At this stage in my life, when all four of my children will have left the nest (home) to launch their own lives and careers and when my spouse continues with the challenges presented daily in running a small company, I could either try to regain my professional life which I had left 25 years ago or remain an empty 'nester' doing nothing productive. Awakened by my son’s earlier interest, I turned to a dream from my childhood, the Peace Corps.
Staying at home is easy, but it would not challenge me to grow and mature further in my thoughts and deeds. Reading as hobby has shown me how many people really reach the prime of their live in their 60’s.
Life ultimately, is about relationships, trust, love and friendship, and about self-respect without which it is meaningless. Self-respect comes in many ways. Recognition of my volunteer work by the community and friends was one way. Working as a Peace Corps volunteer is another affirmation of this self-respect. I am nervous, because it involves not only leaving the security of home and family (more important at my age than when I was 20), but also that I have to learn a new language, a new culture in an unfamiliar, maybe uncomfortable environment.
Going away for 27 months is a lot to ask, because I leave behind the many activities (often thankless) critical to running a household that have to be managed in my absence. I have struggled with my conscience whether I am being too selfish and finally have come to the conclusion that this growth is just as essential to me as it has been for each family member.
