it's official

This morning we were sworn in as Nica 54 volunteers which means tomorrow I'm off to Teustepe for the next two years.  We sang the anthems of Nicaragua and the USA and the ambassador made a really wonderful speech.  Our host families came to the ceremony in Managua which was great but definitely caused a few tears officially saying goodbye.  My training town is planning on coming back to Santa Teresa to ring in 2011 so it was really only a "see ya soon".

To be honest, I'm a little nervous about moving to my site because until the beginning of February, I won't really have a set schedule of things to do because that's when school starts.  In December and January, I'll have to start a garden and tree nursery and form a youth group... I'll have work, but informally.  I've been so used to having jam-packed days in the last 3 months so the next 2 will be a huge change of pace.  I'm sure I'll get a lot of reading in and in the beginning of January, I'll move into my own house and want to paint fun murals on the walls.

Tonight we are going to the director of Peace Corps Nicaragua's house for an early Thanksgiving dinner... yum.  Thursday I'll be in site (so not celebrating Thanksgiving) but my host nephew is turning 1 so there will be some sort of Nica party.  Piñatas are a sure thing.  I gotta say, though, mom's stuffing and mashed will be sorely missed, as well as Aunt Joan's ice box cake and most importantly, the football game.  We already have a Skype date set up so I'll probably be shown all the delicious food through the computer screen and will realize that gallo pinto (although delish) has nothing on homemade Thanksgiving dinner.

I really can't tell you how much I appreciate all the support and constant words of encouragement you give through my blog, facebook, phone, letters, e-mail, you name it.  Love and miss all you dedicated readers!