"But if the life will not be easy, it will be rich and satisfying. For every young American who participates in the Peace Corps—who works in a foreign land—will know that he or she is sharing in the great common task of bringing to man that decent way of life which is the foundation of freedom and a condition of peace." - John F. Kennedy

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

The Big Day

Finally, it's here! The day I embark on my Peace Corps journey! It's been a long wait to get to this day (a little over a year) and I am still in shock that it's finally here! I was supposed to leave last Friday, but because I had to wait on some last minute medical tests, I had to leave a little later. So, I will be departing from the Grand Rapids airport at approximately 5 pm, and will land in Bamako, Mali at about 9 pm Thursday. As my friend Anne put it, I will be arriving in true Ajka form: fashionably late :)

General thoughts about leaving:
  • Nervous: Everyone has already been there for a couple of days and started with learning Bambara so I have to play catch up! 
  • Anxious: I was ready to leave last Friday, and can't wait for this adventure!
  • Excited: I can't wait to experience Malian culture!                                                                                
Basically, all of the above with varying degrees of each depending on the time you catch me. I promise to keep updating this blog, and will post my address as well so you can send me goodies :) In the meantime, stay classy!
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4 comments:

  1. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 4:45 AM

    You're in flight.... love the idea of this Blog! Looking forward to following Ajka's Big Adventure, Renee Page

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousNovember 2, 2011 at 6:14 AM

    I am really excited and proud for you! What an amazing experience you are going to have. Tom

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousNovember 14, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    You're in the paper today!! Hopefully everything is going well!!
    -Kayla

    http://www.grandhaventribune.com/content/gh-woman-begins-peace-corps-service-mali

    ReplyDelete
  4. heathrliNovember 22, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    AJKA! You're incredible.. best of luck! I miss you already!!

    ReplyDelete

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