Decompression Time

Pictures from top to bottom:

1 and 2. Pictures of City Hall in Philly - I was able to walk through the middle, sit down, and drink my soy steamer (yum yum) on Thursday morning

3. the Market - AMAZING! It is about three blocks from our hotel and it is fabulous! So many different foods to try and it was packed. I didn't want to take a picture with a lot of people in it, so I had to find a quiet row. I have picked up meals here twice: breakfast on Thursday was a soy steamer and an apple and lunch on Friday was an eggplant pita sandwich with hummus and a delicious, doughy, cinnamon roll! YUM YUM!

4. the Tunnel - after I walk in Philadelphia, as soon as I finally arrive at the Tunnel, I know I'm almost to my temporary hotel "home". It is always dark as I walk through, but, as you can see, it feels safe (in the picture, there are at least four police vehicles along the curb).

I arrived in Philadelphia, PA on Wednesday evening at about 10:00pm (I missed my original flight at 8:45am due to a mix-up with the airline agent at the front counter, but hey, at least I was able to get a free breakfast out of the deal). So, after I located my baggage from the earlier flight, I quickly made my way to the ground transportation office to schedule a ride to my hotel. As soon as I walked up, someone asked "Are you in the Ukraine group?" I'm sure it was completely obvious because of my ten suitcases (just kidding, only two...but also a huge hiking backpack and messenger bag...it certainly feels like ten pieces of luggage!). It was great to already meet someone from my group! While we were waiting for the shuttle, three others joined us. We went out for some good food at 1am local time (I had French Toast), then headed to bed.

Staging was referred to as a neutral ground where we were able to "decompress" from all of our emotions - I think this is an accurate description. A time to regain my balance from saying goodbye to family and friends, but still on US soil to prepare for life abroad.

My roommate has been wonderful! When we met, I found out she is actually from Yakima, WA and people are continually asking us, "Did you know each other before PC?" Nope, we just hit it off!

Tomorrow morning at 8:30am, we will load on a charter bus to fly out of New York. Our flight leaves at 5:50pm (local time) tomorrow. I am excited to arrive in Ukraine on Sunday, September 29 at 1:15pm. Hopefully, my baggage will clear the weight restrictions; otherwise, I could be responsible for some hefty fines.

Take care and thanks for reading!

Love,
Nat B

Reflecting on Favorite Pics of Summer

Hello All,

I wanted to share some of my favorite pictures of my summer!

1. Starlight Run with friends (we were the wedding party from the Runaway Bride and chased the bride during the entire race)

2. South Dakota Trip - fun people, beautiful scenery (and cabin), wacky Flintstones Theme Park (like out of a horror movie), historic train ride through the Black Hills, and my grandma riding a horse!

3. My sis and I at the beach - where her true personality is evident (don't let her fool you with her sweetness)

Hope you enjoy!

Nat-B

Frantically Packing!!!

Goodbye Pictures from top to bottom:

1. Dad and Grandma

2. Kelsey, Bola, and Kristin competing in a competitive badminton game (they won!)

3. Me with Meghan (friends since 3rd grade) and Jason (their children: Aiden and Owen), and John

4. Race for the Cure 2008 - with Cindy, Duran, and Holly

5. Soccer Team says "Goodbye" - Go Lexi's All-Stars!

6. Last "Goodbye" with Helen, Cindy, and Jessica

7. Goodbye hug with Tim, Jodie, and Holly

8. Aunts and Second Cousins - I Love You!

Oh my goodness - I can't believe my plane to Philadelphia is taking off in less than eight hours! It has been a whirlwind of a weekend (and I thought I would have so much time to pack, donate my extra stuff, purchase any last minute items...sorry Mom and Dad!).

Well, the storage bags that suck out the air and shrink your clothes, you know, the ones on the infomercials...those have been a lifesaver (thank you, Jessica S.)! I had a difficult time choosing professional clothes, including winter coats, under 100 pounds, while still leaving room for necessary items, such as a short-wave radio (to listen to BBC), gifts for my host family, teaching supplies that I have been collecting, a sleeping bag, and warm blankets. Oh my...how to fit all of it within my strict luggage guidelines? Oh well, I'll manage!

I have had wonderful times shared with friends and family before my departure! I have posted some pictures from this last week of saying my goodbyes above. I'm going to write a new post so I can get some more pictures up!

I sincerely appreciate the support I have received!


Take care,
Nat-B

Natalie and Mallory: Updated Pics

Hello,

This is my first time blogging. I'm trying it out to see what I can do. Here are some pictures of Mallory and me. We sure had a fun time taking these pictures - and we think they turned out great!

I've been packing for my move to Ukraine to serve in the Peace Corps. Here is my schedule:

September 24, 2008 at 8:45am: Leave PDX for Philadelphia for staging

Thursday, September 25-Friday, September 26: Staging in Philadelphia (learn policies, procedures, reflect on aspirations, and meet other PCVs)

Saturday, September 27: begin flight to Ukraine (total of 10 hours)

I'm excited and nervous for this new opportunity! Thanks for reading my blog!

Nat-B