What's new in Guyana?

April 16th, I left Maryland and headed to Arizona to say "adios" to friends.  I had such an amazing and heart warming time connecting with so many.  I truly felt as though I was walking my own version of "It's a Wonderful Life".  We never know just how much we have touched others and I am blessed to have such a great cheerleading group in the stands cheering me on!  Life can certainly throw out curves.  With all of the confusion and chaos, I have ended up in Pensacola, FL with no ID.  I left it on the plane, yet a search by attendants resulted in nothing.  OH, NO!  Breathe..... It looks like disaster can be averted, but it has been another exercise in living in the moment.  I am enjoying my time with nearly 3 year old Grayson and 1 year old Gabriella. I am trying NOT to think about the next time I will see them and 6 year old Jake in Maryland.  I know they will change so much over the next 2 years!  I have had an update as to what will be happening once I la

Really, I started making the rounds in January when my sisters and I gathered in Las Vegas, NV.  We had a great time sharing stories and having a massive photo shoot.....good times.  Now that it is April, I am seriously saying, "Til we meet again" to the many new friends I have made in 2 years.  Wow...2 years sounds like a long time, but it has flown by.  I imagine I will be saying the same thing at the end of my service in Guyana in July 2016! I am asking folks to be sure I have home addresses.  I imagine I will have some time for writing and on keeping that old past time alive! That being said, I do want to receive some hand written notes and cards, so here is my first address as trainee: Patrece Ryan, PCT Peace Corps P.O. Box 101192 Georgetown, Guyana South America These last few days in Maryland will be spent trying to pack essentials for my new life abroad; unpacking and repacking a dozen times! Off to catch some zzzzz's!

It's here...the month of my departure!  Things are coming together perfectly.  I have my last few visits with friends and family lined up in Arizona and Florida.  Of course, still getting in some quality time with family in Maryland!  Today, I went on a first grade field trip to the recycling plant.  Oh, but first we needed to experience a fire drill!  All good..... I would be lying if I said I am feeling only excitement about the next stage of my life. It hit me last night that I will be experiencing loss again.  Of course, any time we make a decision to do anything, something is left behind.  In my case, not just a routine I have developed in Maryland, but my son and grandson.  It has been such a valuable time of my life to spend with them in their time of need.  I am grateful for the opportunity.  As most of us know, moving is daunting at any age and for any reason.  I came from Arizona to Maryland two years ago with few possessions.  Over the course of two years, I have ama