| X M.Y P.E.R.S.O.N.A.L J.O.U.R.N.E.Y . |
| Updates |
| Hello family and friends, For those of you who may not have heard, I am heading to Zambia REALLY soon. As a result, I am sitting here in a Kinkos trying ot enjoy my last use of the internet for a long, long time. I had written a long, detailed email message explaining my journey to the PeaceCorps. Unfortunately, it was erased and I don't have the time right now to replicate it. So, here's the abbreviated version: I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Washington DC working for a non-profit organization, For Love of Children. However, I was beginning to feel as though I had left a dream of mine unfulfilled. For years, I had wanted to join the Peace Corps. Hearing stories from my parents and family friends, I knew the positive impacts the Peace Corps Volunteers made on the lives of those they served and I couldn't think of a more amzing thing to do. My parents sacrificed so much so that I (and my siblings) could have the experiences we did growing up in the United States and I wanted to be able to give back in some small way. So, I decided to apply to the Peace Corps. In a VERY short amount of time, I was told I was headed to Zambia as a Community Based Education Developer. I was excited, nervous and everything in between. I was finally making my dream come true. I know that the work I do and the impact I make will not compare to the lessons I will learn from the people of Zambia. I am so excited. Right now I am in Philadelphia attending a Staging event that introduces volunteers to the Peace Corps experience. Tomorrow, I leave for Zambia. I will have a layover in Johannesburg! I am so excited. The people I have met so far have been wonderful. Each person is extremely socially aware and motivated to make a difference in the world. It is extrememly inspiring. I truly hope that I can stay in touch with all of you. You have all been such an integral part of my life for so long. If you would like to email me, I will try to respond. Most likely, it will be in group emails as I will have limited internet time. However, you can always visit my website. It has details about my job, my contact information and will have pictures and updates available there. *** FEEL FREE TO WRITE ME LETTERS AS OFTEN AS YOU LIKE. It takes 2-4 weeks for mail to get there (and be sure to check out the link describing how to package letters and boxes). Hope to hear from you soon! Jalle |
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