This blog does not reflect the position of the U.S. Government or Peace Corps. The experiences and thoughts are mine personally.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Care Package Tips/ Training Address


Care Package Tips
·         FLAT RATE BOXES from Post Office are cheapest or First-Class International via USPS
·         Number or Date letters, letters can come in various order, so best to number or date
·         Generally takes 2-4 weeks for me to receive any mail (letters or packages)
·         Label clearly “AIRMAIL/Par Avion”
·         Write “PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER”
·         Don’t use packing peanuts or other filler, be creative send useful items I want/need as filler
·         Please don’t send anything irreplaceable or amazing quality
·         Be vague or general on customs forms
·         Put food in Ziploc bags and make sure everything is in original package and sealed properly or it will go bad or get ruined 
 
Here are tips on how to send me packages and letters. At this time I don't not have a permanent address, but I do have a training address. I will only have this address until mid-September. So if you would like to send me anything while I am training here is that address:
Chaye Estep/PCT
US Peace Corps/Ethiopia 
PO Box 7788
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Once I have my permanent address I will share that will y'all! 
Thanks for the love and support! Please keep sharing my journey will whomever!  

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Luggage

Okay, so my last blog lied. I unpacked and repacked about 20 times since I wrote the last update. I can now officially say both my checked bags are completely packed and the only thing left to pack is my carry on. I can't believe I leave in 3.5 days. I'm just hoping I have remembered everything I will need for at the least the first month or two. My parents plan on sending out a care package within the first week I'm gone, as does Ericka (my sister) and Brittany.  I know I still need to get instructions or packing tips somewhere on this blog, but that is something I'm still trying to figure out, not that I don't have my address for the first 3 months, but I don't know where to put it on the blog! As soon as I figure that out, I promise to have my training address and helpful shipping tips listed! Well next time I blog I will either be sitting in an airport or in another country! I can't believe I've finally made it. A year and a half later and I am finally leaving on this adventure. It's hard to believe I first submitted my application back in December 2011. Well wish me luck and keep me in your prayers.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Mostly packed!!

I leave in 1 week! Today I managed to pack both my checked baggage, from what I weighed them at, both are about 85lbs, which is about 15lbs under my limit. I just don't think I could get any more into the bags. I can't believe the time has finally come. I have a few items left to purchase, okay like 2 or 3 items. There's not much more to say. Oh, I completed in another mud run yesterday. This time I wore contacts instead of glasses. I was able to finish the whole 5K, except I skipped a few of the obstacles. Today I am extremely sore and I am finding bruises everywhere! But it was fun and I survived!
Well enjoy the pictures to follow while laughing at the amount of stuff I'll be taking and ask yourself "how did she fit everything into 2 checked bags and 2 carry-on bags?" Enjoy a laugh at my expense.


Most of what I will be taking

Another view of what I'll be taking


Here it is packed...the backpack and rolling suitcase will be checked, while the duffle will be one of my carry-ons.

My other carry-on, now all I have to do is finish packing this with the computer, chargers, hard drive, book, purse, and travel size toiletry items. I hope I can get it all to fit.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Pictures from June 1-June 11

I don't have any pictures at this time of the party work (Brittany Hartmeyer) threw for me, however here are pictures from Adventure Islands, the beach and Texas (June 1-11).

  While waiting in line for the Harry Potter ride, we decided to take daddy daughters picture, family picture and mommy daughters picture.

Harry Potter World!

Frozen Butterbeer is pretty good!

Wish this was a ride!

This was a ride in Dr. Suess Land.

Attempting to find sharks teeth, until the waves about took dad and me out.

Crazy waves, there was a storm on the way and you could tell!

Duck Commander gift shop!

We were so EXCITED to make it to Duck Commander before they closed!

Dallas Zoo

Sis made a friend. The bird climbed from her hand to her shoulder and then t

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

May 28-June 11

So within the past two weeks so much has happened. I have sold my car, quit my job and already had to say bye to a some family. I know it's doesn't seem like much, however it has been a whirlwind of emotion. My last week of work was May 28th-31st. I wasn't sure if anyone at work was going to do anything, but my friend Brittany complete surprised me. She organized, decorated, and got everyone involved in a surprise lunch in for me. I had no idea what so ever. It was crazy. The amazing parents at the daycare really took care of and supported me in my decision to leave their precious children. I was sad to say goodbye to those precious faces, especially since I didn't know my replacement, but I'm positive those children are in great care.
My sister and Brittany came to Florida on the 1st and spent a few days. On June 2nd, the family headed to Universal Studios (Adventure Islands), mainly to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We had a blast, hopefully pictures to follow shortly. Brittany, sis and I all got wands and I also purchased a chocolate frog, but no worries, my frog did not jump away. The next day we did a little shopping. I got two new pairs of Toms (because sis had a discount). On the 4th, we attempted the beach, however the waves were really bad, as was the rip tide. We did find about 15 or sharks teeth, but nothing like we normally do. Dad and I went under at one point, I managed to save my hat and glasses, however, dad lost his prescription sunglasses. It was a rough way to spend a few hours. I went back to Texas with Brittany and sis on the 5th. On our way back we drove through West Monroe, La which happens to be where Duck Commander is located from the TV show Duck Dynasty. We barely made it in time with about 10 minutes before the gift shop was to close, however that did not stop us from looking around, buying a few souvenirs and taking a few pictures (those to will hopefully come later).
So we finally made it back to Dallas, Texas late Wednesday. On Thursday both Brittany and Ericka had to work, so it was just me and the dogs. If you knew where their apartment was you would have feared for my life, but don't worry I made it through the day. Friday was moving day. They moved to a better part of town (Arlington) and a nicer apartment complex (townhomes actually). So our Friday was spent loading, unloading, last minute packing and unpacking. It was crazy and I am so glad they found help! I don't think we could have done it without Jesus. Ok, with the hard stuff outta the way it was time for fun! Saturday we went to Trader's Village which is this ginormous flea market that sells absolutely everything you could think of. Then we found Walmart which just happens to be located right next both the Cowboys and the Rangers Stadium. Sunday we were going to go to the Dallas Zoo however when we woke up it was pouring and decided to go on Monday instead. So Sunday we ventured to Ikea and on Monday we hit up the Dallas Zoo! The zoo was so much fun! Both evenings were spent trying to figure out how to burn movies on my computer, let's just say I was ready to throw the computer away, but my Ericka being Ericka was bound and determined to figure it out and she did!
Ok, so that brings me to day, June 11th. Oh wait, on the 4th I had to say goodbye to Mr. Man (Michael Drake). He was leaving on the 5th to spend the summer in Panama City, Florida. So I wouldn't be able to see him before I leave in less than three weeks! Today was another goodbye, this one from my sister and Brittany. It was hard, but we managed to laugh at one point, after we started crying. I may cry just thinking about it. Ericka did say, I better have a black mamba for her when she comes to Ethiopia, however I said NO! So, as I sit here in New Orleans airport waiting for my connecting flight (which is delayed about 35 minutes), I think about the past two weeks and the next 3 weeks as I prepare for this next adventure. Let me tell you I am nervous, scared, excited, anxious, sad, happy and a million other things. My life is about to change drastically and I have to clue what is to come. I just have to take things one day at a time. Here's to goodbyes, farewells, adventures, new friends and anything else the world has to bring me! Please wish me luck and keep me in your prayers.