I'M BEING INVITED!!!!

I had a 45 minute long conversation with my placement officer this afternoon while I sat in my car, parked at the basketball stadium on campus. It was the first place I came to where I could sit undisturbed with amazing reception. I'd originally driven to a park not far from my house, but I only had two bars there and that was not going to fly with me. The conversation closed with her saying she'd be extending me an invitation :D From what I understand it's to my original nomination region (SSA) in the original month (February 2011). I can't wait to see what it is!

Anyway, she asked about how, if at all, my view and commitment to PC had changed since applying, to clarify something I'd written in my essay, what challenges I'd come across that I hadn't considered before, how I would deal with certain situations, etc. I was incredibly nervous partly because sometimes it's hard to put into words how I feel about this and also because so many situations I have no idea about. I am completely expecting to be flipped upside down and backwards stepping off that plane and to have everything I could have imagined blown out of the water. It's so hard to imagine actually living in Africa that I am planning on learning as much as I can, being as respectful as I can, and then just rolling with it. She did mention that I'd have to cover my tattoo (I have a cm high star on my right heel) so I'm wondering about that given the fact that I'm hoping not to wear socks and shoes everyday...

I am so flabbergasted right now. My mom, sister-in-law, and her friend were all here when I got home and heard my news and they were all (mildly?) excited for me, no jumping up and down or hugs or anything, but maybe that's just how my family is in general.

To quote another blog, "shit just got REAL."