Almost there...

In less than one week, I will be in a foreign country for the first time in my life. I grew up in Peachtree City, a.k.a. the 'bubble'. We never locked our car doors, or our front house door at night. I could ride my bike throughout the entire town and my Mom would never worry, as long as was home by the time the street lights came on. This lifestyle caused me to grow up somewhat naive and inexperienced about life. Nothing 'bad' ever happened in my hometown that had a profound or negative affect on me. My life in general was fabulous. I come from a family who never made me feel incapable and always made me feel completely adequate. We were rich. Not in material things necessarily, but in those intangible things that some may call 'love, spirit, laughter, compassion, connection, unconditional support, hugs'. I consider myself more than lucky.

In the next few days, I will be throwing myself into an environment that will challenge me and my perception. It will cause me to think. This land called Nepal is not going to be all that 'peachy'. I may see things that cause me to feel sick inside and I understand that. I may not be as mentally prepared as I need to be, yet I cannot wait to see the opportunity for change. I cannot wait for the opportunity to put my passion into action and try to make a difference, big or small. This is my chance of a lifetime, and I could not feel more magical.

I have found out a little more detail.... I will arrive in Kathmandu after only one stop in Abu Dhabi on July 28th at 4 pm. There will be a GVN staff member there to pick me up- thank God! I will have until August 1 to travel around the city and do the 'tourist' thing, hopefully with other volunteers. I will be staying in a Hotel that costs 400 rupees per night (That is only about $8!!) during my entire time in Kathmandu. I start my orientation and training on August 1 and that will last for 5 days. Then, the other volunteers and I will take a bus to our designated villages to begin our life there. I am staying with a host family that will provide me with more than authentic cultural experience. I will have one day off per week, where I will travel back to the city for a hot shower and the internet :). My work will be teaching health education to children living in an orphanage (Although in Nepal, orphanages are referred to as Children's Homes). I will be teaching them proper sanitation methods and providing health checks in order to help prevent disease and sickness. Children and health? Could not be a more perfect option for me! Please stay tuned for more and more updates. :)