13 more weeks...

What seems like a long time really isn't... The things I have to do before I reach June 17 are far too many. This not only includes Peace Corps preparation, but also wrapping up my last semester of school and finding the motivation to complete all my projects. You would think that I would feel greatly motivated at this point, but if anything I have been kind of distracted by life in general.

This week I started and finished reading Ishmael Beah's book "A Long Way Gone". That's one thing I had on my list of things to do that I get to check off! And what an emotional book it was... the horrors Ishmael faced were terrible and were experiences that no one should ever experience. He was a child soldier during the civil war in Sierra Leone during the 1990s and was willing to share with us those painful memories and their frightening details. Through his book he not only gives light to those child soldiers but also to the people of Sierra Leone who faced so much suffering. Today Sierra Leone is much different from Ishmael described and I am very humbled that I get to be a part of its continued development after this bloody war. But, the thing I took most from that book is that Ishmael Beah's words truly shows us the resilience of the human spirit. Hope seemed very far away and nonexistent, but he never gave up. 

On the brighter side, today I finished all the necessary medical appointments before I leave, which means I can cross a couple more things off of my to-do list! I am happy that is all done. Nothing makes me more nervous than a doctor's office.


Peace,

Josh

P.S. If anyone knows of any good resources for an English teacher, please let me know!

A New Beginning

Well, I am back to blogging everyone. My travel blogging in Spain came to an abrupt stop last March, but I plan to use this blog to continue onto my next journey.

This past Tuesday (Feb 26) I received my invitation from the Peace Corps to serve as a Secondary Education English Teacher in Sierra Leone. I find it hard to believe that this moment is finally here. I've been wanting to do this since high school, so the fact that I'll be leaving this June for Sierra Leone blows me away.

I feel so blessed with this opportunity. Sure, living life will be a lot different in my new location, but I'm excited for this change. I am excited for the challenge. But the thing I am most excited for is to meet the people I will be living and working with. I've already started searching the web and reading books to get myself acquainted with this country I will soon call home. 

At this moment I can only feel excitement. I could be nervous about leaving home for two years and moving into unknown territory, but rather than feeling apprehension, I find myself energized and ready for a new adventure.  

I should note that my destination may have limited internet connection, so my extent of blogging about my experience may be limited to the months before departure. As the months pass by, please lookout for other blog posts detailing my preparation (if interested). 

Also, to anyone in the teaching profession or working towards a teaching degree: I need your help. If anyone would like to give me a crash course on lesson planning or other teaching tips that would be much appreciated. Or if anyone could give me some pointers on where I could find a good English grammar book or text book, that would also be greatly appreciated. 

Peace out,

Josh