Hello, my name is Will, and I am venturing to Mongolia as a Peace Corps volunteer. I don't know if there is a way to describe exactly how it feels to be leaving in less than 2 weeks on a trip for 2 years. Its been a mixture of trying to figure out everything possible about Mongolia, but at the same time knowing that I can't really start learning until I get there. I found quite a few blogs from people already there, which I have found both helpful and amusing. There are even some TV shows that had episodes featuring Mongolia (Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, and River Monsters). Its really cool to think that I will be visiting one of their "exotic" destinations personally.
I've been itching to get out of Suburbia, USA for at least a year, but I am also anxious about meeting a whole lot of new people and being in a new place, and - oh yeah, not knowing the language. And I have not really started packing yet. Apparently, I need to be ready for warm summers and very cold winters. I won't be taking more than 2 suitcases, so I'm going to need to let go of a lot of stuff too. But that's not as hard as saying goodbye to friends and family. I have already said my final "goodbyes" to quite a few people already - some co-workers, and fellow-teachers, my sister living in a different state (and her newborn!), and some aunts and uncles. Some have contributed to my life so much, and I don't feel like I have given back that much in return. Now I have the opportunity to pass on the things that I have been given and help people on the other side of the world!
My next posting will be in Mongolia - depending on internet availability, the timeline may not perfectly accurate but I will try to update when I can.
