The Last Weekend in the U.S.

Wasn't sure I was really going to reach this point. Not until this morning was I cleared of a medical hold! That's cutting it close, since my plane leaves Monday morning for the staging area. But all is well, for now! Now the job is to pack, and make sure that my luggage meets the weight and size restrictions. That is going to take some thoughtful calculation. Hopefully, I won't have to leave anything significant behind.

I've been told that Internet service may not be available during the first 2 months of training in Kenya. So be patient if you don't see any new posts for awhile. I'll post my address once I am sure where I will be. Those students of Ma'am following this post are encouraged to leave comments and questions. I'll answer them as Internet availability permits.

Only 2 weeks before departure

Can't quite believe that 2 weeks from tomorrow I'll be embarking on the first leg of my trip to become a Volunteer for the Peace Corps. I accepted this invitation on April 2nd. These past 6 weeks have flown by, and yet there is still so much to do.

Before this adventure, I have taught for the American Red Cross, and have been a substitute teacher for the Marana Unified School District, near Tucson. Due to my French ancestry, many students have difficulty pronouncing my surname, so I am usually known as Mr E., hence the title of this blog.

In preparation to become a Peace Corps Volunteer I have been exercising to improve my stamina and strength. Thanks to the kickboxing classes I received from Marianne Morrill, instructor and owner of Kenpo Karate in Marana, some gains have been made, along with the pain. Ma'am, as she is known in her classes, seems able to make it a very enjoyable experience, no matter how sore or tired I am at the conclusion of her class.

Hopefully, in return I hope I can relay my experiences as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya. Of course, this all depends on the facilities available in the community where I will be living and working.