I am at the point that I am less than three months from my departure date. My acceptance in September to serve in Guyana seems like yesterday. I have gone through a whirlwind of doctors appointments, immunizations, tests and paperwork to get me to this point. Everyone keeps asking me if I am nervous or scared. Of course I am nervous and scared! I am nervous about meeting new people, being away from the comforts of my life and my family, changing routines, and my independence. I am scared of the uncertainty of the future. I am scared of the unknown. But despite these fears, I am also excited, inspired and ready. I am excited about the unknown and I am ready to make my future. I am inspired by my friends and family and their genuine interest and shared excitement about my next adventure. I am inspired by the stories of other Returned Peace Corps Volunteers; I am inspired by John F. Kennedy's speech formulating the idea of the Peace Corps.
I have heard JFK's inauguration speech many times, and I think about it now and again, but at this stage in my life, it is taking on new meaning.
" And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man." JFK
Guyana obtained its Independence on May 26, 1966, the same decade that that the Peace Corps was founded. I have been doing tons of research on Guyana and its people, culture and politics. I am pulling a lot of similarities to my own country - like the US, Guyana is diverse, a country made of numerous ethnic groups (East Indian, African, Chinese, Europeans and Amerindians), all trying to coexist, form a country and lead their lives. Like the US, Guyana also struggled to achieve independence from the British, and create its own government, laws and cultural identity. Guyana is young, hopeful and and like our ancestors, trying to figure out its identity and place in the world. I am excited for this next adventure and to experience this optimism.
Today is a snowy day here in Massachusetts, but as I sit here typing this looking out at the cold snowy afternoon, I can not help but smile... this will be my last winter for two years! My future is going to be HOT HOT HOT!
