Bye, Bye U.S.A

Well today is the day! We have completed our 3 whirlwind days of training and are set to depart this evening. Our group is comprised of 43 people from all over the country with ages ranging from 22-65. It's amazing how quickly bonds form when a group of strangers are thrown together.

Because we are the first re-entry team to Ethiopia (a 10 year hiatus) we are receiving considerable attention. We've met with the Dean of GWU medical school who wants to set up a partnership between us and his international emergency medicine fellows, med. students, and public health students; we've met with a group of returned Ethiopian Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs); we've had the honor of meeting with the Director of Peace Corps and Congressmen Mike Honda (both RPCVs) and last evening we had the priveledge of meeting with the Ethiopian Ambassador at their embassy. WoW!

I'm so fortunate to have had pre-service training in D.C. as I have been able to spend some quality time with my sis. I'm actually writing this from her home! She's done Target runs for us, provided a few of us with a place to do 1 last load of laundry, and treated me to a very yummy American style breakfast. I'm really enjoying this role reversal :)

Although being in D.C. has been fun, it is safe to say that all of us are eager to step foot on Ethiopian soil and truly begin our journey. Stay tuned!