 years...but for now, I have other places I need to see and experience!

I narrowed my choices to San Diego or Charleston. My plan was to visit both. I work at a Massage Envy, and they are nationwide - so I would probably be able to move right in to a job pretty easily. But it still didn't feel right. I thought "So, I move to the beach, and continue massaging, and then what?" It felt so unfulfilling....

Until one day at work....

During one of my sessions, a client and I were talking, and he said something about the Peace Corps. It was like a light bulb turned on! I knew right then and there, without a doubt, this was what I wanted - and needed - to do! I had no clue what I was getting into, but I didn't care - this was exactly what I wanted for my next chapter! I went home that night, and began filling out the online application (see the tab My Application Process for all the fun!).

See, at the end of my senior year of college, I looked into joining the Peace Corps. I then realized that the process takes up to a year, and I figured I should just finish school and get on with some job, instead of waiting around to get in. So I put the idea aside and continued on with my schooling, work, etc.....

I feel like everything I have done in my life - from undergrad, to grad school, to Massage Therapy, to Singer/Songwriter...and everything before, after, and in between....has prepared me for this moment right now. Through all my faults and failures, the one thing I know how to do, what I want most in this world, is to put my arms around someone and help them with every inch of my being. And I have a feeling this next chapter is going to probably be one of my favorites!

So THAT'S why! :)


Stay tuned for the most recent fun of getting prepared to go! I will try to update this blog as much as possible, and I've been told that most sites in the Peace Corps have internet. I plan on uploading pictures, videos, and of course, lots and lots of stories!!

p.s. The Oryx (Antelope) is the national animal of Namibia!