I'm here!!!

I feel terrible for this short post, but I don't have internet for long and I just want to let everyone know that I am here in Moldova and have been for a couple of weeks now. I am living south of the capital with a host family and I love them so far!

I will update ASAP I promise. I'm going to start blogging on my computer without internet, then transferring them over to here when I have internet access so I'm not always pressed for time.

I miss everyone! Thanks to all who have been sending loving emails and messages here and on Facebook.

Michael

PS - Letters/Packages would be awesome! I'd love to hear from you all. See my address to the left!

Staging complete!

I have officially finished the first part of being a future Peace Corps Volunteer. Today was our last day of "staging" in Philadelphia, which is basically just an introductory period where we meet each other and learn about policies and practices of Peace Corps (all you Teach For America folks - think induction.) It was actually pretty nice. The hours were tame as compared to all of those TFA institute hours, but the time was well spent and were really given a great introduction to the program and country. 

Now that the first step is over, it's time to get to Moldova. My flight leaves tomorrow night at 9:35 pm and we fly through Frankfurt, Germany to Chisinau, Moldova (the capital city) and arrive at around 6:20pm (Moldova time) on Wednesday. It's going to be a full day of traveling and I have a feeling I'm going to be exhausted. However, our group was informed that we'll need to look our best when we get off the plane, because rumor has it that TV stations, radio stations and newspaper journalists will all be there representing the Moldovan media and reporting on our arrival. Apparently we're kind of a big deal in Moldova.

Again, I am unsure when you'll hear from me next. I'm still in America, so internet access is pretty easy to find. However, once I get to Moldova, things will likely become increasingly difficult when it comes to finding an internet cafe or something of the like. The next time I have internet though, I promise I'll update!

Until then... la revedere (la rev-uh-dare-ay)! 

That means "goodbye" in Romanian, by the way. :) 

See ya!

... and I'm off! I leave this morning for Philadelphia to begin my experience with the Peace Corps. I'm not sure the next time I will have internet will be, so please be patient with me. It could be tonight, it could be a few weeks from now. Thanks so much to all of you who are already reading this. Don't forget about me! :)

"Ohmigosh!"

My emotions have been pretty even-keeled lately. In my head, I know I'm leaving for a really poor, foreign country this weekend, but I have not felt nervous or extremely excited either. Sure, I've been telling everyone I'm excited, but what am I going to tell people? - "Actually, I'm pretty indifferent about this whole thing and it won't be until the day it happens that it all really hits me, but that's pretty typical with my personality so there's no need to worry. How are you doing?" Probably not the best answer.

Anyway, tonight I had a twinge of, let's call it "Ohmigosh!" I wasn't unbelievably nervous, nor was I really sad, freaked out or overjoyed - I was just: "Ohmigosh!"

I suppose "Ohmigosh!" could be described as follows: first, there's just a general pause in whatever it is you're doing, then there's almost a twitch of realization (eyes open wide, head cocks up, brain swishes around a bit), then a sort of half-open smile appears on your face (I would say more a smile for yourself when nobody is around as opposed to a "cheese" smile or a "Hey! I haven't seen you in so long. I love your new haircut!" kind of smile), then a self-affirming nod, and then within less than 5 seconds you're back to doing whatever you were doing in the first place.

So, picture this scene. I'm in my room packing and simultaneously watching a rerun of "Absolutely Fabulous" on BBC America (caveat: that show is hilarious!), when all of a sudden, after a brief thought of "do I really need to be packing so many pairs of black socks?" I suddenly had my "Ohmigosh!" moment. It was thrilling, truly. But, as you've read in the previous paragraph, being completely faithful to the definition of an "Ohmigosh!" moment, within just a few seconds I was back to folding shirts and talking to myself in a British accent.

And now, my "Ohmigosh!"* moment has led me to this post and the realization that I leave in just 4 days. It's becoming real and I am so happy about that.

*By the way, "Ohmigosh!" should be read quickly and slurred together as opposed to a typical, "Oh, my gosh!" It really adds to the intensity and momentary urgency of the feeling.

Charlie! That really hurt!

Ok, so I realize that my blog has recently become just a big advertisement for YouTube, but I can't resist one final video. This has to be the cutest kid I've ever seen. His reaction is priceless. Oh man, I love YouTube.