2 years ago I left

Something occurred to me on my walk today; 2 years ago, today, I was scared out of my mind and couldn't even enjoy a Philly cheesesteak during Peace Corps staging (few days of preparation before departure).  I'm not exaggerating about this!  I broke down crying while talking to my best friend when I was standing across from Independence Hall.  That moment has stuck with me.  I can still feel the fear, and it took all the strength I could muster to not hop a plane back to Fort Wayne, Indiana.  I went back to my hotel room to recover and a quote from Donald Miller's Through Painted Deserts popped into my head.

It might be time for you to go. It might be time to change, to shine out.

I want to repeat one word for you:
Leave.

Roll the word around on your tongue for a bit. It is a beautiful word, isn't it? So strong and forceful, the way you have always wanted to be. And you will not be alone. You have never been alone. Don't worry. Everything will still be here when you get back. It is you who will have changed.

I'm glad I left.  I have such an appreciation for where I come from now.  If you ask any of my fellow PCV's they will tell you that I'm crazy about Indiana!  That quote was right, and I have changed; that's what I'm afraid of...

Now that my time in Peace Corps is nearly up, I have to prepare myself for the next adventure God has in store for me.  One thing I know for sure...my experience in Romania is coming with me, and I wouldn't have traded it for anything!