Staging in Miami

I just wanted to let everyone know that I arrived safely into Miami yesterday afternoon.  We had quite a storm roll through here yesterday afternoon which did delay some people's arrival but I think by about 10 pm our entire group was here.  Last night we had our first group meeting and we have 47 trainees in our group with about half in the agriculture sector and half in the environmental sector (my sector).  It seems like we have a great group of individuals, most of us are fresh college graduates but we also have a wide variety of ages and have one older gentleman in our group but he seems very excited but a little overwhelmed by all of us younger people.  We also have one married couple in the group.  Last evening we just filled out our last minute paperwork including our eligibility verification to make sure we were all still good to go as well as signed our life insurance and got our debit cards for our last two days in Miami.  We were all very surprised by the amount of money they have us for two days here so many of us are trying not to spend it all so we have more money once we get down to Paraguay!  So far I have met two people from Missouri and we were all on the same flights out of St. Louis yesterday morning.  At this point everyone (including myself) is getting very excited but at the same time nervous because there are so many unknowns.  Today we have training here at the hotel and then will be leaving about 7-8 to head to the airport before our flight leaves at 11:45 so I hope to be able to sleep on the plane since we arrive about 7:45 and training starts right away.  So next time you hear from me I should be in Paraguay! 

Packed and Ready

I first want to start out this post thanking all of you that were able to come to my Bon Voyage party on Sunday night.  We had a fantastic turnout and it was so good to be able to see all of my family and friends before I leave on my next adventure.  We had some wonderful food and great company and I will miss all of you while I'm gone.  I have uploaded a few pictures from the evening. 

 

 

Since the Bon Voyage party I have been desperately trying to get my bags packed and ready to go.  At first I didn't think it would be too big of a deal since I just packed a hiking backpack for 3 months in Costa Rica but I soon began to realize that packing for TWO years and FOUR seasons was a bit more work.  But thankfully Thad was up to the challenge to help me and although I am not bring all that I would like I know that I have more than enough and if not I'm sure I can find it!  So here it is two checked bags and two smaller carry-ons. 

 

 

Tomorrow morning about 4 am I will be leaving Columbia on my way to STL for my flight at 8 am to Chicago and then a short layover until my flight to Miami where I should arrive around 2 pm.  We check in tomorrow evening at the hotel and have some basic orientation tomorrow night and dinner.  I will be in Miami all day Thursday doing more basic training and then we have an overnight flight Thursday night leaving at 11:45 arrive in Paraguay just before 8 am.  I will probably not have internet the first couple of days since I know they are going to be busy but I will update as soon as possible!

 



About One Week Until Departure

In case you were wondering what sorts of things I will be doing in Paraguay I have attached the official press release from Peace Corps.

http://midwestpcvs.wordpress.com/2013/08/12/columbia-mo-resident-begins-peace-corps-service-in-paraguay/

Also I wanted to post my address so if any of you wanted to send me mail you would have it :-) Just to let you know it does take 2-3 weeks for mail to reach me and A LOT longer for packages.

PCT Kaitlyn W. Bradley (this will change from PCT to PCV after we finish training in December)
Cuerpo de Paz
162 Chaco Boreal c/Mcal. Lopez
Asuncion 1580, Paraguay
South America