Pre-Departure

Good morning, it is time for my parents and I to drive to Philadelphia, PA for my Peace Corps orientation which starts at noon tomorrow (Tuesday). I was all prepared and then my computer decided to not start properly which began the stressful morning of backing up files so that they could be transferred onto another computer. Thank Dad :)
No matter how much I plan, pack, and plan again..something goes amiss.
I have said my "see you laters" to all my friends and family which was difficult, but touching since sometimes we forget how much we are loved until we say goodbye. The gifts I received are remarkable and truly mean so much to me. 
I board the plane for Cameroon on Wednesday and then the adventure really starts!
Here are some pictures from this past week. I must now go say good bye to my 19 year old cat, Flower, along with my mom's dogs, Finn & Bravo. Then we will be on our way.

The beautiful quilt and awesome photo book from all my friends. Each quilt square represents a friend so that I can bring them with me to Cameroon.

Last hike up to the meadow with Finn

My 19 year old cat Flower

Finn finds packing boring

Bye Bye Car!

My packing helpers- Finn & Bravo

The Why and What Questions

Many people have asked me "why join the Peace Corps"- my answer isn't simple and I don't always understand it myself. Why leave my family, friends, and my safe home for a place that is not always safe and where I do not know anyone. Why leave when I can help so many people here at home.

John F. Kennedy said "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country"- Those words are what I live by every day except that not only do I want to help my country, but I want to help/serve my world.

I have learned so much from my community at home and now I have the chance to gain new experiences in another country. Maybe I might come back a bit wiser after two years in Cameroon. By living and trying to solve the problems in another culture, perhaps I will be able to make a difference there and back home. Every person and culture is different across the continents, but if we can experience these differences, we will see the many similarities and we might find it easier to solve the world's problems.

I guess that is my reason. My goal in life is to take every opportunity for new experiences and learn so that I can better serve the world.

My first love and one of my heroes was Hunter Atkinson, who died from cancer at age 13. He told me to "not be afraid" so this new adventure is me not being afraid and living the life that I am sure he would have lived.

I am so grateful for my life and the awesome people I get to share it with. From showing Australian Shepherds with my Mom and helping at the Washington County Fair with my Dad to raising all kinds of farm animals and having fun with my awesome friends in 4-H. Agriculture has always been in my life and I am so excited for that to be my main focus in Cameroon!

I will be an Agribusiness Advisor which I have been told is working with farmers and finding ways for them to make a living by farming. I am hoping that with my background in agriculture and my education in leadership/management, that I will be able to bring a business perspective to Cameroon. Of course I have no idea what I will learn or how much I will be able to help once I get there so we will just have to wait and see what happens!