Two Days Until Departure for LA

Well, it's official. My life is about to change forever. I thought that I was ready for this and that I wouldn't be nervous. However, this morning or rather early afternoon when I awoke- I suddenly had this nervousness that I hadn't experienced yet. I was scared. Not frightened, just eerily stricken with that feeling- "What am I forgetting?!". After a lovely afternoon spending time with my best friend Rae, I feel better. Maybe it's the fact that I'm having dinner tonight with she and her family. Maybe it's because this roller coaster is finally coming to an end, and the new roller coaster will be starting quite soon. Whatever the feeling, I'm happy to be where I am right now.

So on to my past week experiences. After my stay at my mom and Hal's vineyard I met up with my father at my grandma Ham's house. I hadn't had an opportunity to visit with my grandma since Christmas so it was wonderful to see her. I don't think anyone who I've spoken with since this adventure began has asked me more questions. She was full of amazing questions and was so smitten with the whole idea. I feel blessed to have a grandmother who is so in-tuned with the world around her and excited to have someone to live through vicariously. The stay was wonderful and included Grandma's amazing fried chicken, gravy, sweet corn, fresh tomatoes...the same meal that as a child I would beg for- sometimes even plead. Fortunately, Grandma knew exactly what I needed. Later that evening we went to Mac's Drive-In. I had the usual and loved every moment of it.

The following day, my dad and I headed back to Sioux Falls, SD to finally get to see the lovely and lovable, Janet. After a long drive, thankfully dad and I get along so well that the trip seemed rather short. No let's be honest, it was a damn long drive. Before making it to Dad's house, we stopped at good ole' down home Cabela's. I used to loathe this place, about as much as I did Michael's or that fabric store in McCook that Mom would drag me to at least once a week. I think I spent the majority of the time there sitting in the racks under the fabrics whining. WELL, this time, Cabela's was on MY side. Dad hooked it up with everything that I needed. I got my mattress pad that I'll be sleeping on for the next 2 years, a gortex rain jacket for the 400 inches of rain/year that I'll be experiencing, a mosquito net that Dad and Brian insisted I get, and a great dry bag for my electronics- or electronic since very few electronics last the entire two years in the South Pacific. Mmmmm....me likey Cabela's.

The rest of the week was dedicated to quality time with my Dad and Janet which included shopping, eating (a lot), and drinking mass quantities of beer, and I definitely got my Margarita fix. I had my last filet and fried eggplant before I head off...all delicious. I found myself savoring each bite compared to the old days where I'd gorge myself in 4 minutes and feel like complete poop for the next 4 hours. I also used the time to harp on my dad concerning his salt intake (as I know Brian and Misty appreciate much). Hopefully Dad will watch his diet- I can't imagine anything happening to him while I'm gone.

Eventually, it was time for me to move on to my last stop in this Pre-Peace Corps expedition....the goodbye. Dad has had his qualms regarding my departure when I first mentioned the whole idea. I don't know if it was the fact that I'd be gone for an extended period of time or if he was worried that I will always be searching for my calling in life. Fortunately, time has been on both of our sides. Dad has done his research and I think this last visit with him really solidified his beliefs in why I'm going and how it's going to make me a better person. Just the shear fact that he said those 4 words- I'm proud of you- made the goodbye probably one of the bests during this entire experience. Goodbye was tough but the support, respect, and never ending love are all I needed to know that yes, this is my calling, and yes, I have more support than I could ever imagine. So with that, I say again- thank you to my family. Thank you for believing in me, never giving up when you knew how insane I was, and thank you for always loving me- even when I made those ill fated mistakes, which I did learn from (thank God!). My time with you all was exactly what I needed. Muah!

Now on to time with the peeps of my life! Yes, what an adventure and great time we have had. You know you have good friends when you can go without talking for weeks sometimes even months, and yet it feels like yesterday that you last talked. Fortunately that is exactly what this has been like. Only, it will be years before I see them again. :( I am counting on you all to write me and at least let me know when the big things happen. Thank you for the great times and the many laughs. You are all such wonderful people! My love will be with you all....so, if you ever see something that Ham might like- take a chance, send it my way. I bet you anything that if it's something I can't use, the people that I will be working with or living with or just hanging with- they will be amazed! So think eccentric. This original....or as Loren would say- unoriginal because the original, even though it's the original it could be better.

