Why are you doing this...

This question has been asked by everyone I come across... WHY?

I didn't even know I really wanted to be the Peace Corps until I was half way through the process.

One thing I knew was soon as I landed in Ecuador in 2008 that travelling was in my blood. There was also this moment while in Ecuador I was walking with my fellow students to a community event we has planned in the smallest amount of time and we turned the corner and the entire town was waiting with open arms! I never wanted to let that feeling go. In a short period of time we had made enough of an impact that a community was interested to come out for food/fun and of course soccer. This was honestly one of the most memorable moments of my life. It is was euphoria that I craving to feel again. So after I came back the 2nd summer from Ecuador I needed something. I tried the Recreation department at a resort not even close. So I came home got an office job and 7 months later I knew I needed to travel again. I looked at many options Missionary, teacher, anything. Well honestly stumbled across the Peace Corps website in a simple Google Search and I applied. Not knowing that my life would be forever changed when I hit submit.

I began to get excited about travelling, helping the world, making a difference... It was not until I got invited that I really asked myself what in the world made you fill out that application??

I started answering people with this generic answer "I just want to help people".
This is still true I want to help people but it is more than that.  There 1,000 ways to help the world... Teachers, Musicians, Missionaries, authors, artist, mathematicians, computer gurus everyone has a purpose and a gift to give the world. I believe the gift God gave is heart to leave everything I know in North Carolina, brave the world and make an impact abroad. My passion is working in Youth Development. I love education through recreation. Giving children an opportunity to learn life skills while having a great time. Leadership, compassion, respect, love, friendship, self awareness, open hearts and minds, inspiration, creativity, and strength are just a few things I will be able to help children identify in themselves as a Youth Developer in Morocco. Of course if I could reach every child I meet that would be crazy fantastic but even if I make a small dent in a child's heart/life I will know I have done my best in Morocco!

That is just a glimpse of why I took this path placed in front of me. The Peace Corps is my road to take. Everybody has their own road and my wish for all of you reading this is no matter what corner of the world God leads you too, you take the path and run with it! Your life will blossom in front of your eyes.

162 days until Staging!!!

In 162 days I will be leaving Mooresville NC and will embark on a 27 month adventure to Morocco. I will start my journey in Philly then fly out Morocco. Anyone who has even looked my direction since August 19th 2010 knows that I am extremely excited about being a Peace Corps Volunteer. I have experienced reactions of tears, curiosity, confusion, happiness, worry and a certain level of disinterest (that honestly drives me nuts) from everyone I tell about my upcoming life change. I myself have gone through a roller coaster of emotions. As of this moment I am filled with 50% Joy and a 50% combo of any other emotion you can imagine. I find myself randomly thinking/day dreaming of what my life will look like this time next year and I 100% cannot picture it. I have come to realize that this is the best possible out come. I want to maintain an unbiased mind until that plane lands on the other side of the world.

When I started my application on 8/19/2010 I really thought it would go no further than that. Then I was nominated!! Onward to the medical process I went. WOW they really need to know everything. This is where it all sank in. The real possibility of being a Peace Corps volunteer and the real possibility of not being medically accepted due to a few medical issues. As most everyone knows I have had problems with my Asthma in the past as well as an accident that left me with a beautiful piece of titanium in my femur. I was terrified that one or both of those things would hold me up. Speed bumps in my road to Morocco YES! Do not pass go do not collect your Invitation NO! I made it and on July 19th 2011 (11 Months to the day) my very supportive mother and father presented me with a big blue packet that changed my life in an instant. I have never been so proud of my self for sticking with something and not giving up when it got rocky!

Another thing that most everyone knows about me is I am believer in God and his son Jesus. I want to tell you that I have never spoken with God more than I have this past year. I have prayed, cried, and thanked God everyday for this experience. My faith in the power of prayer will help me and has helped me through my darkest days (not just during this process but through life in general) I know that each person I will meet on this journey will impact my life in a way I can not grasp at this moment. I am beyond blessed that our staging is on a Monday this means that there is one last church service I can attend with my family (Church and immediate). I attend a small church in Mooresville and I am thankful to God that he led my family and their because my church has been very supportive. One of the members and great friend even wrote one of my reccomendation letters (Thanks Shirley) I attend a very Community Based church we are always reaching out locally nationwide and internationally. Knowing that my church family is supportive and is watching out for my family while I am gone means the world to me Thanks God!

I am leaving my mind and heart wide open for all of the new people/culture/experiences/communities/tradtions I will come across in Morocco and I welcome you all to join me on my adventure!! I look forward to bringing the world of the Peace Corps and Morocco to everyone who reads this! Inshallah! (God Willing)