An Early Invitation to Serve

After a highly anticipated year and some change wait since beginning the application process, I have been invited to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala from January 4, 2010 (staging in D.C.)- March 25, 2012. Nearly three months earlier than my initial nomination date, the news came as a shocking and irrefutably exciting announcement. The realization that this process has finally turned into an actual date, location, and project is both nerve wracking and makes the process worthwhile. Now it is time to quickly complete all of the paperwork involved in the invitation packet.

I will be serving as a small business development agent, with a specific project in sustainable community tourism facilitation. The focus of the project is to generate income through natural resources throughout the area by ways of rural tourism, environmental education, and conservation. "The overall purpose of the Sustainable Community Tourism Project is to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life for participating families, through the establishment of community tourism projects (nature tourism, cultural tourism, agro-tourism) which also helps to conserve the environment and expand understanding and support of Guatemala's cultures and agriculture."

The project is of great interest to me and I am elated I will be able to provide my time and energy into aiding in the development of something which will potentially forever help a community. I also am excited to gain a greater understanding of the environment and various conservation practices. Being able to utilize (D, your favorite word) my business background simultaneously with a project which may very well be centered around outdoor work is motivating. I look forward to the experience to come and the inevitable self-growth that will come with it.

Just a quick update on my status! I'm off to bed because I have to work in the morning... another week of work until I take time to pack and say my goodbyes. I look forward to writing this blog as a way to stay connected to those in the states and as a record for myself. Hopefully you all take the time to read my adventures, or at least comment to say an occasional hello :-)

This blog represents my thoughts and opinions alone and do not represent the US government or the Peace Corps.