THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Finally, after almost a year from submitting my application, I've received my invitation to serve in the Peace Corps! I'M GOING TO PARAGUAY...

Now that it's all said and done--it was worth all the paperwork, various appointments to the doctor, numerous emails/phone calls back and forth to my Placement Officer and, oh, oh, oh...all of those hoops many of us have had to jump through, to get through the process. Yes, it was worth it!

I've been planning this journey for many, many years now! And, it's such an amazing feeling and blessing to see all that planning and hard work come to fruition. Ever since that day I met a young lady, on a cruise to Mexico, that was serving in the Peace Corps--after listening to her speak of it, I knew it was something I wanted to and would do one day. So...as my children begin their own life and families, here I am, starting my blog, working through additional paperwork required and preparing for the day that I have to 'temporarily' say goodbye to my wonderful daughter, Jessica (22) and wonderful son, Julio (18), along with my family and friends, who have been so supportive of me in this endeavor.

Taking on this task at 40 years old, leaving my kids, family & friends behind, abandoning a pretty decent career and all the comforts afforded to me by being fortunate enough to be an American, will be no easy feat. However, I've known and have always felt my life is not supposed to be, just about me and doing for my family, but rather...the true gift of life and living is giving up comforts, security and all that we know, in exchange for helping others, if even in a small way.

So...loved ones, when I depart on February 3, 2009 (for 2 1/2 years,) know that this is a dream that I hold close to my heart and I will continue to look to you all for continued support and will need those letters, emails, calls and visits from home.

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- "The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have." Author Unknown...