The Lucky One

Well, things are off to a strong start this morning at RDU; a TSA pre-check always comes in handy, especially when your carry-on is bursting at the seams!  My flight is obscenely early, but I am fueled by a mix of excitement and slight apprehension.  So much of what is going to happen in the next 27 months is unknown, but at the same time, the next two years holds so much possibility and potential.  

As I head down to Miami for a one-day briefing event called “Staging”, I am truly appreciative for this spectacular opportunity that I have.  I really do not take this for granted.  I know that I am extremely fortunate in that I was able to wrap up my life stateside and depart to volunteer for two years.  Believe me, it is not lost on me that the this is due to the fact I have amazing family and friends.  My parents were beyond accommodating, but when I step back, my ability to get this far is really due to the constant support of an incredible network of parents, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, school friends, college friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family friends.

So, here it is: the first official blog post of the trip of a life time.  (It’s hard to call it a trip really…it feels more like moving, but only being aloud to take 100 pounds of luggage…yeah, tougher than it sounds!)  I really just wanted to take a moment to say thanks to all the wonderful people that helped send me on my way.  All I can say is that I am quite possibly the luckiest girl in the world.  I am constantly surrounded by people who build me up.  Never for a second in my Peace Corps application experience did I feel doubted or discouraged.  I feel very loved and extremely blessed! So, thank you to all my loved ones…I wouldn’t trade y’all for the world.  (I had to throw y’all in there…I might not get the opportunity to say it for a while…)

Love always,
Jess