Hello Friends and Family -
Some of you already know what a crazy journey Emily and I
have been on trying to get into the Peace Corps. Well the real journey finally
begins…On October 1, 2012 we were offered a position to serve as Secondary
English Teachers in the wonderful country of ECUADOR!!!
This is great news for us. When we first started researching
the Peace Corps, South America was at the top of our list. However, during the application
process we decided to open up our options to any region so we would be able to
serve in our timeline. Also, after talking with our recruiter we decided that
the journey will be what we make it and our initial passion may change for the
better. After a few highs and lows, breakdowns and breakthroughs our recruiter
nominated us to the Head Peace Corps Office in Washington DC to serve as
English Teacher in the Asia region. It seemed like a speedy nomination at the
time and it was not surprising to us that we did not receive our first choice.
As we reminded everyone Asia is a big place with a lot of culture to offer.
Thinking that the hard part was over we dropped all our job
interviews in Student Affairs and created a plan of action to work temporary
jobs for the summer and fall. Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan hired us to work at
Camp Merrie Woode in Plainwell, Michigan. Just as we finished our summer at
camp, a position as Operations Coordinator opened up at the Broyhill Events
Center at Appalachian State University. After I got the position, Emily talked
to the Housing department, who graciously let us stay in our old apartment (which
so happened to be open), on campus in exchange for work. Emily is now a Special Project Coordinator in
University Housing.
It has been amazing how everything has just come together.
We are so blessed with the opportunities that seemingly fell into our laps,
after a few tears. We truly feel that this is what we should be doing. I hope
you continue to follow us on our journeys.
We have so many people to thank who helped us live this gypsy
lifestyle. Thank you for opening your homes, letting us eat your food, offering
job suggestions and/or actual hiring us. More importantly thank you for being
great supporting friends and family members. I cannot say it enough. I am sure at
times many people (including us) thought that this journey would not come to
pass, but here we are.
Our hope is that you not only follow our blog, but actually
keep in touch with us. We would love to know how you are doing as well.
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans (Allen Saunders)... unless you plan to live life (Eric Aiken)"
Eric Aiken
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