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

Update

Yes. I have been a horrible blogger lately.

I guess I´ll update you all briefly. I leave today for my travels during Semana Santa.

Two weekends ago I was in Mallorca and it was a great relaxing weekend.
Last weekend we did a little bit of the Camino of Santiago and it was incredible. I´ll upload some pictures when I have time.
This past thursday there was a general strike all over Spain. It was an interesting experience.
And today I leave for Madrid and I´ll spend a couple of days there, a day in Toledo, maybe a day in Segovia, and then the rest of the week in Barcelona.

I promise that when I get back from Semana Santa I will upload some more pictures and write more about my experiences. I have been busy lately and I enjoy my time outside that I don´t spend too much time on my computer!

Have a great Easter everyone and I miss you all at home! I can´t believe I almost have only a month left here...

Sorry y'all

I haven't been updating this as much lately. Well, I'm leaving for Mallorca (Majorca) today and I'll be there till Tuesday. It'll be nice to spend a couple of days by the beach. I'll keep you all updated when I get back!

Cocina Gallega

The international students learning about making traditional Galician food.

Only in Spain...

Would I have chocolate con churros for dinner and then dessert after. I though it was weird when we have breakfast for dinner in the States, but dessert for dinner is starting to cross a line. However, I cannot turn down chocolate, so I guess I'll let this slide

HOW...

is it March already? I can't believe it.

The weather here in Santiago has been incredible this week. It has been in the 60's and sunny. This is rare for Santiago around this time of the year. I'm also wondering when the rain is going to arrive, because we have yet to experience the infamous rain of Santiago. I came to Santiago expecting rain all the time, but so far it has only rained significantly like two or three days here since I arrived.

Last friday was a good ole' time with the group. We went out with a "tuna," a group of musicians that travel around Europe wearing fancy cape things (there is probably some specific name for those). We basically had our own personal band as we went from bar to bar. Only in Europe would I have an experience like that.

Wednesday we went on a tour of the university's old building. It was interesting and I learned a lot about the history of USC. We also got to climb a tower in one of the building and get an awesome view of Santiago.

My Spanish has been "fatal" this week. For some reason I can never say what I want to say. I usually hear my errors once I say them and correct myself, pero hombre, I hope that next week is better.