Pre-trip thoughts

In a few months I will be leaving for Paraguay to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in the crop extension program. Two thoughts routinely pass through my mind as I contemplate my future. (1) I am going to Paraguay and (2) there are still 2 months before I leave, will something happened to inhibit my departure? I started the application on a whim and now it has become something I have researched, strived for, and am passionate about. The fact that I was chosen almost seems too good to be true. I have always dreamed of doing something outside of my comfort zone--something so radical and different. Somehow it hasn’t quite hit home that I will be leaving central Illinois for a significant amount of time. I love my home and I have loved everything about growing up here. My family is very near and dear to my heart. Having a definite departure certainly causes me to take a second look and re-evaluate how I spend my time. I am going to make every effort to slow the summer down. It is impossible I know. Especially since I am very active and love being a part of everything. Despite the sadness I feel at leaving my family, I know this is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. God has blessed me with this love of agriculture and a love for people.

My biggest fear is learning the language. The common theme expressed by people is “oh, you’ll be fine. Once you are immersed you will pick up the language in no time.” That is easy to say, but learning a language is no easy task. There is a steep learning curve. I know I will have the motivation, but my success depends on my fluency. This also relates to my biggest prayer.
What good is my life if I do not give others a reason to hope for a future? I want those I meet to be curious about what I believe. I am not allowed to openly proselytize, but I am welcome to share my faith. The better I understand the language the better I will be able to share the joy that Jesus has brought into my life.  
I do not think the Peace Corps will be easy by any shape of the imagination, but the growth that occurs by being challenged will be rewarding. I cannot wait to step back in time and live a life very different to what I am accustomed to living.  

While I prepare for my trip, I ask that you would pray for me and my family. Pray that my family will be comforted and have peace that God is working His will through my life. Pray that God will break down the learning barrier and I will be able to pick things up really quick. Pray for my fellow volunteers that they would be encouraged and we would be united in our goal of serving the Paraguayan people. I pray that I will meet others with similar values and would being a witness to those around me. Pray that I would have patience with situations out of my control and peace for the difficult times that will inevitably invade my time.

Letters and e-mails are most welcome. Of course I would love it if you would visit me, but you will have to wait until next spring since I cannot entertain until 6 months after I begin my service.  

Sonrisas,

Rachel