I have a ticket on AlaskaAir for a non-stop flight from Portland OR to Washington DC at 9am October 7. I will be joining about 30 agriculture volunteers, leaving for The Gambia in West Africa. We will have a day of orientation and receive our Peace Corps Passports, before flying to Banjul. I am arriving a day early into DC, so I can be a tourist on the National Mall, seeing some of the sights and visiting the Smithsonian.

Previously in my life, when I have made a radical change – getting married – having children – moving to Oregon, it was really a leap of faith, never knowing what the universe was going to provide. I’m very fortunate to have my wonderful supportive family, many friends, and all the experiences I have encountered – even when I got what I wasn’t expecting. Joining the Peace Corps has been very different, there is lots of planning and many tasks to complete on time. The pre-departure information is comprehensive and very welcome, since I don’t have any experience with this type of adventure. I am honored to have this opportunity to be a PCV in my 70s representing the United States of America.

I had my going away party on August 21 – the day the total solar eclipse was visible from my Oregon home. My family and many friends were able to share this amazing event with me. A nice bit of symbolism about moving from one phase of my life into another.

The sale of my property went smoothly – I had a buyer within 15 days of listing. The heirlooms are now stored with family, and what is replaceable is gone. All of my stuff will fit in a small garden shed. Very liberating!

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UPDATED SNAIL MAIL ADDRESS:

Susan Baldwin PCV
% Peace Corps
P.M.B.527
Serekunda, The Gambia
West Africa

I hope to post regularly, but I don’t have a clue if I’ll have internet where I will live. The local Peace Corps staff will evaluate the new volunteers during training, to determine the best placements within the community. At this point in time, I have more questions than answers – which is part of what is making this journey so much fun.