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Eleven-Week Wonders

Today was officially our final day as Peace Corps trainees. After tomorrow morning, Megon and I will be officially sworn in as volunteers. Then on Monday, we travel to our site in Sarapiqui to start our new life for two years. The big swearing in day, which to me symbolizes an emotional yet liberating end to what was a productive and educational 11-week training marathon, takes place early Friday at the U.S. Ambassadors residence in San Jose.

Each volunteer is allowed to invite two guests, which means we were lucky enough to invite our entire family – our host parents and both of their boys. Oops … strike that. Megon just informed me the boys aren’t attending. They both have school parties to attend. Lame, right? School ended for the break last week. What would you rather do? Go to the U.S. Embassy to witness an amazing speech our friend Barton has created or go to school after it’s been closed? Well, here’s the kicker: At the U.S. Embassy, lots of stiffs wearing suits and ties. At school, there’s candy.

I’m ending this blog post with an excerpt of a short story written by Sargent Shriver, who was the Peace Corps’ first director from 1961-66. His words really explain the founding principles of this organization. Note: He wrote this during the Peace Corps’ 20th anniversary. Next year the Peace Corps is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

“Peace does not come through strength. Quite the opposite: Strength comes through peace. The practices of peace strengthen us for every vicissitude.

The task is immense!

Twenty years ago we called it “the towering task.” Well, my friends, in 1981, “the towering tasks still towers before us; but, thank God, we still have the Corps of Peace – that body of human beings who know, and have known that America’s destiny is not to be policeman of the world, monarch of the world, Caesar, Imperator, Rex, or Deus. But servant – servant of people, servant of peace, saviors of humanity.

It’s a big task. But it’s fun; it’s joy; it’s the true pursuit of happiness! May you all grow young in the achievement of it.

Volunteer!!”

Comments

Unknown said…
Wow, congrats you guys! Time seems to be flying by for you two. I feel like it was just the other day that I was bidding you farewell. Love you a lot and I hope you enjoy being an official volunteer!!
December 17, 2010 at 10:28 AM
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