I woke up on the bus to JFK as we passed the Brooklyn Bridge and dawn was breaking. We have been at the airport since 5 a.m. and our flight leaves at 11:15 a.m. 

It finally feels real. 

Staging was yesterday, where we spent five hours getting to know each other and learning about the Peace Corps and our future roles as volunteers. We were given money to cover our lunch, dinner, and transportation from the Philadelphia airport to our hotel. 

Now the waiting begins. Contact is to be unexpected for three weeks as we adjust to our new surroundings. By that point I will be living with my host family and have many stories to tell. 

After making it through a problematic checkin, it was rewarding to talk to staff and other flyers who were very excited for my volunteer service.