It's Official!

Hey there friends and loved ones.

First I want to thank all of you for your input, encouragement and advice over the past week, while I've been deciding what to do with this Peace Corps invitation. As I'm sure you're all aware, I've been a total wreck while trying to make my decision, and I know I've been a pain in the ass, making up and then changing my mind, and then changing it back again...often several times in the same day. Don't worry though...I've heard this is normal behavior for someone in my situation!

Hopefully all of that is behind me now though, as I've officially accepted my invitation to serve in Capo Verde. After all the hand-wringing, what-ifs, back-and-forths, blog-readings, sleepless nights and pants-pissing in general, I finally came to the conclusion that if I didn't go, I might never forgive myself for squandering the opportunity to see some more of the world, meet some amazing people, learn a new culture and language, hopefully do some good, and most importantly, give me something to be proud of for the rest of my life. Also, I heard that chicks dig guys who volunteer for stuff.

The hardest part of all of this won't be the no-water or no-electricity, the poverty, the language barrier, the threat of death, dysentery, disease or dismemberment, or even the fact that I don't have any idea what I'm supposed to do when I get there. No, the hardest part will be leaving all of you. It seems an impossible thing to not see your faces again for 2 years, and I really don't even know how to address it. Sufficed to say that I love you, and I will miss you each and every day. If you send me care packages, I will love you and miss you even more, each and every day.

So Peace Corps says that due to the limited availability of electricity, computers and internet access (and the exorbitant cost of air mail), it's impossible to write everyone individually while I'm gone. They suggested creating a Blog as a way to keep in touch with people back home. So, this is where you can go to check up on me, read about my adventures, see pictures, send encouraging words...or ask me what I want in my care packages.

For the record, I'll be leaving on or about the 23rd of June for orientation, arriving in Capo Verde approximately June 27th. I should be back about September of 2009. Jeezuz. 2009. Let's not think about that. Anyway, there's plenty of time for hilarity and hijinx between now and then, so let's not any of us be sad, and instead let's concentrate on making some good memories to get me through the hard times ahead.

For more information on Capo Verde, you can click right here.

Thanks again for all of your Love and Support.

All my Best,
Caley