Oh Sweet Stressful Irony

This weekend was our "unoffical" purging on stuff. On Saturday we had our yard sale in which we were able to get rid of 75% of our stuff and make over $400 in the process. Strangely some of the things we were sure would be hot-ticket items were still lying on my parents lawn at the end of the day (If you want or need an oversized chair, papasan chair, dining room table, dinged up surf boards, a snowboard jacket and a womens bike, let us know).

The other major sale of the weekend was going to be my truck. Our friend Heidi was in dire need of a vehicle after losing her job earlier this year and our thought we to give her a good deal on a fairly reliable car. Before driving the car over to her house to complete the sale we decided to stop by the store so we could quickly clean out the interior and make it look somewhat nice. On the way I coasted to a stop sign in neutural and when I went to drive away the truck would not go into gear. So Alyssa and I pushed the truck out of the road while I said a few choice words and laughed at the irony of the situation.

This morning I talked to the shop and it looks as if we are going to need a new clutch, which will roughly cost half of what we were planning on selling the car for.

Can't wait to get to Guyana so I can breathe again.

Pack List: Take One

OK it looks like a lot, at it really may be, but at least we will be prepared. The idea is to get high quality stuff that we can only get in the states and then get everything else in country. We are limited to 80 LBs, which I (Paul) think is way more than enough. But after looking at all the random things we are bringing may be an issue. Things with question marks are things we are still not sure on. If any of you have suggestions or comments let us know.

Paul’s Clothing
Shirts (SS) – x7
Shirts (LS) – x2
Collared Shirts (SS) – x4-5
Dress Collared Shirts (LS) – x2
Ties – x1
Shorts – x4-5
Pants – x3-4
Underwear – x7
socks (thin/ short) - x4
Board shorts – x3
Pj pants – x1
soccer shorts – x2
Glasses – x2
Sunglasses – x2
hat – x2
Watch – x1
rain jacket – x1
Chaco – x2
Rainbows – x1
crocs – x1?
Runners – x1
Boots – x1
dress – x1
Soccer cleats – x1

Alyssa’s Clothing
Shirt (ls) – x2
Shirt (ss) – x4 (Icebreakers)
Casual tops– x3
Collared/dressy shirts – x4
Undershirts (tanks) - x3
Semi-formal dress – x1
Skirts (knee) – x3
Skirts (long) – x3
slips – x1-2
Pants (lightweight) – x2
Shorts (long) – x2-3
Underwear – x10
Sports Bras – x7
Socks – x3
Pj pants –x2
Hat – x2
Sunglasses – x2
Belt – x1
Workout shorts – x1-2
Watch – x1
Reading glasses – x2
Swimsuit – x1-2
Raincoat – x1
Chacos/tevas – x1-2
Dress (closed) – x1
running – x1
flips – x1

Random
Can/bottle opener
Camera
Camera Batteries & Charger
Pelican camera case
Pelican de-silica
USB cord/ card reader
Rechargeable batteries- AA(6) and AAA(6)
Battery charger
Dry sack (camera)
USB storage
memory cards – 4 GB (at least)
Solar charger & accessories
Books - x10 (at least)
Board game(s)
cards & card games
Puzzle books
Dictionary
Guitar
Gifts for Hosts
Soccer ball & pump
Duct tape
Sewing kit
Journal – x2
Bible – x2
Pens – x10
U.S. Stamps
Stationery supplies
Envelopes (adhesives)
Incense

Gear
Day pack – x2
Multiday Pack – x2
Duffle – x2
Purse Bag – x1
Knives – x4
Multi-tool – x2
headlamps – x4
Pack towels – x4
Nalgenes –x4
Money belt –x2
Lamp –x1
Thermarest/mat –x1?

Financial
Credit card – x1
Debit cards – x2
travelers checks -$50

Toiletries/Health
Prescriptions – 3 months
Fem Hygiene Stuff
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Shampoo & Conditioner
Hand Sanitizer
Small nail care kit
Tweezers
Hair ties
Brush
Razors/blades
Sunscreen
Deodorant
Lotion
Soap
Make-up? (small supply)
Hair cutting shears
Electric Razor?

Home
Bed sheets – x2
Mattress cover- x1
Measuring cups/ spoons?
Wall calendar
Map of US/ World?
Photos of friends & family (laminated)
Clothes pins?
Clothes line?
Hangers?
Small mirror
hammock?

