Welcome everyone! Where do I ever begin? I have accepted an invitation to serve in the Peace Corps for the next 27 months as a youth development facilitator in Azerbaijan.
I've started this blog as a way to share my experience with my family and friends. Many of them are Married with kids and have all the responsibilities of life and can't take two years off to travel to the other side of the world so I want to allow them the opportunity to experience it through me.
I debated for a long time if I wanted to journal online. When I thru-hiked I decided not to because I was scared I would write for the audience rather than write my true feelings so I kept a personal journal instead. But I realized afterward my family and friends didn't get the full experience from a few e-mails and phone calls. Dave who hiked with me for a hundred miles and Mom who was my resupply, support person, and rescuer from the unrelenting rain got a closer idea but many of you only got a glimpse of what the experience was.
I also think this is a way to achieve the third goal of the Peace Corps. Peace Corps' mission is to:
1. Help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
2. Help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
3. Help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
As a note of forewarning I'm not writing this blog as evidence of my extensive literary abilities so there will be many misspellings, grammatical errors and I'm sure many times will make no sense at all.
Welcome, this is a blog for family, friends, and anyone else who would like to follow me along my Peace Corps experience in Azerbaijan. This blog is in no way related to the Peace Corps or their opinions.
8 comments:
Donny:
I am so excited that you are embarking on this new adventure. It was great as your Mom and I followed your hike on the Pacific Crest Trail and I am so glad you are doing this blog. I wish you one of the greatest experiences of your life.
Derek
Donny,
I have worked with you for 7 months and I can think of no better person to bring the three Peace Corps ideals to the other side of the world. Have a wonderful time and I will be checking your blog for updates.
Alexandra
Donny,
We have only known each other a short time but I have to say I am really going to miss you. You have a wonderful opportunity right in front of you and I am so glad that you chose to take it. You are going to do great over there. You never know maybe i will see you when i get back. ; ) Be safe.
Amanda
Donny,
Although I don't know you well (because well, it's hard to get to know someone when they sit CLEAR on the other side of the department, right!? Sorry about that...), I will miss your smiling face! Congratulations on this exciting opportunity. I wish you well & look forward to reading about your many adventures!
~ Rhandi
Connie,
I'm sorry I missed your going-away party. I wanted to give you a book to take with you but with the new baby and everything (that's just a cover for the fact that I am really lazy) I forgot to pick it up. It is entitled "Peace is Every Step" by Thich Nhat Hanh. I don't know how often you will check this blog but I will send some occasional excerpts from the book for your encouragement and edification. It is a book that has encouraged me through some huge life changes in the recent past. You remain in our prayers!
Erik and Heather Young
Donny:
Hey! Just wanted to say I love you and you are in our prayers. This is an exciting time for you and the learning curve will be a great one. What an awesome adventure you are on. We can't wait till next year when we can come and tour with you.
Love, Mom
Already I am living through you on this great adventure of yours. I wonder if your host family is realizing you aren't deaf but just don't know the language. That was a great story and we look forward to reading many more as you continue in this brave undertaking.
Derek
Donny,
I have had great success in communicating with people with limited English. All you have to do is use a very strong accent while speaking English. J/k Study fast! I'm enjoying the updates, great blog.
Becky
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