How crazy is it that I'm in the Peace Corps?...it has been on my mind for so many years now that sometimes it almost doesn't  feel real and I have to stop and think about what I'm doing. I am so grateful for everything that has come my way, I remember when I found out last October that I wasn't going to be going anywhere and the emotions that came with it. Then I remember when Peace Corps called me in January and told me I was going to be invited to serve somewhere in Latin America...I was in shock. I had not heard anything from Peace Corps since October, had a new job, and all of a sudden had this thrown my way. However much of a shock it was, I am very glad and forever grateful for being invited to serve in such a beautiful country, with such beautiful people and amazing volunteers. 

A lot of people thought I was crazy for joining Peace Corps and would always ask me why I would want to do this. Why would you want to volunteer for two years and not make any money? Won't it be hard being away from home for so long? The answer to these questions always came really easy to me because yes, sometimes I can be crazy, but volunteering has always been really important to me and making money hasn't and of course I miss my family every day. But these answers seem so simple to me, and I imagine to the other volunteers, but seem so foreign to others. So if some of you are still wondering why I chose to do what I am doing, this is why.

I have had a passion for volunteering since I went on my first mission trip in 9th grade. I went on one every year in high school and were some of the best times I had. However, the moment that I think really decided these two years of my life happened when I was volunteering in Argentina in 2009 with some friends and I met a little girl named Flor, my Pacific Challenge friends can attest that I was in love, and she changed my whole view on life. I wrote my Peace Corps essay about this very little 5 year old girl and I have her to thank for putting everything into perspective and helping me know what I am meant to do...for two years at least. There are many reasons she influenced me so much but I won't go into them all now, I'll just say to never underestimate what you can learn from somebody, no matter how small they are.

This is Flor! :)

So, maybe that gives you a little insight of my decision to join the Peace Corps, maybe not, either way, I am very lucky to be where I am right now. Even though I am always missing my family and friends, I really feel like this is what I am meant to be doing right now, I also think I will get pretty quick at reading and learn a few new hobbies, so that's a plus too :)

I really just want others to understand why at least one Peace Corps volunteer decided to do this. I truly believe we all have a lot we can learn from everyone we meet, I try to keep an open mind and take advantage of meeting new people anytime I can, and I try to share my experiences with others. Sharing is caring right? ;) ...That was cheesy. I hope everyone has a great night!