Old job, new job.

In order to accept my Peace Corps position, I had to leave my role as a tutor in Minneapolis. As my departure neared, I was incredibly overwhelmed by the kindness exhibited by my coworkers and students in the form of hugs and well wishes, cards, video greetings, clothing for my new way of life, even a cake that read "feliz viaje"--have a happy trip, in Spanish. The reason I loved my job was the fact that I was able to get to know a hundred young people in my community, experience their immense intelligence, respect, and their even greater potential. It is difficult to bear the idea that I won't be with them to support them in their challenges and to celebrate with them during their victories, or even to see their smiling faces and hear their laughter. It doesn't seem fair to leave these people, when the joy that they gave me was the reason I gave thanks each day of my own life. On my last day, as I was handing out chocolate kisses, one student sat next to me and asked me why I was leaving them, a question that I heard multiple times that day and one that tugged on my heartstrings each time. "I get that you're going to be helping people in the world, but, you're already helping people here." She presented it in such a calm, entreating way that I was very moved, to hear it from the mouth of a student with whom I have built a rapport, to whom I have already committed myself and I couldn't form an answer. My roommate and I have both been working with youth in the twin cities and have often struggled with and discussed this same question: how does one find their calling, or maybe more importantly, how does one know which calling is the right one?

Birth of a blog.

This is an experiment.

To see if I can maintain a healthy blog--one that is updated regularly and that includes gripping information about my Peace Corps journey and one that people read.

Do not feel pressured to read this blog. Maybe you just want to check in every now and again to skim. But please, if the spirit moves you to comment--do so, as I am trying out the blog as a replacement for paper correspondence, which, though I adore, is unreliable on the island.

I am set to leave Grand Forks International Airport at 5:10am on Wednesday March 3rd, 2010 and I wouldn't have made it this far without my incredible family and friends. So many people have contributed in their own unique way to inspire and encourage me, to teach me the beauty of selflessness and help me discover my ideals.

Thank you. I can't say it enough.