John's Next Step

Staging gets everyone prepared for the travel and is a prelude to Pre-Service Training in the country.  Staging was nice with modules following a pattern of the trainer giving the information, small group discussing the subject, then everyone giving feedback. Staging yesterday started with ice breakers at noon and then training started a little bit before 2 pm and ended early, a fair bit before 7 pm.  22 “invitees” arrived – a nice group of men and women – at the end of staging we were Peace Corps Trainees (PCTs) I am the only one anywhere close to using an AARP card – wonder if they give discounts in Ghana. Today will be spent waiting in the hotel for the ride to the airport, waiting in the airport until 6 pm or so, flying to Frankfurt, waiting in Germany, flying to Ghana – arriving about 7 pm local time in Accra (2 pm central time with daylight savings time).  Time to get to know the members of the group.  We all have fears and ambitions, streng...

Last week, my last full week stateside, was full of activities.  I was able to visit my family in Arkansas and help celebrate my mom’s 80th birthday.  The visit was WONDERFUL – one last face to face time with family before departure.  The visit was short, but a short amount of time is normal for people so close to departure to the Peace Corps.  My wonderful daughter also came into town one last to time to help with seeing me off at a party yesterday.  Thanks to Brandon, Chris, Missy, and all those able to come by say farewell. Distance changes the family dynamics.  I've been away from my family for more than half of my life. My relationship is not the same as family members who live near each other.  My relationships are strong, but it is easier for me not to get under other’s skin or to let them get under mine during short visits.  It is not that I would not or could not annoy people – they know that I could.  The distance just means ...