17 Days

Well I now have less than three weeks until I depart for LA and then Tonga. I'm sure these next couple of weeks are going to fly by as I scramble to get everything in order for my departure. I'm ready to get there after somehow making it through the insane application process. I'm worried about the guys at work...I hope they can make it without me.

I have now heard from six others in my group: James, Steve, Jason, Heather, Alicia, and Enrique. I'm looking forward to meeting/hearing from the rest of the group as well. James and I have been sharing ideas about packing but I have not heard much from anyone else. I also now have an official address that should be good for a while until I get my own place (after training):

Stanley Luker, PCT
Peace Corps
P.O. Box 147
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
South Pacific

Stuff takes three to six weeks to get there so you better start sending it soon if you want me to get it before I make it back. I'm not sure if hot cheetos or ramen will make it. Peace Corps recommends padded envelopes as boxes tend to be pilfered/taxed more frequently. I have heard scribbling religious symbols all over the package may discourage some from opening things. Who knows?

Tomorrow I'm heading to Tuscaloosa with Royce, the Nino, and Dusty to see the Hogs take on Saban's Alabama team. We are going to punish their D-line and see more of the same from McFadden and Jones. Our secondary looks bad early but tightens up to keep Bama from scoring late. Looking forward to checking out the night life/game day festivities. Hogs win 30-24