This is long and needs to come to an end for the time being. I leave Wednesday for LA, then out on Thursday for Hawaii. Friday morning I leave Honolulu for Micronesia and finally arrive there on Saturday afternoon. I will do my best to at least update this blog but please realize that it will be sketchy and if anything, it'll be a little information to inform you that I'm at my post. Please pray, cross your fingers, or summon the karma gods that I make my trip successfully.

Oh, before I forget...the packing situation. Well, lo and behold- I packed two years of my life in one bag that is technically a carry-on. However, I will be checking it and carrying on a backpack (thanks Jody) that has only a few things in it. I figure that if I have to lug this luggage around for 3 months and then take it to my permanent place, I'm going to be as light as possible. The final weight- 41 lbs. Thank goodness I got it all to fit. I sure hope I'm not forgetting anything. Thanks Dad and Janet for being so willing to send me my boxes when I get to my final placement.

Thank you to everyone who have made these last few weeks in the States some of the best. I love you.

Until we meet again...

Colorado, Vineyard, and on to Sioux Falls, SD

I arrived in Nebraska after a short 2 days in Colorado with my BFF's...Jody and Scott. The memories from the stay with them are merely additional memories of what all we have shared over the past 6 maybe 7 years. I don't know what I'm going to do without those two friends. What I do know is that I will be waiting for my first care package! Thanks, Jody! Muah!

I've come to realize through this journey, that one does not have to search deeply to truly find the friends who will forever remain a part of your life. I once believed that friends were like wealth, the more you have the better your chances in this life. This definitely is not the case in either aspect....thankfully (as I know I will probably never have wealth- a fact I accepted long long ago). I am very fortunate to be leaving on this journey knowing that I go with "much love and respect" (thank you, Brian, for your wise words).

Upon my arrival in Nebraska on Monday I was immediately put to work on my parent's vineyard, Sage Hill Vineyard and Winery. I helped my mama and Hal, my stepfather, put up bird netting on about 4 rows of vines and, of course, snapped many pictures along the way. The vineyard looks amazing for this time of the year. The majority of the place is green, lush, and covered with sunflowers. The grapes also look quite marvelous....as well as tasty! The vineyard is definitely in for some great wines in the near future!


The stay with my family has been beautiful. I have been able to really bond with my sisters before they begin their Freshman year of high school, my mother, grandmother, stepfather, and a few distant family members- Abbie and Donna. I am very thankful for this time with these people. Although it has been short, I can honestly say that I have never felt closer and more secure with leaving my family. This is a very sad time for me, but I haven't cried- not yet, anyway. Through much reflection I have discovered that it is most difficult to leave someone when I know that they are going to have a difficult time while I am gone. I know that these people are all going to be okay. They are surrounded by love and family; therefore, guaranteeing them a first-placed spot in life.







Before I forget, thank you to all those who purchased items on my Wish List....you know who you are. However, I don't! So, with that in mind, please feel free to let me know what you contributed so that I can personally thank you. If you're shy--my thanks to you! This includes a big hug.

My next stop is Sioux Falls, SD to visit my father and stepmother, Janet via McCook, NE to visit my grandma Ham. I'm looking forward to this leg as it puts me closer to departure and reality. Until then....

Va Beach Wrap-Up....On to Family Time...

It's official...I am no longer a resident of Virginia. Well, not that I ever was but technically I did pay taxes in that backward state, so that has to count for something. I sold my scooter yesterday at 7:30 pm, just in time for dinner with an old New Orleans friend, accumulated some sleep the night before my flight, found a ride to the airport, and today- landed in Baton Rouge.

I am now a transient. Really, a transient. It just so happens that my karma ran out before my exit from Va Beach when I failed to get my ATM card from the machine. So, I have no ATM card currently, but as Melissa said, "At least you won't be tempted to spend money". Amen to that, sista!

