My call to join the Peace Corps

Joining the Peace Corps was a decision I could not have made on my own. Family and friends were influential in helping me weigh the costs and benefits to my decision, but the most important suggestions were those of Christ. As a prayed and dug into the Word, it was made clear to me that God was calling me to the Peace Corps as a way of leading me on my path as His disciple. You may be asking yourself how I know this. It's hard to explain it, but it's an overwhelming feeling I have in my heart and has been an answer to my prayers.

Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians that "In light of all this, here's what I want you to do... I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences." (Ephesians 4: 1-3)

It has not been easy following this calling! It has tested my patience, resolve, and faith! God has called me to do this, I know it. And in the immortal words of President John F. Kennedy to describe the Peace Corps experience -- "But if the life will not be easy, it will be rich and satisfying. For every young American who participates in the Peace Corps—who works in a foreign land—will know that he or she is sharing in the great common task of bringing to man that decent way of life which is the foundation of freedom and a condition of peace."

I pray that each of you will find and follow God's calling in your lives.

ROMANIA!!

To all of you checking my blog. I received my placement today...finally!! I will be leaving on May 19, 2008 to serve in Romania! I can't wait! I'm so excited! But I have so much paperwork and other things to do right now. Thank you for all of your support! I wouldn't have the courage and passion for the Peace Corps without the love and support each of you have given me! God bless!!

Dependency on technology

Today, it became clear to me just how reliant on technology each of us is. By us, of course, I am referring to Americans and to be more specific my generation. I hope that the Peace Corps will help me simplify my life a bit, but I am finding that I am just finding more technologically advanced ways to live in a developing country. My BlackBerry is a prime example of this, but I love it too much to truly care how dependent I am on it. I have tried to think about all the Peace Corps volunteers of the 60's...they wanted to heed President Kennedy's call to "ask what we can do for our country." They were willing to give up all the luxuries of home to follow their calling. Would I still be joining the Peace Corps without access to email, my cell phone, or my iPod?? This is just a thought to ponder for each of us. I guess I'll see soon enough how I will deal with less technology!

Cell phone updates

I will also be messaging with my phone when I travel.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry