Peace Corps Application

I applied for the Peace Corps last night.

I have always had a desire to travel the world. I am restless and open for challenge and adventure. When I was a teenager, I had tried to join, only to discover I did not have the tools and training.

When I was in college, I would see recruiters for the State Dept, and my mind would immediately entertain dreams of exotic locales and life abroad. By then, though, I was already a mother of two.

I find myself now at a point where my desires, skills, and life circumstances have finally coalesced. Since this reentered my consciousness about a month ago, I have been pondering it and weighing the options. I have actually had the application tab for the Peace Corps open on my computer since I first pulled it up in St Thomas. Last night, it was finally the time.

This morning, my mind is swimming with the possibilities. I am open to going wherever my talents will be most useful, so I truly am letting the Universe guide me where I am meant to be. There are posts available from Africa to Asia to South America, and I truly do not mind wherever they send me.

I feel slightly light-headed. I feel energized, excited, and eager. I have no idea if this will come to pass, but I have finally, at 44 years old, taken the step I have desired for so long.

I know that on the other side of this, I will be irrevocably changed. With every adventure that happens, I move further and further from who I once was. I feel like me, and yet, I am not even recognized as a Southerner anymore.

I was out to dinner last night, and my friend and I were laughing because the waitress thought I was from elsewhere. It was amusing since I have known my friend for over 20 years. He was pointing out that I don’t drink sweet tea anymore. I hold my utensils differently. I speak differently. Even though there is a slight Southern accent to my words if I speak fast or have been drinking, most of the time, I have been accused of sounding British.

I can only imagine how this will further shape me. I am reminded of the quote:

“One’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

I am curious to see, by joining the Peace Corps, just how far my mind can grow.

More on My Peace Corps Adventures
Conquering Bad Habits
Peace Corps Application
My Peace Corps Interview
Mozambique Bound In The Peace Corps
Peace Corps Prep
Never Enough Time
81 Days Til Mozambique
What Is Left
Last 30 Days