If you're reading this then you probably already know that I'm going to be a Peace Corps Volunteer in Costa Rica. If you did not know this, then I probably don't know you, and I think that it's really sweet that you're stalking me a little bit. In any case, welcome to my blog. In about 6 weeks, I will be leaving my hometown of Washington D.C. to embark on what I expect will be the most challenging, enlightening, emotionally draining, perspective-altering experience of my life thus far. Besides those things, it will probably just be, like, whatever.
I know what you're thinking: "Why are apples SOOO good?!?!?" I think it has something to do with the crunchy/sweet/tart combination, and the satisfying effects of fiber, but I'm gonna have to ask that you stay focused. A better question might be, "So why are you creating a blog?" Honestly, my friends and family are such incredibly fascinating people, that I don't expect my daily happenings to be particularly interesting to any of them. On the other hand, I would like to have written documentation of this period, and I figure it will provide my mom with proof that I'm still alive, so this blog is basically a product of those two factors. If others are interested in reading it too, I think that's great.
As the time before my departure draws near, people are basically asking me the same questions over and over (which is totally understandable). So, here are some answers for friends, family, and stalkers alike:
1. When do you leave? March 10, 2009.
2. When do you return? May 30, 2011 (my 27th b-day).
3. What will you be doing in Costa Rica?
Eating lot of rice and beans, and working in the Child, Youth and Families (CYF) Program as a Youth Development volunteer. Our national partner in Costa Rica is the Patrinato Nacional de la Infancia (PANI), which is similar to Child Protective Services here in the States. I will receive my specific job assignment in the middle of training, so keep your fingers crossed that it's something sweet.
4. Why did you join the Peace Corps?
I could write a book in response to this question, but briefly put, it comes down to this: My life is ridiculously full of opportunities that are not available to millions of other people. I am beyond fortunate to live in a country that is able to dedicate an entire government institution to serving people in developing countries, who have not been provided with resources that have always been available to me. In order to gain a deeper appreciation for and enhanced perspective of my own life, I am choosing to leave everything behind (except my laptop and GPS running watch), and use what I have learned here in an attempt to create sustainable development in a completely different culture.
The thought often crosses my mind that I am likely to gain more from this experience than anyone in my host community. While I struggle with the self-serving aspects of working in the Peace Corps, I plan to return with a heightened ability to engage in altruistic work, and can only hope that the outcome of my service will eventually produce a net positive.
5. If you were a hot dog, and you were starving, would you eat yourself?
Good question. No.
6. Did Obama drive by your house today with his SUV window down, and wave to your family outside your front door?
Yes!!! Well, he wasn't driving, he was riding, but the rest of it happened.
I probably won't write again until I'm in Costa Rica, because my life won't actually be interesting until then. To my family and friends, thank you for all of your love and support, I will miss you terribly while I'm gone. Please keep in touch and holla holla if you are in/around DC before I leave!!!
