ready for something new!
Monday July 19th marks the day of a new journey. As I pack for two years, with only 80 lbs to bring, I wonder…do I have enough clothes, toothpaste, socks. I’ve never had to pack for a two year trip before…neither have many others, so you can feel my frustration. But then I think to myself, this is not a trip…it’s an physical and mental journey. I am giving up a lot to do what I love. Giving up regular communication, good italian food from my mother, laughter amongst longtime friends and most importantly my family.
However, this will be a learning experience for everyone. If you are reading this you are either one of three things (or maybe two): interested in my blog, you are a friend or you are a family member. I hope you also take something from my experience and grow as an individual.
But now that packing has ceased and I get the last of my paperwork ready for staging in Washington, D.C. I sit and ponder. How will a new life be like in Madagascar? A country that many people know nothing about…let alone; lemurs, the Disney movie “Madagascar” and the song “I Like to Move It, Move It.” I’ve heard these three descriptions countless times over the last three months. Mind you, there are no lions, hippos, giraffes or penguins in Madagascar…I appreciate the laughter. Madagascar is known however, for there immense population and species of lemurs, reptiles, amphibians and our flying friends. They speak a language referred to as Malagasy, a form of the Malaysian-Indonesian branch of languages. Madagascar and Borneo are the only locations where this language is spoken.
Peace Corps Madagascar, for me, entails becoming a community health educator. I will be working with a doctor and fellow Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) to educate whichever community I am assigned to. My main focus is the health of women and children; teaching proper nutrition, sanitation, and overall health. My secondary focus will be HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. This is a very broad subject matter and more might be added to my tasks when I arrive in Madagascar.
My next post will hopefully be when I arrive in Madagascar and have down time. Thursday June 22nd will be my first day there.
In due time. Take care all.
Sending love as you prep for this trip!!! What an amazing gift you are giving these people, what an wondrous journey you’re about to start. With love, admiration and wishes for a wonderful experience!! ~Donatella
I’m really looking forward to reading your blog while you’re there. I hope you get to update us frequently (although I know it’s not your main concern out there..)
So proud of you.
Love you man.
Hey Ralph,
I hope you have a wonderful, awesome, amazing, breathtaking, lifetime knowledge filled journey while you are away. Even though you are not physically here you will be in the mind and the hearts of all your family & friends here. The world needs more people like you.
Be safe, have fun, and come back with lifetime memories!
Non stai partendo da solo! L’amore dei tuoi cari e l’affetto di tutti noi partiranno con te e ti accompagneranno per tutto il tempo. Sei un grande
hey loser!!! I miss you already and wish you the best of luck… don’t do anything wreckless over there… have fun, update your blog and don’t be sending me mass emails!!! Lol, jus joshin
I know that this journey will be long and many will miss you but I know many will benefit from this as well. You are a wonderful person and I am glad I had the honor to meet a person such as yourself. May God be with you during this time. I will be ready to read your next blog. Set the example for others to follow. Much Love Rafy
Ralph,
I am glad that I met you. You are an inspiration and I admire you. I wish you the best of everything & God Bless!! It is a wonderful thing what you are doing. Take care & looking forward to your next blog & pictures.
Hey Ralph!
This is so exciting and such an amazing journey for you and for all of us reading! I am so psyched for you, and I know it will be an incredible experience. I can’t wait to keep reading and learn what you are experiencing in another country!
Good luck and can’t wait to hear what happens next! 
I am so happy for you! Good luck over there; I know you will do amazing things. Love ya lots!
So, so thrilled for you, Ralph. Can’t tell you how proud we all are of you. Love you! Waiting for more……..
Hey Raffaele, 3 weeks have past, but who is counting! Soon I will hear your voice. Can’t wait!! I pray that you are safe and healthy. Know that we are very,very proud of what you are doing. Love you always! Tua famighia!!! BACCIONE E ABBRACCI!!XOXO