Where the Palm Trees grow...

Here I am again - another life experience, another blog. This is the big one - I've been invited by the United States Peace Corps to serve as a Youth Development Promoter in the Dominican Republic. I leave next Tuesday for staging (orientation) in Miami, followed by three months of training in country. As long as all goes according to schedule I will be sworn in as an official volunteer in November and at that time begin two years of volunteer service.

The decision to apply to the Peace Corps was one which evolved over time. Years ago, two years seemed like such a long time, far more than I was willing to commit. However, as I grow older two years really does not seem as long as it did. I've always had dreams of living abroad, working abroad, learning another language, and having a job where I could really connect with people and help them live their lives more fully. As I traveled more, I only wanted to go deeper and deeper into another culture, and learn things that I couldn't as a mere tourist. The Peace Corps became the logical solution. I also have dreams of learning how to drive a standard shift - that one will have to come later.

I've always loved to travel. Though, my idea of travel is not the same as many people. My Aunt Lisa once asked me before a trip to China, "Why are you going to China? Why don't you go to the Caribbean or somethin'?" 'The Caribbean?' I thought? 'How boring. Nothing but miles of beach and no culture!' I find it quite ironic that after deciding to join the Peace Corps, of all means of going abroad, I actually ended up in the Caribbean! Who'd a thunk it.

I've been spending my summer meeting up with friends and family, trying to see everyone before I go. Just this past Saturday my parents hosted a final get-together so that I could see everybody one last time. Though, even during my "Going Away" party nine days before departure, attendees and non-attendees alike still stressed, "Joan, we have to get together before you go!" OK, let's be realistic here, I leave in less than a week. I can't see everyone I know in that time, plus pack all of my things (for two years, remember!), and spend quality time with the fam and boyfriend. I'm only one person! Thanks for the thought anyway : )

Knowing that I'll be away for so long has already made me appreciate the things I have at home so much more. Even just ordinary pine and maple trees induce a melancholy sigh. I'll be missing winter, and how I love fall foliage! But alas, this is for the greater good (my greater good, mainly, but still...)

So, take care, fare thee well, and best wishes to you all. Email me any time, or post a comment on the blog, I'll be checking at nearby Internet cafes along the way.

Joan (Soon to be "Juana")