Eat, Pray, Blog

Since introducing my Peace Corps Kenya journey article and this blog over the weekend, I've received some interesting Comments and emails. Most were extremely supportive. One, however, from a Peace Corps volunteer, wasn't.

I understand that. The Peace Corps is an almost mythologically inbued mainstay of American culture. It elicits strong opinions on both sides. It's also somewhat mysterious and elusive to many.  When people learn of my decision they always want to know more. They ask, "what made you decide to join?" and "what exactly will you be doing" and "I'd like to do that, too; will they let me pick the country and assignment?" 

The last two questions are pretty easy: I am assigned to do business development (in PC-speak,  Small Enterprise Development or "SED"), which means my primary responsibilities will include training individuals on how to choose, structure, and operate a succsessful business and  helping NGO staff members and community organizations improve their support to businesses. My secondary projects might include teaching English and/or assisting with HIV/AIDS awareness.  But I won't know more until I go through Peace Corps training in country.  And I've already answered the last question: Peace Corps places people where they are most qualified and needed. Period.  Some seem disappointed when I tell them that, but better they know up front so as not to waste their or the recruiters time. 

Why I decided to join is more complicated, in part because I started the process almost 18 months ago. While I've held steadfast in my committment throughout, the reasons that initially led to my decision and what holds my committment now are slightly different. My mom had recently died, I'd broken up with my longtime boyfriend, and had lost my job when I read that Peace Corps was looking for "older" volunteers a few years ago.

Perhaps those were the driving factors for applying. But underneath that lay a much stronger foundation: I have always had a desire to be of use and believe that I have something to offer. I am stirred by people from other backgrounds, places, and cultures and have made it my life goal to engage with them in every way possible.  These are the bigger reasons I joined.  And come what may, I believe I will experience both personally and professionally in my Peace Corps service something profound that will enrich my life and those around me when I return.