me voy al sur por un ratito

Oh hey, dudes and ladies! Northwestern's graduation came and went (I found that the immense, billowy purple gown we had to wear filled a hole in my life I didn't even know existed...I wish I'd chosen to do Peace Corps in a country where purple gowns the size of yachts were standard garb). Unfortunately, I foolishly elected to serve in a country where gowns aren't simply frowned upon, they're illegal (okay...that's a lie). That's right, my dear friends, in just a couple days I'll be flyin' on down to Honduras to begin my 27 months of service with the US Peace Corps. (Gowns not allowed.)

A lot of folks have been asking me why I decided to join the PC. I guess the way I feel about it is, why not? I sort of abruptly made the decision last fall, and I'm still not sure I fully realize what exactly I've signed up for. But I know I'll get to help people, which all I wanted to do anyway. Especially little people...dang, I love kiddies. Good thing my program is "Youth Development," eh? I'm also partial to Spanish, and am terribly excited about living in a little rural community..I'm kind of imaging it will be like a real long camping trip. If you're going to accuse me of joining the Peace Corps only so I have a legitimate excuse to be filthy for two years, I won't hear it and I won't respond to it.

I don't feel real nervous or anything, mainly just extremely excited and super curious. I was delirious with joy the entire time I lived in Chile last year (a robust four months), and I can't wait to get back in the friendly bosom of latinoamerica once again. That said, I will miss you guys very, very much and I promise to keep in touch as much as possible. Happiness is only real when shared, so keep your eyeballs peeled for letters and postycards. I'm also keen on bringing carrier pidgeons back into circulation, so if any of you know someone who could help make my dream a reality, let me know.

Until next time, my lovely friends and family. I leave for my Staging (pre-departure orientation) in Washington DC on the 6th of July, and will depart for H-Town at some ungodly hour on the 9th. I'll probably post again before I leave, though.
paz,
Hayley