See You Later USA

What's up, everyone?  Thank you for joining my blog!  Also, thank you to those of you who wished me well and showed me support during the last few weeks while I was in Madison.

On January 26th, I arrived in Miami, FL for Peace Corps staging.  Forty-three other people joined me as Peace Corps trainees and we had an absolutely fabulous time getting to know each other.  Everyone in my Peace Corps class are such wonderful people.  I've really enjoyed my time with all of them!  The other people are from all over the country and we have a few people that are in their sixties.  Most of the trainees are in their twenties.  I'm the only one from Wisconsin although one woman went to UW.  After a few days of seminars, we left the United States for St. Lucia on January 28th.  Also, I was able to hang out with Mike Vergeront and Kayla Smith the first night I arrived.  It was great being able to see some familiar faces and they showed me a fun time around Miami.

I've really enjoyed my time in St. Lucia thus far.  The Peace Corps Staff members have been really welcoming.  The only thing we have done thus far is have a seminar about health and safety on Saturday morning.  We will start intense training on Monday which will go through Friday.  For all day Saturday after the seminar and Sunday, we were encouraged to explore the Island of St. Lucia.  The other trainees and I have had a blast hanging out and bonding.  We have been to many different beaches and also explored a famous area of St. Lucia called Pigeon's Island where wonderful hiking trails exist.  You all would not believe the view outside the place where we are currently staying in St. Lucia.  It is absolutely beautiful!

I'm for sure excited to start training tomorrow!  Also, I plan on posting some awesome pictures soon!

I hope all is well with everyone!

A few random things: 

I have introduced "hand-hugs" to the other trainees.  Some think it is awesome.

I dominated some people in Egyptian Ratscrew except this one girl named Stephanie beat me a few times.  Definitely a humbling feeling to my ego.  I claim to be the best player in the world at Egyptian Ratscrew. 

I introduced Euchre to some of the trainees that have never heard of it.

I have been wearing my Packer gear all week including my "cheese head necklace" from the Omohundro's.  Some of the trainees from Minneapolis and Chicago aren't too pleased with me about that...haha

I'm already as tan as I was this summer while I was working at West Side. 

Peace!