Job related
Art supplies (kids)
Peace Corps paper work
PC Packet
EDU books/resources
calculator? (solar)
Medical reference book
Mountaineering medicine book

Things to ship
Comfort food
Seeds
Drink mixes
Spices
Books
U.S. stamps
School supplies

Leaving February 5th!

They moved up our staging date as well as the location, so now we leave February 5, 2010 from Philadelphia.

I don't know why exactly we leave in the middle of winter from a freezing city to a hot country, but I don't call the shots. I guess we'll just have to mail home or leave our cold weather gear from Philadelphia before we board the plane. :)

Regardless, we're still excited.

To Do/ See/ Eat

We have so many lists lying around the house right now. We will be posting all of them soon, however the most important of all our lists are the things we want to do, see, eat, etc., before we leave the country for at least the next 26 months. This is the most important list solely because it is things that you, our friends and family, can help us with. If there is anything in particular you see on our list that you want to do with us let us know.

You will also notice that many of the things we want to do involve food and the cold. We have just listed the foods and resturants we wish to eat at. Before we leave we really, really want to take advantage of our culinary choices.

Paul's list

-Surf, Surf, Surf!!!
-Iceskate
-Snowboard
-go to Julian
-hang out Downtown
-Go to all of our used bookstores
-hang out with all of my friends
-Pat and Oscars
-Sandwhiches
-Pipes
-Salads
-Fruit
-Good beer
-Pizza Port
-Panda Express (orange chicken is good!)
-Jamba Juice
-Mexican
-Italian
-Brownie mix and Cookies Dough
-Bretts BBQ
-Hotdogs

Alyssa's List

-Julian
-Old Town
-Seaport Village
-Hike all around the county
-Downtown
-Cabrillo National Monument
-Balboa Park
-Craft with LJ
-Bookstores
-Movies
-Greek food
-Mexican food
-Ice Cream
-Sloppy Joes
-Teriyaki Chicken & Rice
-Japanese
-Kings Ranch Chicken
-Potato Latkes
-Brett's BBQ
-Chocolate chip cookies
-brownies
-baked potatoes
-monkey bread
-see lots and lots of friends and family

Guyana Info

The Peace Corps has a website with some information about Guyana that you can check out if you're looking for information. It's helped us start our pack list and get some info from other Peace Corps volunteers in Guyana.

http://peacecorpsjournals.com/?showcountryinfo,gy

Timeline

The pre-adventure plan is officially in place.

As of December 31st, 2009, Alyssa and I will be leaving our jobs as a Dermatology Medical Assistant and a Junior High Staff Assistant, respectfully, to prepare for our Peace Corps travels.

We will then spend the next few days packing, cleaning out the apartment and hopefully relaxing in between. On January 4th or 5th, we will load up a moving truck and drive up to Washington state where the Richters have so graciously given us storage space. The goal will be to switch off driving and sleeping so we can make the long drive in two and a half days which would allow us to spend more time with family. We will then spend a week or so in Washington State then on the 16th we will board a plane headed for Richmond, Virginia where the Grand parents await.

We will spend some time with Alyssa's family and our good friends the Nichols. We will then, on the 24th fly to San Diego where we will spend sometime with family, relax and prepare everything for leaving the country.

During those two weeks we plan on seeing most of you for breakfast, coffee, surf, settlers or just generally hanging out. We will also be having a going away shindig (more to come at a later date).

On February 7th we will board a plane and officially become members of the 22nd group of Peace Corps volunteer in Guyana.

October Backpacking Trip

Paul and I went backpacking at the end of October and basically forgot we took pictures.  I can't really blame us; we did come home to our Peace Corps invitation packet.  We backpacked up in the Forest Falls area, just a bit further up the mountain from Forest Home where we met.  It was beautiful, and cold, but mostly beautiful.  We only stayed two nights because we had to go back to work (silly work, always getting in the way of fun), however just the relaxation we needed.

The handsome man behind the camera. :)

I'm pretending it was colder than it actually was.  The lowest it probably got was the mid 20s, but that was at night.  I will say the tent and sleeping bag felt rather nice though.

Parts of the creek were frozen over, which on our hike in was a bit concerning.

Even the larger parts of the creek were frozen on the top.

