So it finally hit me today that I am really leaving for Nicaragua at the end of the summer. I've been so caught up in the excitement of my invitation, that I didn't even notice how quickly time's been flying. Aside from filling out the mountain of paperwork in my invitation kit and obsessing over current volunteers' blogs and packing lists, I've also been trying to spend as much time as possible with the people I love. I'm down to less than two months now, and it's starting to hit me that I'm really going to be away for two years. I know I'll be having the time of my life in Nicaragua, but it's impossible to think about being away from my family and friends for that long.
Right now, all I can say is that no matter how difficult it's going to be to say goodbye, I know this is what I'm meant to be doing. I've always wanted a chance to enact positive changes and to feel as though I've really worked to make a difference. This is my opportunity to step outside the box and break free of the post-college monotony I've come to dread. I'm going to see what it's like to live in a radically different corner of the world. I'll be completely immersed in a new culture, and I'll (hopefully) become comfortable communicating in Spanish. My daily work will be teaching children and community members how to preserve their natural resources. I'll be responsible for teaching environmental science in three primary schools, and I couldn't be more excited to pursue my passion for teaching there! Together we'll come up with sustainable methods of conservation and awaken community-wide environmental awareness.
I'm thrilled to be embarking on such an incredible adventure, and can't wait to see how I'll hold up under the pressures and difficult situations that are sure to arise. I'll be tested and challenged daily, but I know I'll come out stronger and more resilient than I can imagine right now.
Here's to enjoying every second of summer I've got left, and to preparing for the journey of a lifetime!
