Ever closer.

I'm in DC, and we've just finished our pre-departure orientation. We were reminded that if we were going to be blogging about our experiences, we should be sure to mention that THIS BLOG WILL EXPRESS MY PERSONAL VIEWS ONLY AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY POSITIONS HELD BY THE US DEPARTMENT OF STATE OR THE CRITICAL LANGUAGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. That said, it was apparently tough going this year - only about 10% of applicants were accepted to the program. As you all know, I was an alternate. Either way, I'm here now, and am flying to India tomorrow afternoon. Well, first I'm flying to Chicago (horror of horrors), and THEN to India. We'll get there at 8:30p local time on Saturday, after a 15 hour flight. EEeeee! We'll stay in Delhi on Sunday and have more orientation. Monday (I think) we're bussing/flying to our respective cities, taking intake exams, etc. I think Wednesday we're moving in with our host families and starting classes. Not all of that has been explained yet, so we'll see.

My stomach ulcers are acting up again. Stress and all that. It'll be fine, though, right? I worry too much and I overthink everything. At least, that's what they all tell me. I'm suspending my cell phone service while I'm there. I'll have a local phone, but I'm not giving any of you the number because I don't want to pay international rates. I'm sure you don't, either.

Crazy Roommate has created a "Kalliope's in India" FB support group. Seriously. What a person.

I was planning on taking sleeping pills on the airplane, but know that I know we're getting there in the evening, that may be a bad idea. Hmmmm.

I am looking forward to my new, Indian wardrobe. That'll be fun, I think. The language learning will be intense, but I tend to do best when I'm pushed to my breaking point. Of course, I always hope it doesn't come to that, but it generally does. I will miss so many people. 10 weeks isn't a lifetime, though, and I'll be back soon enough. Contact will need to be through email, FB message, or you can post here. I'll be online, but not everyday, as India has an electricity shortage (rolling blackouts, etc). Just be patient about my speed in getting back to you. Pictures will be posted on FB, as I don't actually know how to post pics here. I'm sure I could figure it out if I gave it 5 minutes, but I just never have. Meh. Maybe I'll give it a go if I have nothing better to do.

Tomorrow it is, then. You may not hear from me for a few days, but I'm sure you'll not die of suspense. Wish me luck and pray for my continued sanity. ;)