Why the Peace Corps?

I am asked this question often, let me share with you some of my thoughts.

I have a window of time in my life where my commitments to others in my life are pared down - no life partner, no child at home and no pets (although there are a few I love to visit as their "Auntie P").

I hunger for more exploring in my life and I'm clear I don't want to travel as a tourist. I want to land somewhere, very different from the U.S. and I want to learn about the people and their land. I want to share the wisdom I've gained from my 56 years both personally and professionally. I know by being in a very different culture and environment, it will require me to be flexible, patient and non-judgmental - all qualities which come pretty naturally to me. I will be challenged to look at my belief systems and habits with fresh eyes. I'm sure I will adopt new attitudes and reinforce others which I value and choose to keep.

The Peace Corps states three goals:

1. Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
2. Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
3. Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.


I like the simplicity.
I like that the Peace Corps only goes where it's invited.
I like that it doesn't promote political agenda.

By the way, there are benefits which accompany "regular" full-time jobs as well (medical, dental, vacation days, etc.).

27 Months is a long commitment and I welcome it. I am ready to jump in and give what I have, learn what I can and give it my all. The reciprocity of giving and receiving - it's really a part of daily life for me. All that will change is .......well, everything else. The length of time will allow me to settle in, absorb the learning and build relationships. I know I will look forward to coming home afterward as well, with new insights and a depth of understanding of the world and it's people and myself.

My brain will be challenged by mega doses of new input including language and customs, and visual landscapes. My body will be challenged by new foods and fewer creature comforts (like a toilet and hot water, maybe?). My heart will be challenged by being far away from my loved ones and community of support here in Sedona and California.

But my Soul will be ecstatic from embracing the joys and challenges and expanding into who I know myself to be.

Here it is..........my first blog entry - ever!!

I am a Peace Corps Nominee and I should be hearing very soon where I will be going. The application process has been very long. I applied online at the end of January 2009 and in August received my nomination with a tentative destination of Morocco or Jordan. I anticipate leaving September 2010 and am eagerly waiting for that final, official destination. Now that date is just around the corner....the closer it gets the more excited I get (and I must admit, less patient).

I have several details to handle that are on "hold" until I get the final invitation from the Peace Corps. I think August is going to be a crazy month working, getting my home situated for the next 2 1/4 years, packing more boxes and cleaning out more extraneous stuff (I've already been working on this) and making sure all my affairs are in order and visiting family before I leave.

I'm thrilled to be on track for a new chapter in my life. I look forward to sharing my journey with you.

More, much, much, more to come,
Patricia