Learning without a classroom

It is less than 3 weeks until we depart for Ecuador. Our jobs are done, our car is sold, and we are wrapping up the last lose strings we have. With excitement building around the new experiences that await us and the spirit of New Year in the air, +Emily Aiken  and I have been talking about some of things that we want to do and see while we are in the Peace Corps.

Much like every year I make plans and set goals for things I want to accomplish. Except this year I am making these plans and goals at the start of the new year. Normally I would set my goals at the start of the school but since I am no longer a student.... The real world is calling. As many education lovers, I have encountered more than just one change in educating myself since being out of school. The biggest issues stare at me before the learning even begins: course selection, scheduling, resource/expert availability, and on a small worry evaluation. Basically what to study, when to study it, where to get the (creditable) knowledge, and how to prove (to myself) that I know it.

I now realize the Peace Corps 27 months of service is more than an opportunity to help others grow and learn. It is a golden opportunity to help myself grow and learn as well. How many times have we said "if I only had the time..." I would read more, learn to play the piano, spend time with my friends and family, etc. I know I have. Below are my 9 goals for the Peace Corps.

1. Learn Spanish
2. Learn to Play 15 songs on the Ukulele or Guitar... at least five without sheet music
3. Create and maintain workout routine & diet
4. Write a Novel
5. Paint a Mural
6. Read 27 books (about community building, life, friends, family and relationships)
7. Do a research project
8. Open
9. Open

To be continued...

Love will find a way...

As I reflect on this journey that Eric and I are so quickly approaching, I am reminded of how our love will grow, change, and deepen. It is interesting to be at this point because it wasn't long ago that we were 2 individuals facing a world that doesn't understand love. I am constantly reminded of this topic and though it may not directly relate to our PC journey, I still feel it appropriate.

When Eric and I began dating, we had our ups and downs. At some of the low points my good friend would often tell me something like, "You guys will be fine. You'll work it out. You have to. If you don't I won't have faith in love anymore." It is a lot of pressure to uphold people's faith in love! The strange thing is, she is not the only one to have said something like this. I have often felt like Eric and I were someone's last hope in love. I'm still not completely sure why this is. Maybe people have a hard time being vulnerable? Maybe they have been hurt in the past? Who knows?

While I do treasure what Eric and I have, I don't think it should be unusual. I think everyone should have a chance to love the way we do. It saddens me to think that some people early in life believe that love isn't for them. I don't think that everyone's love will look the same as ours does; because everyone is different and has different relationships.

Just before we got married, Eric and I were talking with friends about the wedding. He said something like, "I'll be glad when the wedding happens because I will never have to plan a wedding again!" I'm fairly certain an inaudible awwwww was being expressed throughout the room. His commitment to forever was refreshing for many. People don't really plan for forever. I even saw an ad in a wedding magazine that said, "You only get married for the first time, once." Crazy, right?

I have spoken with friends about relationship problems, had my own challenges, and have witnessed others struggle. I know that things don't always work out for everyone. Some may read this and think I am naive to believe all this. Maybe it's the role models I have had growing up or maybe it's the immense blessing that was given to me when Eric came in my life, but I believe that love will find a way. I believe that things happen for a reason. God has a plan for you. If you choose to make your own path, you may find yourself out of place. When Eric and I began dating I didn't understand it. I was graduating and it probably wasn't going to work out anyway. The world was against us. Luckily something more important was on our side and now I couldn't be happier.

I am incredibly excited to begin this new journey with my best friend. We will surely encounter new challenges and struggles, but I know we will come out on the other side stronger for it.

Much love,
Emily

"I know that no, no river is too wide, no matter what people say. Lord, if love wants to travel to your heart, love will find a way."
-Sam Cooke

Worry or Excitement: Where I stand?

To the Wonderful People we are leaving:

Over the past year, we have seen a wide range of reaction to the statement “We are going into the Peace Corps” from worry to excitement. Some people have thought it was military service while others did not even realize we would be leaving the country. Then there are people who are so excited, that they have a million questions about all kinds of things. What we are doing now? What will we do with our stuff? Where will we stay? How will we eat? Ect. We often fail to have answers to all the questions. We tried to answer some here.While I must say these examples are only a sample it still has the pieces of the most common responses we get which are worry and excitement. We have had friends, family, and sometimes strangers give us a worrisome smile and words of congratulations at the same time. It often feels as if people are picturing the worst third country they can and then placing THEMSELVES there.

I must say that I can understand why people are worried, there is the fear of change, the fear of not fitting in, the fear of safety, and the fear of losing our relationships in the US. This are all valid concerns, but these things seems less scary to me because of two reasons. One is that I am not in this alone. Unlike the average Peace Corps Volunteer, I am able to enjoy and reflect on this experience with my co-explorer and wife, Em. The second reason is my personality, which is being a people-person. I suppose I get some of it from my mother and father and some of it from my upbringing. I have never truly been afraid of meeting new people or connecting with them. I am nervous about communicating, but not connecting. Either way that is another story. The purpose of this blog is to say do not worry so much. I feel that we (as people) are all able to make a pebble size change in the world. It may feel like a small change, but if we don't throw our pebbles in the water, how will we make waves in the ocean? I don't want to be a part of the group that does not throw its pebble in. I find comfort in knowing that there are dangers everywhere, including our own backyard, and people are still making a living. They are still raising children, still finding laughter and fighting through sadness.

