Why am I going to the Peace Corps?

Because Life is too short...

I decided I wanted to do the Peace Corps about 2 years ago.  My journey into the Peace Corps has not been an easy one...either mentally or physically.  So why am I going to the Peace Corps?  Because life is too short not to!My answer, though from the heart, is also derived from Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, retirees, and middle aged men and women alike.  The RPCV's I know have all told me this is a life changing opportunity and that they wouldn't trade their experience for anything.  Older folks I know, encourage me to do it while I can which can is kind of sad to hear.  Sad because it sounds like they missed their shot at doing something adventurous when they were younger.

Before I tell you what my main reasons for going are, I should explain why I almost didn't go...

After I applied, had my interview and was nominated, it took another 6 months to get medically approved (The longest process EVER).  I remember the day I saw my medical status change online to Approved.  That little check box next to my medical status was the best thing I had seen in months.  I was medically approved on a Friday and was so excited because after getting medically approved you move to placement.  I remember celebrating that weekend with friends telling them that I had finally moved onto Placement. This meant it would only be a couple of months longer before I knew where I would be going.  Two days later, on Monday, I decided to go for a run on town lake after work (those of you that live in Austin know what an awesomely fun trail it is to run and how I am a frequent visitor :)) I wasn't even 10 minutes into my run when I was running through the auditorium shores area of the trail when a giant black lab jumped into me full speed.  The lab took out my legs from under me and I went flying in the air and belly flopped onto the ground.  It took me a minute or two to roll over and I assured the crowd that had gathered around me that I was fine.  I managed to make it on my feet and thought I could run off my injury and that I was fine...but that was not the case.  I made it a couple of feet before I knew something was terribly wrong with my arm.  My right arm was starting to swell and I couldn't really extend it.  With the help of friends I made it to the urgent care clinic by my house.  I waited in a waiting room for 2 hours before I was checked out by a doctor.  The result when I was finally checked out: broken elbow.  At that point I knew my journey into the Peace Corps would be delayed even more. 

At first,  I took my broken elbow as a sign that I just wasn't meant to go (I am a big believer in signs).Why else would I break my elbow and basically have to wait another 12 months before I could be medically cleared again?  Also, at this point the placement office sent an email to everyone letting them know that due to budget cuts the placement process would be delayed.  It was pretty evident I was just not supposed to go.  Or maybe it was that I wasn't meant to go yet.  If I had never broken my elbow I would not have met the most wonderful guy in the world (my boyfriend/best friend of a year and a half) or had the opportunity to work for The University of Texas and meet some of the best people to work with and for.  If I could meet that black lab again I'd give him the biggest hug ever for running into me.  I can’t imagine not having my boyfriend in my life or meeting the wonderful people I have in this past year.

With the new additions to my life (the great job and best boyfriend ever) how could I say Yes to the Peace Corps when they finally asked me?  Well here is how:

•I have always wanted to learn a second language. Ever since I studied abroad and heard such a variety of languages I knew I’d be missing out if I never learned at least one other language.

•I want to travel.  I've always wanted to travel and see more.  As I get older it becomes easier for me to stay in one place and conform to the norms in society like getting married, buying a house, and doing the same job for years.  Not that there is anything wrong with that.  It’s just not me, well not yet at least.

 •I am at my best when I am helping others.  I really am so much happier when I know I am being of use and know that I am contributing to something greater than myself.  

 •I need new experiences or else I'll become boring :)

 •Because I believe I can do it.  

 •I never want to have any regrets! This is the main reason why I’m going.  I never want to look back on my life and think about what might have been or what I might have accomplished. 

And finally the reason why I can go:

Because I have the full support of my family, my boyfriend and friends like You!!

I am so excited to get started on this new adventure in my life! 

BTW: I leave for D.C. on March 4^th and will fly to Nicaragua for training on March 6^th!!!

Love you all!

Mari