Today marks 6 months until departure. So what have I been up to since receiving my invitation? I’ve applied for my visa and PC passport. I wrote my aspiration statement and updated resume which I needed to submit within 10 days of receiving the invitation. I’ve made a dentist appointment and will be scheduling more doctor appointments soon to work towards final medical clearance. I’ve started the Malagasy language lessons (manahoana!). I’ve read through the PC handbooks and other materials, and read many different Madagascar blogs. I've watched Madagascar youtubes, documentaries, and the DreamWorks Madagascar (I'm told this was a necessity). There is not a day that goes by in which I don’t think/talk about Madagascar. It seems to find its way into any conversation. Even then, I’m only talking about it 10% of the time I wish I could be talking about it.
The fact that I will be moving to Africa for two years still has not sunk in. I’m not allowing myself to do any shopping or packing until 1-2 months before departure, otherwise I think I would go crazy trying to decide what to bring. I’ve thought about some financial goals over the next few years, and looked into grad school and taking the GRE. I’ve also chosen a date to put my 30 day resignation notice in at work.
So as you can see, I’ve done a lot of nothing over that last few weeks. A lot of thinking but no action. It’s been too early to actually do anything-even for scheduling appointments! I have a countdown on my phone (obviously) and I absolutely can’t wait. Although I’m trying not to wish my time away, I do want the days to go by a little faster than they are.
