Leaving on Jet Plane....

Hey Kids,

So we just finished up a couple days of "staging." Basically they run down what is expected and try and scare off the thin skinned. Well, this Boy is still here! I took my first malaria pill (which is a weekly dosage) and I haven't had one violent dream yet (a common side effect), which is disappointing. The 70 other volunteers who are headed to Mozambique with me are almost all fresh out of college. I'm only 2 years older than then, but that experience working in the real world is apparent.

There are only 20 other health workers in my group, and they are breaking us all into sub-sections. I'm eager to see who I will actually be working with the next 3 months. Also, it looks like there is only one other gay person in my whole class, and he will be separated from my group next week. Looks like I'll have to humor myself with those fun Judy Garland/Barbra Streisand/Broadway/Scathing comments that pop into my head oh so often. Regardless, all is well and I'm excited to go.

I will probably not have much Internet access for the next three months, so don't fret if I don't update. I'm eager to experience this new culture that I have already preordained in my head as stereotypical "African." If I see a Starbucks when I get off the plane I swear I'm coming straight home....lol. My first blog entry had a mailing address for me for those of you who have been asking.

I have a 17 hour plane ride tomorrow so it's time for me to finish packing and get ready for bed. Will promise to updated you the moment I have Internet access. Until then...

Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.

ZS

And I'm Off....

Hey Kids!

Well, it's about that time. I leave Los Angeles tonight to spend a couple days in South Carolina with my dad, and then I will begin my trip out to Mozambique. I am BEYOND ready for this journey and excited for what lays ahead. Because many have been asking, those of you who wish to send letters or care packages, I can be reached at:

Zachery Scott, PCT (After my training, it will be PCV)
Corpo Da Paz/U.S. Peace Corps
C.P. 4398
Maputo
Mozambique

A few words to the wise...The mail service in Mozambique is not as efficient as the U.S. Postal Service; thus, it is important to be patient. If you plan on sending a package, You may want to try to send inexpensive items through the mail, but there is no guarantee that these items will arrive. They do not recommend, however, that costly items be sent through the mail. It is also recommended that packages be sent in padded envelopes if possible, as boxes tend to be taxed more frequently.

The first three months of my training will keep me busy and I probably will not be able to update this blog as much as I would like to. If you don't hear from me, don't worry. My modes of communication will broaden as I get the hang of my environment, so just be patient.

I cannot thank my family and friends enough for all the support they have given me. I never thought I would be as eager to take this journey as I am today, and it's because of the support I have received. I look forward to keeping in touch with you all, and seeing a couple of you who are coming out to visit. Have to finishing packing now, but will hopefully update this blog soon. Until next time...

Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.

ZS