Staging in DC

I'm in DC, finally starting the transition to S Africa!

I left Chicago at 9 this morning and saying goodbye was just as hard as expected- but in the past few years I have been slowly conquering my tears, sp today turned out to not be that bad! Certainly I cried, but not too much:-)
I can't even wrap my head around the idea of leaving for 2 years, so I mentally just thought I'm saying goodbye for now, but I'll see everyone soon.
In any case tonight I just need some time to relax, so I'm reading Disgrace, writing in my journal, and going to sleep early. Tomorrow I plan on going out and socializing with all the great new people I met today! There are 44 of us, from all across the country. There were more than a few people from California and North Carolina- 2 young married couples and one older couple - many people 22-28 i would say- many teachers, as is to be expected, but then a few random majors
Once we leave here Monday it's off to receive vaccinations, then 17.5 hours to SA- 4 days in a dorm, then to the host families homes where we stay during the 8-12 weeks of training. I won't have internet or a phone for these first few months, but I will have a lot going on so that's good. Onto my book now. . .write if you want to know more about anything. peace

All American Weekends

PIG ROAST!

A couple of weeks ago Abby and I had our graduation party (Abby graduated from Lemont High School, I finally graduated from DePaul). It was great! So many people came to show their love and support. At my request we roasted a pig!! Brad and I drove an hour south to pick it up. We brought a massive cooler to put the pig in. . . but apparently it wasn't large enough, so instead of the usual dog nose pressed against the rear window, we had a pig corpse( morbid choice of words, sorry). The morning of the party my dad roasted the 108lb piggy in a handmade cooker and with little more than the occasional basting- we ate a feast 7 hours hours later! The meat was tender on the inside and had a crispy crunchy skin. . . my mouth waters thinking of it. . . mmm. . . Everyone who was sampling the meat straight from the carving table took on an intoxicated look . . . and HUGE rib bones!

In case you are wondering- no one ate the head, but my dad did put it- the head that is- complete with cigar and apple- on the backporch of family friends, the Smith's.

Yes there was more to the party- egg toss, sack race, 3-legged race, swimming, basketball games, dessert!, flippy cup for the serious competitors, and mostly good company, laughs, friends, and family!

(This blogging sure takes a long time with the photo uploads and all. . . but it's worth it, especially once I'm overseas.)

OK- so the other "All American Weekend" went something like this. . .

Friday, June 27th&28th-

Camping at Chain O Lakes with Brad, Jim, and Olivia

Sunday, June 29th-

Chicago's very own Gay Pride parade! This was the first year I was walking around, previously I lived with Julie and Ashley along the parade route. On street level things got pretty crazy!

Tuesday's dinner-

They don't have Portillo's, Panera, or Chipotle in South Africa. . .

Thursday, July 3rd-

Joined the other 999,999 people down at the Taste of Chicago to watch the fireworks, was able to walk on the concrete median on Lake Shore Drive.

Friday, July 4th-

Saw Phil Lesh and Friends & The Roots at Summerfest in Milwaukee. Visited with Tim and Erin at their new place in Madison, enjoyed the tunes and sunshine:-)

Saturday, July 5th-

Uncle Mike and Aunt Kathy took Mom, Dad, Morg, Brad and I out to the "boats" (read- casino) for the night. We took a limo stocked with beers to Joliet, had a delicious dinner, I ate lobster tail(!), and then played blackjack for hours. . . what a great time. Uncle Mike made my cheeks hurt from laughing!

Sunday, July 6th-

Cleaned the Bell Road house, what filth. . . but after a days hard work I ate at J. Alexander's with the WHOLE family, it's so nice to finally have Morgan in town and to go out with everyone, the energy makes me so happy.

Monday, July 7th-

Watched my cousin Tyler win his baseball game. What a star, what an arm. . . I just love those Bromers<3

Wednesday, July 8th-

Since Tyler won on Monday, Uncle Mike let Jerry and I take over his tickets to see the Cubbies beat the Reds. GO CUBS GO!! (Baseball hats aren't my look. . . but they support the team!)