Swearing-In

Finally. Today we are all officially sworn in as Peace Corps Volunteers. It's a big affair with lots of important Jordanians and others, I have to wear heels, and say a pledge. I moved out of my host families house two days ago, and into a hotel in Irbid with the rest of my lovely J9 group. We had a real cheesy but cute talent show two nights ago. No one really had any talents. There were some really good impressions of our PC training staff, and some real cute skits about what's going to happen when we all get back to the states, and what PC America training would be like. And we got pizza and pepsi. Since there is no 'p' sound in the Arabic language, it's really bizza and bebsi.
Anyways, my host parents and counterpart are coming today for the ceremony, too. Good times. Saying goodbye was tough, but I wanted to leave there so badly, the joy kinda outweighed the sorrow. Not kinda, it definitely outweighed the sorrow. They were great to me, but I hated living with a family of 9, and being forced to assume the role of "susie homemaker" when I didn't really want to. I can now cook dinner for 9 people very easily, and iron shirts without an ironing board, and wash clothes in a bucket, and clean the floors with a squeegie and a bunch of dirty water, but it was still stressful having to be pseudo-subservient daughter. I found myself ironing for some of the boys last night in the hotel....why? just cause I can. and God knows they can't.
On a sad note, my house in Safi isn't ready. So after all the countdowns, the jubilations, etc etc, I have to move BACK IN WITH JORDANIANS. Only this time, I don't get my own room. I'll be sleeping on a farsha in the living room. All of my belongings will be out, in the open, for all to see... And my counterpart lives with her father, so I'll have to constantly dress conservatively, be careful where I walk in the house. I don't even know how I'll change clothes. Or what I'll sleep in!! I don't have long sleeved shirts that are comfy enough to sleep in. Anyways, the PC staff has been very apologetic, but I'm still annoyed as all hell. I have been assured that it will only be for a week, and then my house will be ready. If my house is not ready, Darcy promised that I will not be returning to my counterpart's house after the week. It still makes more sense in my mind to put me in a freaking hotel now instead of later, but whatever. She's the boss.
There's talk among the Jordanians that Bush is planning to invade Syria. No comment.
Israel is finally out of Gaza as of a few days ago!!! A good first step.
My Arabic is coming along. I think. It's hard to tell.
I would like to truly thank everyone who has emailed me in the last couple days. I was so so happy to open my email and have so many messages! I'm not responding to any right now though, cause I have to run to the store, then go back to the hotel to pack, then go to the center to get sworn in.
So thank you---Andrew, Molly, Aunt Sherry, Dan Kim, Kurt, Joel, Chelsea, Dad, and Tracy! You've all made my day so much better. Also thanks to June and Jiyoung for texting me last night. I heart email!!! Even if I don't email you, please feel free to send an update of anything in your life. I've been hearing that lots of people read my blog, but I don't see much evidence of it. My family has been great though...they email all the time! :)
Ok, time to go. Next time I post, I'll be in Safi, starting my two years of service.