Surrounded by Washingtonians

It still has not really hit me that I am leaving. I keep waiting for it to…but it just hasn’t. Hmm. I flew into Washington, D.C. Sunday early evening and have been seeing old and new friends from all sources of past memories the last few days. It’s been lovely and a lot of fun.  I cannot believe how many people I have been able to see, catch up with, talk, walk around with, share a meal (or two) and just enjoy my time with them before I leave. (Thank you to Hadasy, Brent, Donny, Emily, Sarahbeth, Sara, Jonathan, Aaron, Jordan, Lindsey, Ally, and Polis staff!)
It has helped a lot being here and seeing everyone before I go.

When I came to the Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix on Sunday morning early, I unfortunately found out my bags were…overweight. I mean, come on. I am leaving for two years, so it makes sense. But, I would rather NOT have my bags be overweight to A. carry them B. get charged overweight fees for my domestic flight to Miami, then international overweight charges to El Salvador C. I still have to carry them!! So, I have decided the hiking boot/shoes are a go, and 3 books which I immediately downloaded onto my kindle as they are my favorites. This collected into about 5 pounds. So I only need to remove another…13. Right? Easy? Not so much…I am shipping some stuff to El Salvador…somehow tomorrow morning and will probably ship some stuff home. The less, the better I figure. I am currently staying at the Holiday Inn Hotel in the heart of downtown. I just met my roommate (in the hotel for two nights) who is from Seattle. Her name is Tricia and she just seems adorable. She came into the room while I was brushing my teeth and she introduced herself and stuck out her hand, I kind of looked the hand, said my name and just came out with the obvious, “Can we hug? I’m kind of a hugger-person.” Her response: “Absolutely! I am totally a hugger person, I felt so awkward sticking out my hand…” I think we shall be friends. 
Quick AWESOME highlight for the day, then off to bed while I charge my phone, iPod, kindle, laptop, and brain. I was given a lovely U.S. Capital tour by the one and only Jonathan Feller, when it was finished; he showed me where Union Station was and dropped me off by the elevators in the Senate building. I naturally decided the elevator was the better option than stairs as my brand new shoes had already given me 3 blisters and I was exhausted. I get into the elevator and check my phone, when I realize there are two other men next to me. I realize I should attempt to be considerate and put my phone away and be social. I take a glance at the men who are dressed to the T in full suits and I notice one is wearing a very classy Peace Corps pin, and the other a Peace Corps lanyard. I was like, OMG cool! Past Peace Corp volunteers! I introduced myself, “Hi, I just noticed your Peace Corps pin and lanyard, it looks very classy with your outfits”. The Men laugh and smile. Then I continue, as I am thinking, well here it goes again…”I’m actually leaving on Wednesday for El Salvador” grinning ear to ear. The Taller man says, “No way! Are you kidding me! That’s awesome! Thank you for your service! What’s your name?”(very loudly and excitedly) I say, “My name is Kara Zucker, and yours?” Taller Man says, “I’m Aaron Williams, I’m the President of the United States Peace Corps.”

Mouth drops. I am NOT kidding.

The other man introduces himself, which I forget his name, but we end up laughing and walking out of the elevator together and he asks where I am from, where I went to school. He then laughs and says, “I just met with your Senator about how your school (University of Colorado at Boulder) is the number one sender of Peace Corps volunteers!” I continue, “I know! It’s awesome! I actually worked for Bennet!” We continue to talk and laugh about politics and he mentions he was going to try to attend my orientation tomorrow. I said, “Well, now you have to go tomorrow, then I’ll know someone there!” He laughs, and we continue talking and he promises to try his best to make it tomorrow. I skip my way to the outside of the building grinning with joy. Who knew I would meet the President of the Peace Corps in a Senate elevator right before I leave for my service? I think it’s a good sign. :-)

Buenos Noches.