Three Weeks To Staging

Have 3 weeks, I have said that so much today and I think it is sinking in.  I came back to look at my packing, looked at my to do list, look at what needs to be purchased and I think I am becoming over whelmed.  I have sat here on the computer getting a few things done and realized 2 hrs have gone by.  How fast is 3 weeks going to go and will I get it all done.

ON a brighter note my sister gave me some skirts that are perfect and I am putting in pockets -got to have my pockets.  Got my vest out and started putting things in it to see how it will be.  Maybe I will wear it when I go out with my sisters for the day on Thursday for a trial run (what in 103 degree weather yep practicing!!!)

Got some free movies with the usb and micro chip I bought but they won't down load - hate computers sometimes!!!  Was thrilled to learn all the elec stuff I am taking will use 120/240 elec so I am one step ahead there.

At the party on Sat my son's family gave me a whole box of stuff for kids I meet.  With balls, jump ropes, books and games surely I can make some new friends.  Justin, my 7 year grandson, went through the box and wanted to have everything.  Good recommendation!!  Thank you Bob and Erika.
Lot of nice things for me too from family and friends but able to remember each of them each time I use my presents.

Guess I better get back to my lists and see what is next.  3 weeks, 3 weeks, 3 weeks oh my!!

30 Days Left Still lots to do!!!

One month from today I will be on my way to Accra, Ghana. Any day now I should be getting my information to book my flight to staging, PA or WA.

I have been enjoying time with Jack, my sister Tish and brother in law John. We are in the mts. Saying goodbye to our friends up here. The weather has been wonderful and I am sure I won’t see this cool weather again for 2+ years. We have had a few bear sightings and the dumpsters are being empty each night by all sizes of bears. Of course been to the casinos and to copy my sister “we have been scalped”. Ha!!!

With help from a couple of women that are going with me we have been in contact with about 15 PCV’s in Ghana. The are giving us lots of information and have had a few requests also. Got a wonderful video on Utube from a PCV showing us his village and the area around it. It makes it so real that I will be there very soon. The address to this utube movie is


Ghana: So Far, So Good www.youtube.com.

　

My children, sister and her husband as well as my husband are planning a party next Saturday night for me in Austin. They have invited friends and family some that I have not seen for awhile. I am so excited and sad at the same time. My new friend Teri that is going with me said it was alright to be both at the same time.

Because everyone is so busy I get to be the “greeter” at my daughters home when my niece her husband and three munchkins drive in from Dallas to go to the party. My Mother in law wants to come up a few days early so we can have a little time before I leave. Again very excited and a little sad.

Got a few football games at Dripping Springs High School to go to so I can see the grandkids dance, cheer or play football. I will miss all that but hopefully pictures will be sent. I am sure there will be a few soccer games to go to for the youngest Grandchild. Fun times -


Will be back in Austin Wednesday and will have to get the packing thing done as well as tie up a few loose ends. Last Dr appt, get prescription etc.

Need to get voter thing done too!! I am afraid this last 30 days is going to fly by but then……

　

　

　

One More Thing Done

Got my yellow fever shot plus MORE information about living in Ghana than I ever wanted to know.  I went to a travel clinic and she gave me about 50 pages of what to do, how take care of myself, and all the things that could go wrong.  When Linda M. and I went to Africa in 2001 I remember leaving the clinic wondering what we were doing to ourselves.  Of course that turned out wonderful and no illness.

More forms sent in today to Peace Corps so hopefully I am done until it is time to work on flights.  My next project is my computer.  Should I buy an extra battery?, is there a good solar battery I could use, should I buy an extra cord encase there is an electrical surge and it ruins things, and on and on.  Checking prices on Microsoft word trying to get the least expensive for the program.  Need Deals Ha!!

Thinking about going to NM to get some cool weather and enjoy some time with Tish and John before September is upon us.  John just called said it was 57 and pouring rain that sure sounds good.  The bears are out so lots of sightings - guess walking at night would be a bad idea. Ha!!

Will check in when something new happens. 

GETTING THINGS LEGAL!!!

First if anyone is reading this going to Ghana Oct. 4 please contact me.  Know only one other at this time who is going.

Got all information needed from my bank.  When I told my bank officer what I was doing she looked at me and said her brother was a big man in Barclays's bank in Africa.  She contacted him to ask questions I had like credit card, debit card etc.  He happened to be home when she called and he was very happy to answer questions about money in Africa.  The bottom line cash is king.  Debit card is used to get cash and credit cards are very hard to use.  Going back to the old ways!!!  He also got me in contact with a banker in Accra so I have someone to call if I need help.  Nice security blanket.

Next Social Security.  Next year I turn 65 but don't need my medical to start since Peace Corps is taking care of me (of course Medicare won't take care of me in Africa.)  After lots of information went to take care of it today dragging an unwilling Jack with me.  Guess what?  The young girl took care of everything and Jack did not need to go....she says sometimes people at 800 # don't get it right Duh you think???

Now it is back to the stacks in my room .... order a few things from REI then going back over the list again!!!

Getting closer!!!

Paper Work

The excitement is still there but this whole week I have been doing paper work.  I have to get VISA and Passport done and sent off tomorrow. I have to
update my resume and write an aspiration essay and it will all be sent to my in Country Director to help place me in a job. 

My passport photo was not flattering- the only thing keeping me going on my "look" is apparently every gray hair and wrinkle brings me respect in Ghana.  I am told they will treat me special- special seating, preference in different things so being a Princess sounds pretty good Ha!  Will see how that works out.

52 DAYS TO LIFT OFF

Time is going so fast....Packing is a trick!  I have two boxes one to go and one to be shipped.  I put things in shipped then I think WHAT IF I .....

The one that goes is just to travel and go to school.  Then shipped is when I will be living on my own.  But what if.....

I have decided since I don't know the ages of the children I am going to take games and puzzles for gifts.  My "parents" ( you KNOW I will be older than either of them so will  have to get new titles Ha!) is a little harder but have a couple of ideas.

Two 40 lbs in duffel bags and two carry on back packs one with rollers just  what I can carry including Laptop and Kindle and all my paper work.  If luggage gets lost I need clothes in my carry on also - a PCV told of his awful luggage story so it has made me think.  At staging in US we have meetings, medical reviews, etc so I have to be dressed and we hit the ground running in Accua with meetings and trips.  No time for washing!!

Shots to start!!!

Got an email saying I had a hold on my account because I need a Yellow Fever shot.  I have called around and I have to see a Dr. then get my shot.  Of course my Dr does not give this shot.  I have asked the cost and the shot alone starts at $100. - $130 and then you have to pay for a Dr Visit!!! No wonder PC said they would reimburse up to $150.  I would like that because I could get $150. worth of Ghanian money to get me started.

Two months from today I am on my way.  Two months....... boy this summer is going fast.  Have had some great times with the Grandkids hope they will remember like I will. 

I have missed Haley so much - being a cheerleader is a bussssy life.  Ronny, I have seen a little but a working, living on his own 19 year old does not leave much for Grandma so I will enjoy it when I can.  Who else would look for coupons for food deals?

Will let you know what the shot does to me!!!  Talk to you soon,