There has been SO much going on, I've neglected you lovely readers of mine. I deeply apologize... SO lets start an update shall we?
We had our Mid Service Conference about 3 weeks ago. MSC or MST (country dependent) is when your cohort gathers for a conference on where you are thus far in your service. You have various topics of discussion and ours included:rules and expectations, starting to prepare for our return to America, to a training with our counterparts. Some perspectives I got out of this conference though were about personal growth and impact. As PCV's you tend to get "stuck" or acclimated to your role. The same could be said for one's life in general (after a certain point). You think, "this is what it will be" or "I am not going to change x,y,z because...". We should try to never be in that state of mind. There is always some way to innovate, to change your perspective or your surroundings. The overall idea is to Dream Bigger Than Your Circumstance! Granted this is easier said than done, but stay with me here.... Say for example you have a job. You are nice and cushy in your employment bubble, you have a routine everything is a-ok. But what if you were to pop your bubble, and see your vicinity without that wavy, bubble induced set of eyes; What would you see? Would you be proud of the work you were doing, would you want to do more? That is what you constantly need as a PCV (and as a human). There is always something more for you to do. Someone new you can reach, some connection that you can create that can change yours and others' lives. So I - as should you (this is a gentle nudging) have started to try to step outside of my bubble and do something uncomfortable for myself and to try and stretch myself more in my position.*rant done*
OK; Also we started school - YAY. The first month of school was busy and I was out for portions of it as well because of PC obligations. However, the first few days back, seeing "my kids" and how they had grown and (some) matured during the summer made me feel so excited. I am a bit of a sappy person and seeing them made me so sad because I have become a part of their matriculation in school and this is my last year seeing how they "grow into themselves" and being part of that growth. I have invested in these children and really want the best for them and their futures. I hope I can make a big impact on them this final year and that they know how much I truly do appreciate and value being invited into their lives and being part of their development. *sappy rant done* Also I have some new goals which I really hope will be accomplished - two in particular- so fingers crossed that I can accomplish them and that they will be received well.
Another birthday abroad. Very simple this year, but filled with love. My kids, friends and family are awesome and definitely gave me the needed boost in love factor :)
This was shorter than expected (maybe I am losing my words - HA!) But hope you all enjoy this beautiful month of October and update you soon!
-Ashley
