Since I've been home in Valdez I've learned a lot more than I ever thought I would. I worked for the Parks & Rec Maintenance where I drove a fork lift and used power tools, I was the assistant high school swim coach and drove a van of 15 kids for 15 hours every weekend, I absolutely love coaching. I ran the Learn-to-Swim program for the Torpedoes Swim Club and right now I'm teaching lessons for Parks & Rec. All of these things, except maintenance, are things that I would love to do forever but right in the middle of all of it I got an invitation from the Peace Corps and accepted it without hesitation!
The timing couldn't have been any more perfect, I got to spend Thanksgiving at home for the first time since High School and Carla came to Alaska for the first time. Christmas at home was perfect. I took a whirlwind vacation to Texas and Kansas City for Mallory's bachelorette party, Mallory and Austin's wedding, and my 23rd birthday. I spent 3 days in Kansas City with Alli and went to Shrek the musical and had breakfast at Tiffany's. I had the time of my life with my best friends and made great memories of 14 Hands, being Malfie's maid of honor, martinis at the bee hive, and toasting drinks to the Peace Corps. 15 days later I was back to reality and started packing for Guyana.
Now with less than 3 weeks before the biggest adventure of my life I'm starting to panic and worry about stupid little things. Sometimes I lose focus and think about all the things that I'll miss out on here at home and it's hard to talk about these things, because I know my family and friends are scared too and having just as hard of a time. I can't tell them enough how much I appreciate their love and support, they mean the world to me. In the next 19 days I will teach 16 swim classes, finish the second leg of my farewell tour in Oregon and pack my life into 2 bags!
Cross my heart and kiss my elbow,
Love and Peace
Just remember, you will love Alaska more because of your adventure--Uppa did after his time in the merchant marines :)
ReplyDeleteI must admit...I am one of those who is scared...but I know this is what you have wanted to do...I am thinking of all the fun, memories and adventures you will create and in the mean time, will be here for moral support of your mom :) Love you Rosie
ReplyDeleteLor, most changes in life are tough to adjust to, but rarely do they turn out to be such an incredible journey as this one will be. I think I can speak for everyone when I say I envy your since of adventure and willingness to put yourself aside to help those in need, and I know that everything you do in the next 27 months will have more of an impact on the people of guyana than you know. I will definitely miss sitting on the couch drinking wine and watching chelsea for the next 27 months, but I'm sure we can sneak in a skype party every now and then. :-) Despite all of the nerves and fears, I'm proud of you for chasing your dreams. I don't know where I will be living or what I will be doing in 2 years, but one thing I do know is that I will be anxiously awaiting (martini in hand) in whatever airport you might be flying into. I love you! Oh, and remember....only 12 pairs of shoes!
ReplyDeleteWOW! Reading this brings so many tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I have ever been more proud of a friend in my entire life. I am so excited for this new chapter of your life. I agree with Carla, I do not know where I will be in two years, but I do know our friendship will be right we left it. I can't thank you enough for the person you have helped me become. I truly believe that God brings people together for a reason. God gave me your friendship, and now he is giving the people in Guyana the blessing or your presence. I can't wait to hear all of the stories! Maybe when you get back there will be a little Malfie running around talking about some crazy girl named Ren. I love you more than I will ever be able to show you. Be careful! If you can, take the mace your dad sent us. (HAHAHAHA)
I would agree with Mallory and Carla also you are doing great things for the people of Guyana and they are lucky to have such a great person. You are going to make a huge difference in the peoples lives of Guyana and I know you will have a great adventure in the time as well. I can't wait to hear all the stories in two years and look forward to your homecoming I think you will have a lot of greeters when you return as you have impacted all your friends and families lives here as well. I know you have impacted mine. Love you and can't wait to hear more!!
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