Let the games begin!

As many of you already know, Jarod and I have decided to join the Peace Corps. We applied last October (08) and were invited to Rwanda in October (09). We will be heading out February 22nd, 2010 for 27 months and will return May 2012 pending everything goes smoothly. We were told we would be working in the Health field primarily with HIV/AIDS education. This is our first blog so hopefully we'll be good at this thing! Every emotion you can have is probably going through our minds. We're excited, anxious, nervous, a little scared, but definitely ready.

We have been through extensive medical screenings including very "thorough" physicals, blood work and some vaccinations that will soon be followed by many more. All in all this whole process has been very long and frustrating but we know that it will soon all pay off. We were told that the application process for married couples would take longer. They weren't kidding.

We have been told we can only bring 80 lbs. of luggage per person. That seems like very little considering we are moving for over two years. However, I am not as worried about that aspect as much as my wife. She is stressing to say the least. I've got a feeling she is going to somehow add several of her extra pounds into my baggage limit. Oh well, what are husbands for...give and take right? None the less, we are so excited and you can bet we are counting down...111 days, 10 hours and 45 minutes until we go for a long, very long plane ride to our new home away from home. From everyone we have spoken to and from everything we have read, Rwanda is a beautiful place filled with amazing people and breathtaking, lush scenery. We really feel this is going to be an amazing adventure and a big stepping stone in our life for whatever is to come next. There is no doubt that this Peace Corps thing will be very stressful and challenging at times. However, we have every bit of faith that our heavenly Father will continue to provide and protect us in whatever life throws at us.

We are going to try and write as frequently as possible...however, we can not make any promises as we do not know what the internet situation will be in Rwanda. We're hoping for a couple of times per month. We love you all (our future groupies) and hope you will enjoy learning and sharing our adventure will us!!

Blessed to be a blessing
Jarod and Sarah