Well, Goodbye America, Maybe I'll See You Again Some Day

Here's where my mind was one month ago: "Alright Africa, here I come!!! Let's do this already."

Here's where my mind was two weeks ago: "I'm ready to go! Can I go already? I've been ready for, like, months!"

Here's my exact mindset one week ago: "OH MY GOD, I'VE GOT LESS THAN A WEEK! I am so NOT ready to go to Africa. There's so much to do! Things to buy. Bills to pay. Errands to run. Cars to sell. IPOD playlists to meticulously compile. I'm FREAKING out!

Don't worry though, after a frantic few days, I am slightly more relaxed now with just 36 hours to go before I get on the plane to Philadelphia. This may be my last post before Togo (unless I have a gloriously life changing cheesesteak in Philly that demands it's own write-up), so there's a few more things to say here before I go.

(1) The Peace Corps Mission, which consists of three goals:

To help the people of interested countries in meeting their needs for trained men and women;

To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served;

To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of all Americans.

Try to remember this third goal as you read the post. I will try my best to describe the life and culture in Togo, so that everyone back home may have a better grasp on this region of the globe.
Of course, my service will not be easy. It is easy for me now to make jokes now about preparing to leave, and I will try to be as positive and light-hearted as I can during my service, but the reality is at times I may be sad, depressed, angry or frustrated with life here, and that may be reflected in a blog post. I only hope to be as honest as I can about my service and I hope all of you continue to read the good and the bad.

(2) I was lucky enough to meet a few returned volunteers from Togo and some Togolese families living here in Portland. They were very helpful and gave me several people to perhaps contact in Togo when I arrive. I breathed a little easier after having finally met someone who had been to the country. They were all excited for me and said nothing but positive things about Togo and their experience as volunteers.

(3) Once again, this and my email, dustyrhodes27@hotmail.com, will be my main source of communication if you want to reach me.

(4) I want go into a full detailed list of all the things I'm taking, but I will tell you a few of my favorites.
a) my short wave radio
b) my giant bottle of Dr. Bronner's soap
c) my family pictures
d) the luxuries to keep me satisfied, My cribbage board, harmonica, soccer ball, frisbee and of, course, Ipod, which also comes with a solar-powered charger and speakers (to reach my full party-throwing potential).

Ipods are seen as lifesavers for most volunteers nowadays, so I will definitely be guarding it closely.

Finally, Thanks again to everyone who has made my last few months great. To my friends in Missoula, thanks for a great five years of college. Man, remember sophomore year? (yeah me neither, hehe) Hopefully I'll meet up with you people when I get back

Thanks family and old friends of way back when, I'll be thinking about you and missing you dearly.

And everyone remember to ask yourself this: How many times in life will you have the opportunity to have a great adventure in Africa, travel around with an english speaking tour guide, with a free home to stay in, and with a great friend/son/brother at you side?

My Togolese home will always be open to you.

Very Truly Yours,

Grant

P.S. And if someone could Tivo "Lost" for me, I'd really appreciate it.