It's great to be visiting my brother and his family. I'm mentally preparing for the rest of my visits. I know it's going to be difficult but I have to push through. Shit, y'all- 3 weeks until departure from LA! People keep asking me if I'm nervous. I haven't had the nerve twitch yet. I think it has been overshadowed by the anxiety of getting all my belongings shipped and my possessions sold. Even now that those aspects are complete, I feel a since of excitement that is more powerful than nerves. What is keeping me going and avoiding the nerve impulse- the mere fact that I'm about to embark on a journey of a lifetime and fortunately, I will not be doing it alone...Not the first 3 months anyway.

I have yet to purchase a few more items. It looks like I may want to invest in some silicone packets? My sister has done research and the moisture destroys electronics and grows mold on about anything, including clothes, linens, etc. So for all you hoarders out there- if you have any silicone packets, you know, the little packets that read "DO NOT EAT", send them my way!

I'm debating the purchase of a nice pair of sunglasses, but seriously, I've never been able to keep a good pair in working condition and with all the water that will soon be around, I don't see it being a smart decision.

I must find some below-the-knee shorts as well. Although I dread wearing these things, it is a must. I feel like a gomer with them on...they just look ridiculous on me. Bless those who can wear them without fear of

My number one purchase priority at this point- a mattress for sleeping....on the floor....with the bugs.

Before I forget...I got my staging ticket! I leave Omaha at 6:37am connecting in Denver and eventually arriving at LAX. It's official- I'm leaving on a jet plane....

And it all comes together...

Well, I have officially sold my car! I didn't get the full amount I was hoping for, but I did get it sold. It was chaotic and I didn't realize until I was almost home that my VW beetle was no longer mine. It was actually quite sad. Although that car gave me hell at times, it was my first real car, and well, it was my baby. It is nice though to not have to worry about a damn car anymore!

I finally got all my belongings packed and ready to Fed Ex to my dad's. I did some shopping yesterday and have officially completed my list of purchases....this is not to say that my Amazon Wishlist is complete... :) I got some sweet sandals and a load of polo shirts. Plus, I didn't spend half as much money as I thought I would have.

I have 2 full days in Virginia Beach left. I'm going to be so sad to leave. The things/people I will miss the most- Shelley, Libby, and Macey- my family unit that was there for me when I needed them the most. I don't know what I would have done without them. They were my rock. It really excites me to know that I will be moving to a new country where I will again be with a family unit. In addition to my family here, I will definitely miss the days of laying out at the pool, the beach, and the oceanfront. Melissa- you were such an important element here and I will miss our mid-week cocktails and our everlasting adventures in VA Beach. I've never experienced the realities of living so close to a beach and just how refreshing it is to sit, watch and listen to the waves crashing in. So beautiful and natural. It's amazing to think that I will soon be in a country surrounded by rain forests, beaches, ocean, and natural landscapes. I couldn't be happier knowing that for 2 years, I will be one with nature.

I'm off to Baton Rouge on Thursday then back to Colorado and Nebraska. I'm looking forward to my last few weeks in the States spent with my loved ones. Thank you Shelley for your hospitality and friendship- you will be missed. Thank you Virginia Beach for giving me insight into this region and only failing me a few times. :)

Packing, Selling, Distributing....

This is really tough. To focus on being in Micronesia is not an easy task when I have so much to complete in Virginia Beach....not even talking about what I must accomplish while back in Nebraska. It's exhausting.

I'm now at the point in my purging of belonging when I have to decide what to keep and what to trash. It helps to think about the fact that I'm going to an underdeveloped country where possessions include your family, house, food, and objects closest to you. Remembering this really puts the facts in my face- I'm casting aside the "things" that are merely possessions that in the minds of Micronesian's these things are simply that...unnecessary objects. But, damn! I loved those red polka-dotted heels! I may have worn them only once with that one super cute red dress...but I remember how great they made me feel. I hope they make the next woman feel as powerful as they made me. Yes, polka-dotted but so damn cute!

I guess this transition is training for when I leave the states. The next big hurdle- saying good-bye to my loved ones....talk about tough times.

PS...anyone want to buy a scooter? It gets 100 miles to the gallon and tops out at 38 mph! Hehe.

Where and what is Micronesia all about?

I got this information from another volunteer's blog (actually a volunteer from Omaha, NE!)....thanks Laura!

