Gratitude

Since I have announced my plans to go the Peace Corps, I've been blown away by the support that has come out of the woodwork around me.

I feel like every day when I wake up, I find love and support around every corner I turn. Last week a friend who wasn't in a position to help me move offered to come over and spend time helping me clean my apartment. I mean, of all the activities that are super fun, she offered to help me CLEAN. Honestly, I'm so lucky. And this was just one example of the selflessness and generosity I've found.

Others have been researching Guatemala, giving me the best travel tips. Others have generously donated financial resources to help with the immense costs of moving, preparation, and taking care of business here in the States while I'm unemployed for 2+ years. And more still, countless individuals have listened to countless hours of me expressing fear, excitement, stress and anxiety, ambition, dreams, etc. They sit with me while I cry and dance with me when I need to let loose.

If I had to choose one word to describe my experience over the past 6 months, it would be humbling. I feel like I've been receiving and receiving and receiving, but to be honest, I haven't felt like I've had much to give, in terms of energy, time, etc., and at times it's overwhelmed me with guilt. But I'm (slowly) learning that life isn't always balanced, in fact it rarely is, and that maybe right now I'm not the one in a position to help everyone around me. However, my time will come (in approximately 30 days, to be exact) to give. And when my time does come, I'll draw immense inspiration from those who are touching my life right now. I could not ask for better examples of selfless sacrifice, unencumbered love, and pure humanity.

Life really is so beautiful and I am so glad to be given a part.

Asking for Help

It's never easy for me to admit that I need help, but sometimes I have to just humble myself and admit I need other people, and I might not be able to do it all on my own.

Since Peace Corps has been on my horizons, I've been working as hard as I can to make my dream possible, at one point having three jobs, working 70+ hours a week. However, it hasn't quite been enough, so here I am, asking for help. I appreciate every single penny anyone has to give. I realize there are endless good causes and unlimited ways people can use their resources, so every penny of every donation means so much to me.

Thank you.

Go Fund Me - Melissa in Guatemala

Can't Sleep

This seems to be the theme of my life lately. Over the last couple years, really. The interesting thing is that causes have changed, ranging from anger, fear, disappointment, and grief to euphoria, passion, excitement, and ambition. But, the result stays the same.

Can’t sleep.

This morning (early morning), it’s curiosity. See, I’m getting ready to start off on a new adventure that I have only the slightest idea about what it will be like. And as I lay awake in my bed staring at my ceiling, my window, my closet, I can’t help but wonder how the simple views from bed will change in just a few months.

I’ve joined the Peace Corps.

I’m going to Guatemala at the beginning of April.

I could not be more thrilled or feel luckier to have this opportunity before me.

In the meantime,

Can’t sleep.