Farewell

It is hard to believe that my Peace Corps journey began over a year ago. While I've yet to leave Wisconsin, I began my preperations for service last winter, and arguably, the Peace Corps has been on my radar since high school. It seems almost impossible that I am actually leaving for Niger in three very short days. It has become somewhat of a token response, but it is surely "going to be an adventure."

I'm not heading into this experience completely blind, but to be honest, I'm not even remotely sure what to expect. In one moment that is an exhilarating feeling, but I would be lying if I didn't say it slightly terrifies me in the next. :0)

It will be a couple of months before I am able to communicate by more than the means of an old-fashioned pen and paper; so in addition to saying farewell, I just wanted to extend my sincere gratitude to each of you who were able to attend my going away last week, as well as to those who have sent warm wishes my way.

You strengthen my spirit and determination to enter into this experience, to live and learn as much as is humany possible to do. I wish there was more I could say or do to express my gratitude, but just know I will be thinking of you often. I cannot wait to share the adventures and the mishaps (there will be many that is for certain) that occur along the way.

So for now, I guess this is farewell, I look forward to seeing you in March 2009!

With love and best wishes for a happy 2007,

Jamie