First post

Well here it is, my first blog! Today is Wed., May 28, and in exactly 7 days I will be beginning my adventure 'into the wild,' working as a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) in Peru. There are various reasons why I have chosen to take this path in my life. Most importantly, I believe that my life is at a turning point, although to what I am uncertain yet still. As the old PC logo states, Peace Corps is "the hardest job you will ever love." I am ready to let myself experience what life is, learn from different cultures and share my knowledge with others as they open my eyes into their beautiful world. My job title I withhold for the next 27 months is 'Small Business Promoter.' What the description entails may or maynot be anything like the experience I will pursue but to give an idea, it describes the job as helping local people (may be in very rural areas of Peru) develop and/or organize more funtional businesses. For example, I may be helping artisans and farmers start companies and trades. Whether this is or is not what I will truly be doing is irrelevent, I am confident I will find my way, and will try my best to keep my mind and heart open and judgements out. I feel that I am ready.

Fortunaly, I found out very late that I will be leaving so soon. This is fortunate I have come to decide because I have no time to freak out. What will I pack?? I don't know, anything that I don't have to shop for. I submitted the PC online application Dec. 31st of '07, and found out April 23rd that I will leave June 4th for my service! All I know is that Peru is an AMAZING country, and I am so excited/nervous/every feeling one could imagine.

I am here in Panama, visiting my mother. This country is amazing, I can only hope Peru can compare :) I will be in Cleveland for my last 5 days of sanity before my adventure begins. Hope to see most of my family and friends on a going away party, Saturday. So excited!

Service Dates: June 4th, 2008 - Aug. 22, 2010
Job title: Peace Corps Volunteer; Small Business Promoter