Err...Uhhh...2 years later!

Hello Dear Reader,

It certainly has been a long time since I last posted on this here Peace Corps blog...almost two years in fact...a whole Peace Corps service (again). While I'm no longer in Peace Corps...the dream has continued. As I mentioned in my last post, I accepted a job working in Lesotho...and guess what?! I'm still here! Another thing I mentioned...keeping up with the past two years since we last spoke in a new blog...yeah...BIG FAIL!

So, I guess you're probably wondering...why in heck are you writing on this blog...two years later? Don't you have something else to think about...like life...a new job...something? To answer your questions...yep...I've got other things to do...and my life has moved on...but in a strange twist...I'm still very much connected with Peace Corps...Lesotho!

When I first moved to Lesotho, I met and became very good friends with a group of Peace Corps Volunteers (PCV) serving in this great country. I've had the opportunity to compare and contrast my service with theirs...share in their highs and lows...truly see (with my own eyes) how Peace Corps service can vary from one person to the next/from country to country/and so on and so on. I've even had the opportunity to bring some of my PCV-Lesotho friends to Rustenburg in order to show them around; and introduce them to many of the amazing people I grew to love during my two years of service, who continue to have a strong presence in my life today. (World Cup 2010: Ghana vs. Australia; Ghana vs. USA: both in Rustenburg)!!!!

As I mentioned, two years ago, I moved to Lesotho and made many wonderful friends (many of whom are current PCVs). If you're counting the time like I am...that means that it is now time for many of my dear friends to close out their service (COS) and strike out on their own: away from the safety and security of Peace Corps, into a world full of possibilities, to use the many valuable lessons learned from their service for the next great adventure(s).

Just as I was a little over two years ago, my (soon to be "R") PCV friends are reflecting on their service and wondering what the next steps hold. Often times, I'm called to give pause and reflect on my own service. I guess this mental (and emotional) trip is the reason for this unexpected visit to "Liv(ed)ing my Peace Corps Dreams" blog. Reading through my old posts...thinking about where I was at the time...compared to where I am now...the same person...with a deeper/better understanding of how I fit into this crazy world...with a whole lot more room to grow.

This really will be my very last post...but before I exit stage left...I thought I'd leave a few tid-bits for you (PC applicant, Trainee, PCV, wanderluster extraordinaire) to nibble on:

1. No matter where you are...no matter where you go...no matter who you are...no matter who you meet...we all want to be loved/accepted/appreciated/live out our dreams (varies from one to the other).
2. Patience is not only something to strive for because we've always been told it's a "virtue". Patience is, in fact, an invaluable tool to carry and use often in life's tool box. (I'm still working on that one).
3. The lessons I learned in Peace Corps have, after two years, stayed with me and will continue to shape my experience with each step I take.
4. Be kind in all that you do (in spirit, in mind, in heart).
5. Never loose the ability to grow: stretch yourself, live outside of the box (with one foot in so you can relate to others), "don't talk about it, be about it", and stop putting off your dreams (if you can think it, you can do it and the only one stopping you is you)!

No, I'm not Buddha with those last points...just an old RPCV...reflecting on two of the best years of my life...and wishing the best to my soon-to-be RPCV friends who are about to close one exciting chapter... and are sharpening their number 2 pencils to write the next one!

Over and out...

No...really...I mean it...I'm no Micheal Jackson (R.I.P.)...but this is it (sorry for that one)!

Your friend,

Danielle, RPCV (South Africa, 2006-2008)

P.S.: Lace up your sneaks and come running with me as I pursue another dream- running a marathon! Eek! And the dream continues!