The time draws near and Wisconsin grows chilly

So my countdown to departure is at 2 weeks...
I've been able to find a couple current PC volunteers in Lesotho via good 'ole facebookery.  The one's I've heard from seem to love the place and especially the people.  They are also excited for us to arrive.  Hopefully that's because they really like the place, and not just because we are coming to replace them!

I've also learned that most of those rugged 'good for africa' clothes I've bought in preparation should be left here!  Turns out that most teachers in Africa dress nicer than I ever have!  So it looks like it's off to the polo shirt and slacks store with me!  Horray, that means a trip up to the big city of Duluth!

In the meantime I'm whiling away my remaining time in the states in Hayward.  I've been able to keep busy reading up on Lesotho history, learning their language, Sesotho, teaching myself guitar, and the occasional conter-strike or minecraft binge!  Outside, the weather is steadily turning into that of Wisconsin's autumn.  The ferns and birch have long since turned their yellows and reds, maple and popple (poplar if you must) are on their way.  The all enclosing cocoon of winter clouds is beginning to form, but there are still plenty of my favorite type of fall days with crisp, blue skies and flocks of geese on their way out.  This all constitutes a pretty sweet existence, but I think I'll be ready for something new by the time October 12th comes around. 

So, it looks like I started a blog.

     Alright, this is my first post on my first blog, so bear with me.  It's all still pretty novel.  Looks like I'm all set (on paper) to leave for Lesotho come October 12.  I've still got some gear to buy (sorta fun), a new language, Sesotho, to learn (also fun, but a little frustrating), and legal matters, e.g. power of attorney, student loans, to get settled (not fun at all).
     This adventure has been a long time coming.  I've been mentioning Peace Corps to friends and family for a couple years and especially for the past year as my application pieces slowly fell in to place.  For the most part the experience has been one of emails, faxes, medical checkups, and pictures of faraway places.  Now September will be my last full month Stateside and I'm beginning to get things like detailed itineraries for the first week in-country.  So far I've found myself more excited then apprehensive, even as the reality of this comes into focus.  I have no regrets so far, and plan to have none in the next 27 months!
     I'm sure I'll have much more interesting stuff to relate here as it get closer to my beginning of service and especially during.  For now, stay tuned!