Thursday, March 31, 2005

In Manila and Safe!

Well, we finally arrived here in Manila close to midnight last night. The flight from Detroit was long, but tolerable. We flew into Japan and landed in Nagoya (sp?). There, we deplaned for about an hour. Gotta say, those Japanese sure know how to build fancy, high tech airports! The flight to Japan was about 12 hours and the flight to Manila was only about 3 1/2, so we didn't end up having to be on the plane for 19 hours after all. Thank God.

Here in Manila we are staying at a nice resort for the next 5 days. This is our adjustment time, I suppose. They are easing us into this life gently. I, for one, appreciate that. At midnight last night, the temperature here was about 85 and the humidity was high. It's okay, though.

After the 80 of us leave here, we will be split into groups and sent to different regions for our training. I still don't know where I will be going for sure, but I do know that it will be somewhere on the island of Luzon. Luzon is the main island where Manila is. Beyond that, I really don't have many more details.

Right now, I am using the only computer with internet access in the entire hotel, so I don't have much time. I will update this site every time I have the opportunity. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers and know that you are all in mine!

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Staging in Detroit

Well, here I am in Detroit. I've finally met the other volunteers in my group and I am happy to report that they all seem great. As I suspected, I am the only person here from Oklahoma, but that's okay. No one is holding it against me.

Yesterday was a really long day. My flight left at the crack of early, so I had to get up way before early. Of course, I stayed up way late, so I ended up getting only 3 hours sleep. When I arrived in Detroit I was tired. Then I had to meet people and sit through meetings. All in all it was a very long day. By 10 pm I was exhausted. Fortunately, my bed was comfy and I got 8 hours sleep and awoke feeling refreshed today.

More meetings today, and then we found out details on our flight to Manila. We leave tomorrow afternoon at 2:35 and arrive in Manila at 10:45 pm. We land in Tokyo to refuel, but won't deplane. The flight is almost twenty hours. So far, this all still feels pretty normal. I mean, I've been to Detroit and I've been to hotel conferences. However, I've got a feeling that things are about to change. Like, in the very near future. Twenty hours on a plane and deboarding in a hot, humid place with strange smells, sights, languages, etc. Oh my.

Friday, March 25, 2005

Reflections from Home

Oh my. I can't believe how fast time is flying just now! The trip to California was perfect. Seeing Tanner was wonderful - and yet, bittersweet. Just knowing that I won't be seeing him again for at least another year (when I come back for a visit) makes me sad. However, he is doing great at his job and looking great, so that did my mother's heart good. I don't know why, but God chose to give me a perfect son. I am so thankful.

Sommer flew in from Florida this Tuesday, so it's been great spending time with her. Like Tanner, she looks great and is doing well. It's sooo exhilarating to watch my babies spread their wings and fly. It's also comforting to know that they are always willing and ready to fly back and visit their mama from time to time.

I've also been spending all the time I can with Autumn and Abram. It's magical, mystical and simply miraculous watching my daughter be a mother. And I have to say, she is a natural. The love in her eyes for that beautiful baby boy and the way she smiles and interacts with him is amazing. The proof of her proficiency is how happy and healthy beautiful Abram is. He is now crawling, pulling up, and communicating verbally. He gives kisses and hugs and laughs and cries. He's perfect. And of course, he loves his YaYa!

Today is Friday. I'm flying to Detroit on Monday morning at 6:27 am. Then I will join about 80 other volunteers and fly to Manila on Wednesday. Oh my. I have so much to do and so many mixed emotions within. It's all good, though. We will all have what we need and will be fine. I have faith. Later.

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

Headed to California

I'm blown away by how fast time is whizzing by right now! Tomorrow is a big day. I'm selling my beloved little car. I'm picking up a rental car and John and I are hitting the road and heading West as far as we can go. We're going to drive straight through. I'm planning on being in Santa Barbara on Thursday evening. Can't wait to see my son!

Have really been feeling sad the past few days. It's like I'm missing everyone in advance.

Will be back from California on March 20th. My plane leaves for Detroit at 6:27am Monday, March 28th. Yikes! Only one week here after I get back to pack all my stuff and say all my goodbyes. Oh my. This is really going to happen.

Hope to write or audio from California. More later.

Friday, March 04, 2005

Audio Blogs (googoo gaga yaya)

Okay, so yesterday I experimented with audio blogging for the first time (see audio post below). I'm thinking this will be a good way for Abram, my soon-to-be seven month old grandson, to hear my voice so that it will be easier for him to remember and recognize me whenever I get back from the Peace Corps.

I know I sound silly on here . . . but it's all for the sake of love . . . for the love of my beautiful Abram Michael Daves Osburn.

Thursday, March 03, 2005

Audio for Abram

this is an audio post - click to play

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

March already!

I can't believe it is already March 1. This is the very month that my great big, gigantic, five-years in the making, dream is actually going to transpire. Wow. Hard to believe. Even though I'm going to miss my loved ones like crazy - it still just feels right. It truly is a desire of my heart and I plan to see it through. But, dear God, how I will miss my family and friends!

Yesterday I bought a digital camera (Canon A85). Hopefully, I'll learn to use it soon and figure out how to post some pictures on here! I also bought a mini Ipod so I can listen to music without having to transport a bunch of cds. I ordered a headset for my computer with hopes of having access to the internet so that I can call home using the *free* Skype software that I downloaded. It only costs .02 cents per minute to call any telephone, anywhere in the U.S. And it's absolutely free if the other person has the software on their computer. All of you who have computers and might like to talk to me for free - check it out! It also offers an instant messaging service. I guess the only other electronic item I need to purchase is an audio recorder (for language lessons).

As for clothing, I'm planning on packing pretty light. I understand that just about everything we will need will be available to purchase in Manila. However, I did order two pair of Chaco sandals (which are half price to PCVs if you call customer service and request the form at 970.527.4990). I'm anxious for them to get here so I can try them on!

Okay, enough of my puchasing and packing details for now. I'll write more later.