I finally got my invitation to the Peace Corps! I started this journey almost a year ago when I first decided to apply for the Peace Corps. I was just about to graduate and start my student teaching. I knew when I was done I would want to start teaching. I have been dreaming about having my own classroom for quite awhile now. But I also knew that I would have the rest of my life to teach. I really wanted to do something different, something that would give back to the world in a way I couldn't do here. I had thought about the Peace Corps in the past and decided to really look into it. So I did some research and found that the Peace Corps is an incredible program that would allow me to serve others in a needing place. I will be able to share what I know and certainly learn and grow as a teacher. I finally finished my application at the end of last February and had my interview on April 1st (April fool's day, I know!). Things went well and I received my nomination for Central/South America Feb 2012 short after. But then I got cold feet. I started dating a boy who wasn't supportive of my decision to join the Peace Corps. I also began to question the length of time I would be gone. Twenty seven months is a long time, no matter how you look at it. So I told my regional recruiter, Elene, that I would have to decline at this time. (By the way, Elene is an amazing lady who has served twice. She inspired me so much and it's because of her that I had such a difficult time turning down the Peace Corps.) However, after I made that decision, I never felt quite right about it. I knew I was taking the easy road because I was scared of the unknown. I thought about it and discussed it with my family. I decided that I had made the wrong decision and wanted to continue my pursuit of the Peace Corps. (Needless to say, that boy broke up with me soon after.) I contacted Elene and she put me back on track. This summer I went to multiple doctor appointments and after lots shots and tests, finally finished my dental and medical paper work. I received my clearance for these soon after and began the waiting game again. When I hadn't heard anything from the Peace Corps for 6 weeks, I e-mailed them asking for an update. They e-mailed me back asking for some more information and after a few e-mails back and forth I received an e-mail saying to look for my invitation in the mail by the end of the week. Then this morning I heard a knock on the door and it was the UPS man handing over my future. I'm so excited to finally know where and when I'm going and now I can move forward and plan for this gigantic change in my life. I have so much to think about and research and pray about and I'm so excited, yet at the same time I'm terrified. This is a such a big chance for an amazing adventure, to grow and learn so much. I've never really challenged myself in such a way and I guess all I can do is give it my all and hope for the best.