We are going to help people that at first glance seem to have nothing to give. However that is not completely true, we are being welcomed in the homes of families we do not yet know and (hopefully) embraced in a culture that we will never fully understand. People have more to give then they think. Before applying to the Peace Corps I used to think about all the things I do not have or cannot afford, as I try to reach the American dream. Then I realized I do have TIME and all the things that I don’t have yet (house, career tracked job, kids, etc.) allows me to help those who have even less than I do. Not less in happiness and joy, but in resources and knowledge. The Peace Corps is a win-win-win for me. I get to travel, I get to share knowledge, and it aligns with my Personal Philosophy (another blog to come).

The Peace Corps is not for everyone, but it is for me and Em. I know that you too can find something that will inspire and proved you with a life changing experience. Just do not let worry get in your way. Let passion drive you to action.

In closing I want to say that I love you all for your support, worry and excitement. I just hope that this letter lessens some to the worry and increases the excitement. If not, I have added some Peace Corps suggested reading for Family and Friends (and even strangers). A good resource for you to read is On The Homefront. Click the title and it will take you to a digital copy of the book. The Peace Corps website has good information as well.

“If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it's not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.” 

― Dalai Lama XIV

If that is to deep for you try:

"It's not time to worry yet" -Harper Lee, Author of To Kill a Mockingbird

Always

EZ Aiken

Health Check!

After Eric and I accepted our invitation, we had a whole bunch of new forms and evaluations, to make sure we are healthy and ready to go to the Peace Corps. I have to say I feel like every dollar I make is being spent on healthcare right now. Eric has gently reminded me of how blessed we are to have the work we do and that we can afford all of the tests we need. I know he's right... It doesn't change the fact that I hate spending so much on tests, immunizations, and medical evaluations!

While in the Boone Health Clinic the doctor asked me if I wanted to get this (what she saw as unnecessary and costly) blood test. I'm glad health care providers are asking these questions, but I just feel like I have no choice if I want to depart for Ecuador in January! On another note, I had a funny experience with the nurse giving me the Yellow Fever immunization. After a lecture of how I need to take charge of my healthcare by learning about possible concerns (which was ironically started from a question I asked about... possible healthcare concerns) the nurse explained the risks of getting the Yellow Fever vaccine. One of the side effects is strange behavior. She then said this:

Nurse: Do you live with anyone?
Me: Yes, I live with my husband. He's actually getting the vaccine today too. We are going into the Peace Corps together.
Nurse: That's nice. So you'll have to watch out for each other. You'll want to watch for any strange behavior. For example, let's say you get the desire to climb out a two story window. Just for example. But that's an example of strange behavior you'll want to go to the emergency room for.

I'm guessing maybe she had a hard time thinking of strange behavior examples? Or maybe she had a rough weekend? Or maybe she is really saying that it can create suicidal tendencies? I guess that would have been important to clarify... However, 24 hours later and you'll be happy to know that I have not had that desire and am symptom free!

This whole Peace Corps process has been frustrating, exciting, long, and boring. But right now the process is fun! It is so nice to finally have a place and date to look forward to. When people ask where and when we are leaving we can actually give a response instead of being vague and saying, "we hope to find out soon!" Yesterday we got some travel books from the library and we are looking through them planning trips and lists of where we would like to go. So exciting!

I will end you now with two Yogi Berra quotes:

"I wish I had an answer to that because I'm tired of answering that question."

"You have got to be careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there." 

Much love,
Emily

FAQ

Eric and I have both had a lot of questions about our service since we have accepted our invitation. We thought we would have a post with questions you might be wondering about...

When do you start?
We have orientation on January 15 and we start training (in Ecuador) on January 16 - Eric's birthday! We have training for 3 months and then we start our two years of service on April 3.

Where will you live?
We will be living with a host family in Ecuador for our training and service. Living with a host family is safer and better! We will have a better opportunity to be integrated into the community and participate in local events.

Do you get paid?
We get paid a living wage, meaning we will be living at the level of the people we work with.

What city will you live in?
We still are not sure what city we will be placed in. It depends on our training and where we will the best fit with our skills.

What will you be doing?
Eric and I both are going to be teaching English to high school aged students.

Do you get days off?
Yes. We get two vacation days per month. We will likely use those days to travel locally, possibly visit home, and spend time with visiting friends/family.

Where can I send you letters and stay connected with you?
While we are in training you can send mail to:
Emily and Eric Aiken, PCV
Cuerpo de Paz
Casilla 17-08-8624
Quito, Ecuador
South America
After training (April 3) we will get a new address. When we know that we will let you know!

You can also stay in contact through Skype Eric.AikenEZ is Eric's Skype and Emilyjoy03 is Emily's. If you want to contact us this way it would be a good idea to save both names.

Eric's e-mail is aikeneo@gmail.com and Emily's e-mail is emilyjoy03@gmail.com

How can I help?
We have compiled a list of things we want to take with us (teaching supplies, cultural learning materials for us, and other small useful things). If your interested in helping with this let us know.

If there are other things you would like to know, ask! We are excited to share this journey with our friends and family.

This picture was taken on Rough Ridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway this fall. We are trying to take advantage of the US while we are still here!

Much love,

Emily


“Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going.” – Paul Theroux

Opening Letter

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