A nice and blurry shot of me all bundled up.

This is where we camped the first night.  We didn't see a single person within our campsites either night.

I'm pretty sure I'm thinking that I'm about ready for some food that can't be found in trail mix or a foil pouch.

Paul standing on the ice (and Alyssa behind the camera, afraid Paul will get his boots wet).

I hate to admit it, but I had a bit of altitude sickness, so I couldn't do the day hike to the peak.

Paul made it though, and took lots of pictures for me.

This was on our hike back down. One of my favorite parts about hiking is realizing just how high you've climbed. The valley below is Forest Falls and where we started our trip.

The backpackers themselves. :)

Alyssa

Spending, Spending, Spending and Tossing, Tossing, Tossing

I'm not sure if it's excitement or just necessity, but I feel like we're taking care of everything all at once.  Oh wait, it's because we are.  :)  While the weekend has been spent cleaning through everything (not an exaggeration), boxing stuff up to store, posting furniture on craigslist, and filling boxes for a garage sale, we have also found ourselves accumulating more stuff.  Such a funny thing.  We are getting rid of things only to take more in.

Paul just ordered a whole bunch of clothes, shoes, and gear that we'll need for the high temperatures in Guyana.  I'm constantly in search of skirts and modest yet cool and comfortable clothing.  Thankfully we have 2 1/2 months until we leave to get that together. 

In the meantime, if you're looking for any furniture or random anything in general, you could probably find it here, and we're probably willing to part with it. The exception would be Sally, even though Paul threatened to post her on craigslist this morning as well.

Alyssa

80 Days!

Last night, Paul and I compiled a master packing list. Much to our dismay, it is long, but thankfully only a starting point. Packing for two years is proving more extensive than we had originally thought.

We've also been editing our "to do" list before we leave. This one is even longer. The next few months may be a little crazy, and that may be an understatement.

As of right now, our plan is to be out of our apartment January 5th to drive all of our remaining belongings up to Washington state, where my parents will graciously hold onto and care for our stuff (including Sally cat) while we're gone. About a week later, we'll fly to the east coast to visit with some extended family and friends. Then it's back to San Diego for two weeks until we fly to Miami. During that time, hopefully everything will be done, and we'll relax with family and friends.

So many people have asked me questions lately that I thought it might be a good idea to answer some of them here. If you have any questions, please comment, and we'll respond. :)

Alyssa

GUYANA - The Land of Many Waters

Friends and family, it is official. We received our nomination and invitation to serve as education and health community volunteers in the country of Guyana. Not to be mistaken with the African nations of Ghana or Guinea, Guyana is located on the north eastern coast of South America, bordered by Venezuela (Northwest), Suriname (Southeast) and Brazil (South). SEE MAP.

While not a Spanish speaking country, Guyana is one of the most diverse countries in the world and certainly the most in South America. It has a history of European imperialism, multiple indigenous tribes still in existence, and a history of slavery. For more info check this out. We have spent the last two days researching the country and still do not feel like we know even a fraction of what there is to know.

While there is way too much about Guyana to share with all of you, we can share the logistics of Peace Corps Adventure. We will be going to Miami February 7, 2010 for what is called staging. There we will meet the 22nd group of Peace Corps volunteers to go to Guyana since 1995. In Miami we will also take care of any last minute paper work, medical requirements, and get any needed vaccinations for our adventure. Two days later, as a group we will board a plane to Guyana. We will spend the first eight weeks in training as a group while living with a host family. We will learn the language (Creolese) and culture, as well as different health and safety measures that will need to be followed. During our training we will be observed and evaluated by Peace Corps Guyana and will then graduate onto our official volunteer time.

Our volunteer time will consist of 24 months of service in a extremely rural setting, with no running water or electricity. This will most likely be in the interior savanna or northern rain forest regions where there are many small indigenous villages of 200-300 people. Alyssa's project will consist of basic classroom education (math, science, reading, etc.), community development and health education. Paul's projects will include health education and outreach in schools, clinics and with NGOs. These projects set up the perfect opportunity for us to work on separate things but also at times partner together to attempt to enrich a community.

There will be many more posts to come.

Please continue to pray for our process of getting ready to leave as well as the actual journey.

If we haven't seen you in awhile please, please, please contact us because things will get crazy soon and we want to make sure we hang out with all of you.