Peace Corps

A lot of you have probably been wondering what the heck I am up to! I have been back in Oklahoma since October with little progress to show on my career development, and my last post was more of a cry for help than a wealth of information. I won't deny it's been a tough road; I spent 6 months working every job angle with no success. I applied for dozens of jobs I was overqualified for without a bite. I enlisted the help of friends and family from all over the world to gather advice and harvest contacts that may lead me to what I thought I wanted to do. And to those who provided help, I thank you.

At the end of the day, however, I felt like I was trying to force a square peg into a round hole. It finally dawned on me a few months ago that half of the jobs I had applied for were not even something I'd be happy with. Most likely, they would be unchallenging and not fit my ideal job description well enough to keep me interested. As the country song tells, "some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers." I thank God for not handing me a job here in Oklahoma or others I pursued around the U.S. because he had much greater plans for me. I am ecstatic to tell you that I have been nominated for a position with the Peace Corps!

As I mentioned earlier, a couple of months ago it dawned on me that things weren't working out because I was pursuing the wrong things. I have always had this idea in the back of my mind that I would like to do volunteer work at some point, but I never knew how that would fit into my career path and was never completely convinced I could make the sacrifices it would take. But I believe the way to determining one's purpose in life has to do with how you answer the question: "If money (and reputation and status) were not an option, what would I do?" As I wrote on my Peace Corps application, if I could do anything with my life, I would travel around the world and help others.

That Sunday afternoon when I sat on my bed feeling sorry for myself and contemplating what a huge failure I had become, it occurred to me that I was "failing" because I was not pursuing what I was supposed to be pursuing. If I had always dreamed of doing volunteer work, why not now? My situation (not being committed to a job or spouse or many material positions) is perfect for taking the leap, and I cannot bank on being able to do it in the future.

It took a couple of months to complete the lengthy application process, and at the end of probably-the-most-pleasant-interview-I've-ever-witnessed, I was told I would be perfect for Peace Corps! I have been nominated for a position in Eastern Europe doing NGO (Non-governmental organization) Development. I won't know any more details about my assignment until the paperwork is processed and I am medically cleared, but the plan is that I should be leaving in September for 27 months in Eastern Europe.

I am so excited about this opportunity, and I can only describe it as God putting me exactly where he wants me to be. Peace Corps (http://www.peacecorps.gov/) is a great organization (U.S. government agency) and will allow me to volunteer a developing country, teach me the language and cultural skills I need, and will be an excellent jumping-off point for any number of careers in the international field. It gives volunteers a modest stipend to live on and takes special care to ensure the safety and health of its volunteers. Since I have such a passion for traveling and living abroad, this is both a safe and promising opportunity.

In the meantime, I am working part-time at a property management company here in Oklahoma and preparing physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually for my journey. I have the whole summer to spend time with family and friends, get organized and prepare for a new life!