The choices seemed to be either competing for a job I did not really want or going back to school to study something I wasn't sure I was interested in. So, I took the LSAT and applied to the Peace Corps to do a job I really did want to do! The application process was mostly just long, I got frustrated many times with people asking me "what are you doing now in Southern California?" and me replying "babysitting...and waiting to hear back from Peace Corps" 6 months later we have my assignment- Peace Corps Nicaragua working in agriculture and Food Sustainability! I am excited to focus in on food, Spanish, and do what I probably love most, helping people and connecting with them!
The sad part was I had to say good bye to people I loved very much, some who can email me, (if they can find the time) and others who are so small they may not remember me in two years. Luckily, I have been knighted Tante (Aunt in Dutch) and ultimately Godmother to the youngest little guy! Now, I know I will be in their lives forever (and kiss them an embarrassing amount when they are older)!
So, I said goodbye to California and I drove to my mom's house not without pulling over to spend the night at the Grand Canyon! Take note this is the third MAJOR road trip CC and I have made together and I am starting to develop a really love for the old gal who has never looked worse, but still gets me where I need to go!
The drive was actually a very fitting way to start my emotional preparation for the Peace Corps. I cried a lot as I drove away from my extended family (while adjusting my radiator and forcing CC to accelerate to the riveting speed of 65miles/hour). As I drove alone though I realized I was so lucky to have so much love in so many different places. Even though I am not always on top of my correspondences, I love all my friends and family regardless of how long it has been. I seem to be capable of just growing more of it every place I go, and I know I will find friends in Nicaragua who I will love as well. Also, being alone, really isn't so bad. I am pretty awesome! I like my own company (although it gets old fast, and I was REALLY thankful I still had texting capabilities in the great outdoors!) Saying my first good-bye's and watching the sunrise in the Grand Canyon was a good preview of what I think it will be like to leave for good- a mixture of sadness and adventure!
For those of you who don't know, I already have a friend in Nicaragua, she is serving in San Rafael del Norte and has already sent me an essentials packing list! Which has inspired me to start packing (which basically entails dumping all my stuff in the living room and my brothers room (while my mom is at work) so I can start "sorting" and "organizing" (well my version of organized). I leave on May 10th which seems far away, but really isn't at all!
I am going to try and be good about blogging but not every day ( I know even my mom) won't read it every day!
Love to all!
Alicia
