Thursday, June 7, 2007

Imminent Departure




Five days left until the adventure begins! In honor of this fact, I began writing a list in my journal something akin to this: five days of hot water on demand, instant access to imformation, quality toothpaste and deoderant, effortless linguistic understanding, daily showers, movie theater movies (in English, of course), bowls and bowls of pasta, being behind the wheel of an automobile, feeding the internet addiction, indoor plumbing, etc. The list could go on and on really. However, in the midst of my frantic list-making endeavor, I realized that in exchange for all of the quotidian conveniences and extravagances of this American life, relocating to a remote country in the Caucasus and living like a Georgian for two years will afford me opportunities beyond my wildest imagination (and believe me, it can be quite limitless at times).

It's really an even trade-off of sacrifices and benefits. I'm happy to sacrifice a daily shower for the opportunity to attend an authentic Georgian supra. I don't mind giving up 24/7 internet to connect with a Georgian student or maybe, if I'm lucky, to instill in my future students my love of learning. Swapping an indoor toilet for the chance to visit the Black Sea or stand before the stunning Caucasus mountain range? In a heartbeat! This is why I signed up for Peace Corps. I know I will periodically succumb to the frustrations and occasional lonliness of living abroad, but I think remembering the reasons why I decided to embark on this journey will help me keep it all in perspective. I think I have a healthy respect for the seriousness of this commitment, and just enough trepidation to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground. Right now I have that breathless sensation of butterflies in my stomach because I know, at least metaphorically, that once again I'm standing on the covered bridge over the Contoocook River and preparing to jump. All I have to do is take the first step. The rest is all inertia and pure experience. So here's to taking the plunge! May this journey to Sakartvelo and back be the adventure of a lifetime...

By the way, here are a few links to info about Sakartvelo for those of you interested in discovering more about my future home:

http://www.welcome.to/sakartvelo
(Informative website about all things Georgian)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b9u5-EsCEo
(Georgian National Anthem)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeX9zdJT8Jg
(A quite bucolic and romantic depiction of Georgia's landscape)

7 comments:

Dream Dancer said...

I am so excited and proud of you for taking such a great oppurtunity and fufilling your dreams of traveling! I will be anxiously waiting to hear about your arrival, your host family and everything you encounter. Let's make sure to listen to the Pfaffster as much as possible because everytime I hear him sing it reminds me of you are time we had in FL. Who knows, maybe when you get back in two years Gar will need some twins to travel and tour with! ;-) I miss you already and I still get to talk to you for 5 more days! I love you so much twinsy! Just remember we have the same stars dancing in the sky and the same moon shining down us and whenever I look up there I will be sending you love so when you look at the moon there will be twinsy love all over it for you! Love you!
-L

Kaye & Scott said...

Hello/goodbye.
Megan, have fun on your voyage and enjoy your new adventure. We hope you have the life enhancing experience that you're looking for.

Congratulations for taking this exciting step into the unknown. Have a great and safe journey.

Love, K & S

The Constant Gardener said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
The Constant Gardener said...

"to be nobody but yourself -- in a world which is doing its best, night
and day, to make you like everybody else -- means to fight the hardest
battle which any human being can fight, and never stop fighting."

e.e. cummings

We love you! Never stop being yourself!

Keep your blog updated! :)

Mom

Anonymous said...

Hi Megan,

I just watched Repentance which I really enjoyed. The more I learn about Georgia the more interesting it seems. I know you're going to have a great time there!
*N

The Constant Gardener said...

It's Sunday and we are all still waiting for the final confirmation that you have arrived safely in Tibilisi. I read about the torrential rain in Munich on Friday night and wonder if your plane was delayed.

I've been remembering how when you were little I would kiss you before you left for school each day and say 'May you grow today in wisdom and peace'. It seems like a good thing to say to you today.

We miss you so much already! Do write as soon as you can.

Love you for always,
Mom

Dream Dancer said...

I am listening to the CD you made me and thinking about you. Like mom said we are waiting for the email that you are safe and sound in Tibilisi!
I met a girl the other day that has been to Georgia and she told me all about it. I told her that you there now and she said I definitely have to come visit you and travel all around with you. It will be a never forgotten experience!
We miss you so much and are constantly thinking of you in Georgia. Write whenever you can, we are anxious to hear from you!!
Love you so much,
L