Yesterday, I said 'Goodbye' to my home of the past 6 years. Well, it at least felt like home. It was my last day of employment with the ASBTDC, which provides small business assistance to Arkansans. 6 years I roamed the campus of UALR. 6 years I knew what I would do when I woke up in the morning, or at least where I would drink coffee. 6 years!
Now, I can only look forward. 5 years without a job! 5 years without the ability to accumulate personal wealth and instead deplete it! 27 months in the Peace Corps, and 3 years in law school. 5 years.........
However, I know that the ramifications of the next 5 years will continue for the rest of my life, and the next 27 months may be the most significant.
Today, I said 'Goodbye' to people who's face I have come to welcome and enjoy.
The day after tomorrow, I say 'Goodbye' to Arkansas for one week, and I travel to the cultural and political capitals of the United States, New York City and Washington D.C.
Somehow, I feel as if 'Goodbye' is something I will saying more and more often over the next 47 days. In fact, I know it will become more frequent. The only question is, 'Which will be hardest?' So I pose this question to all readers. If you were going away to serve in the Peace Corps for 27 months, what would be the hardest thing for you to say 'Goodbye' to? Pizza? Hamburgers? Electricity? Cell Phone? Google? Job? Best friend? Family? Mother? Father? Air Conditioning? Your church? Your vehicle? Ability to communicate in your native language? TV? Internet? Steady supply of Toilet Paper? What would you miss most?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
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I would miss my friends....and no matter what the Peace Corps booklet said, I would not attempt to make new ones....LOL! Just kidding!
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine what you are about to experience! We will all have to live vicariously through you! Thanks for being so unselfish in your actions! I think I tell just as many people as you do that your going into the Peace Corps!
I must admit that I am jealous of your endeavors. I would like to think, that given the right circumstances, I too would totally put my own desires aside to serve others for more than 2 years. I think fear and excuses would possibly stand in the way though. Like Nancy said, I'll be living vicariously through you. I'll even throw some money your way so I can feel good about myself. (That's the Republican way, right!?) :)
ReplyDeleteWhat would I miss the most? Holy cow, I read through your list and almost all of them carry some importance. But as a wife and mother, I would definitely have to say my family...although clean, running water and air conditioning ranked pretty high on the list.
I'm going to miss you like crazy Kevin...I really hope that when you return, I'll still be around to welcome you home.
Shannon
Don't have a lot to say but have a good trip and be sure to come back, so you can share your experiences with us!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for a smooth and safe transition to your new home and work assignment.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading your blogs because they are well written and seemingly just what I need as I begin on a similar journey. I'll watch for more as I wait out this process.