Okay, this is pulled straight out of my Welcome book:

"Together, the Republic of Palau and the Federated States of
Micronesia are called the Caroline Islands. They comprise 957
islands, islets, and reefs with a total land area of more than
460 square miles—spread over more than a million square
miles in the Pacific Ocean. They are located about two-thirds
of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia.
The five major islands of FSM and Palau are high, lush,
volcanic islands, and the surrounding islands are mostly
sandy low-lying coral atolls. Because all the islands are near
the equator (between five and 10 degrees north, except for
Kapingamarangi atoll, which is right on the equator), water
and air temperatures do not change much and maintain an
average between 80 degrees and 85 degrees (Fahrenheit)
year round.


The main islands of both Palau and FSM are surrounded by
barrier reefs. Kosrae, a smaller island, is surrounded by a fringe
reef. Tuna is plentiful outside the lagoons, while varieties of reef
fish, sea cucumber, mangrove crab, and other local delicacies
abound within them. Pohnpei is surrounded by an extensive
mangrove system and does not have beaches. The other islands
are a combination of mangrove and beach coastline.
Pohnpei has the most extensive rain forests of all the islands.
It also has the highest mountain (2,500 feet), Nanalaud, in
the area. Kosrae’s lush, moist terrain is very similar to that of
Pohnpei. Yap and Palau also have grasslands and forests."

My address for the first three months (the training period) will be:

Amber Ham, Peace Corps Trainee
Peace Corps/Micronesia
PO Box 9
Kolonia, Pohnpei, FM 96941

Less than 1 month!

I am now leaving for LA on September 2nd. And our Staging will only be one session that afternoon... then off to Hawaii on the 3rd and Micronesia on the 4th. I will arrive in Pohnpei on September 5th. 4 days of flying....awesome.

Staging by the way is the orientation process. I will fill out the rest of my paperwork, attend meetings, get my load of shots, and finally- prep for departure.

Now--how do I pair down my belongings to fit in 2 suitcases? EHHHH!

The Federated States of Micronesia or Palau it is!

Back in February, I decide to apply to the Peace Corps. This was not something I did on a whim, but was something that I have been wanting to do for many years. After moving from my secure place in life (aka Nebraska) to Virginia Beach, VA where I knew only my sister, brother-in-law, and my sister's best friend and family, I found through much reflection that I needed to finally move my butt and get on this whole Peace Corps process.

I'm sure (actually I know) many of my family members and friends thought this was just an "Amber thing" and would eventually blow over...well, I sit here tonight with boxes stacked in the corner and an aspiration statement staring me in the face to say, "No, not a fleeting thought but an endeavor I am both ecstatic, overwhelmed, and nervous as ever to begin".

So I will be an English as a Secondary Language teacher for both students, community members, and other teachers. In addition to teaching English, I will be helping fellow teachers, community workers, and partnering agencies develop curriculum and effective teaching strategies that are sustainable for the culture. On the side I will be doing community and youth development work. I hope to do some health/nutrition work as Micronesia is considered one of the fattest countries in the world (yikes). So, Jody and LPRD peers-be ready to provide some much needed advice, research, and tools to ensure that I develop a plan for addressing the needs of the community!

Micronesia is a very remote island region which includes Guam. However the two countries that I could be in are: FSM and the Republic of Palau. My first two weeks will be in Pohnpei then I will go to one of the States of FSM or to Palau for the remaining 7 or so weeks to learn the language/culture and train for the job.

With only one month left before leaving, I am nervous, excited, scared, sad, and just about any other emotion you can come up with. I can't wait to go but on the other hand....I cannot help but be a little sad to leave behind friends, family, and life as I have known it for the past 29 years. Most likely I will not be back to visit during my time there due to the outrageous travel time and the plane prices.

While there though, I plan to update this as regularly as possible- you must remember though that I do not know where I will be and Internet and phone access may be very limited. That is why I ask all of you to pray, cross your fingers, summon the karma gods, etc that I am in a place that has some sort of modern technology. This will make my communication with you more efficient as well as connect me with resources and people/groups that will make my work in my future country more successful. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and dealt with me through this relatively short process (5 months from application submission to invitation, which according to many PCV is super quick) thus far. I appreciate it greatly.