Monday, September 7, 2009

"Be brave enough to live creatively"


Years ago I opened my fortune cookie to receive some unforgettable wisdom."Be brave enough to live creatively" has been in my mind for quite some time. Well, I decided to do just that and join the Peace Corps. At the end of this month I will move to Turkmenistan.

I am going to be working as a Community Health Educator in a health care clinic. From what I have read, it looks like my focus will be doing a community health analysis and health needs assessment. Then, I will be creating a preventative health education strategy based on my findings. This is not set in stone but I am happy nonetheless and can't wait to find out more!

This is a big step for me as I have NEVER done something in my life quite this eccentric. I have to say, I am STOKED! Yes, I am more nervous than I have ever been in my life, but the nerves are definitely worth it. This is my chance to go on a great adventure...an adventure that will provide me an opportunity to live in a culture so different from my own. It will challenge me to learn about myself and my capabilities. The nerves are just a part of this great adventure. Thus, I welcome them.

My life will drastically change come the end of this month when I depart for Philadelphia to meet my fellow volunteers at orientation. Until then, I will continue to manage the emotional roller coaster I am on as I prepare to leave.