Returning to the US

I'm off!

So I am leaving for the airport in about 2 hours and then I am off to Kazakhstan for 2.25 years if everything goes as planned! I am obviously extremely nervous now and am feeling rather ill, but I'm excited too. It has been great being in DC with all of the other people who are going to be in Kazakhstan for the next 2 years as well. There are 75 of us going!!!! I really thought it would be a much smaller group, but it has actually been really great having such a big group because there are so many new people to get to know. Everyone seems pretty awesome, but I still miss all of you! It seems strange that I won't be heading back to IWU and I think it is FINALLY starting to sink in that I actually did graduate. I'm not sure how I feel about being a real adult, but I guess I'll get used to it eventually... Also, I just wanted to let you all know that Internet may not be as readily available as i had originally thought, so if you don't hear from me for awhile don't get worried. I'll get back on here as soon as I can and let you all know what's been going on. It is going to be crazy! I have learned about 4 Russian words and 0 Kazakh so communication is definitely going to be a challenge for awhile. I am also kind of concerned about the food since I am a vegetarian and we'll be in the Southern part of the country which is heavily Kazakh and therefore much more meat oriented. Oh well, just one day at a time, right? That's what I am trying to do right now. It's all I really can do not to completely freak out. I know I'm doing the right thing though and now I just have to make it through training. That's my goal right now, actually making it through the next 2 days of constant flights, layovers and bus trips without going crazy is my current goal, but after that making it through training. I have an almost 8 hr flight to Frankfurt, then a 5-6 hr layover, an almost 7 hr flight to Kazakhstan (which will arrive at 11:40 PM) then a 2 hr bus trip up into the mountains where we will be staying in a hotel for the first 3 days to adjust to time and get a little language under our belts before we move in with our host families. Ok, well that's really all I have for you right now. I'll get back into contact as soon as I can but don't worry if it is awhile! Keep me updated on the states!

Traveling

Hi all! So I am off! I'm actually in the middle of traveling to DC right now but as I am stuck in the Chicago airport because my flight has been delayed I thought I would write a quick note. I finished packing pretty late yesterday even though I thought I would be done days before that. It was an absolute nightmare trying to fit everything I'm going to need for 2 years with 4 very distinct seasons into my 2 suitcases under the airline weight limit, but with the help of my parents I managed to get it all in without needing anything sent to me! Well, except maybe a few books, but those are heavy!!! Ok, well I am going to go wait by my gate now, but keep in touch! Much love to you all. I miss you already!!!!

Leaving the Island

I am leaving in 2 days for DC and then I am off to Kazakhstan on the 22nd. My flight will be a grand total of 15 hours long, but consists of two 7 1/2 hour legs (with a layover in Germany) so it won't be too bad. I don't know what my Internet situation will be yet, but it is looking good for the first 3 months at least because I will be in Almaty (Kazakhstan's largest city). Check in here for updates on my adventures and please keep in touch so I know what is going on with all of you. If you want my address just e-mail me at Allison.A.Bannerman@gmail.com. Please don't send money because I have been told that it is often stolen in transit and letters will be just great on their own. I want to hear from you :) Ok, well I need to go finish packing now, but I will keep you updated as everything happens. Love to you all!

-Alli-