It's Going To Be Hard, But Hard Is Not Impossible

The Peace Corps has three primary goals in order to fulfill its mission of promoting world peace and friendship:
1. Help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
2. Help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
3. Help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

I’ve had some time to think about my own goals of what I would like to accomplish during service. With a little thought, I have carefully constructed a list of five goals to complete during my time in Myanmar:

​My first goal is to learn Burmese language. Prior to departure, we have been required to complete various language assignments to assist us in learning this new and challenging tonal language. I have thoroughly enjoyed these assignments and look forward to learning more and having the opportunity to practice these skills with those in my community.

My second goal is to integrate well into my community and completely open myself up to new and exciting cultural experiences. I desire to engage in local traditions and customs. I look forward to trying a lot of new delicious food (and learning to cook it!), and I look forward to celebrating important holidays (both Myanmar and American) alongside members of my community. 

My third goal is to complete a needs assessment for my community. This is such an important step in determining, from the viewpoint of those within my community, what programs and services would be most beneficial.

My fourth goal is to establish a youth physical and mental well-being club. I have many exciting ideas that I hope to implement; however, I look forward to collaborating with the local youth to really bring this prospective club to life. 

My fifth goal is to learn to better appreciate 'the little things'. Admiring sunsets and sunrises from atop a towering pagoda and the cool touch of the pagoda floor on bare feet, the smell of rain as it brings relief to the hot season, the mouth-watering aroma of a fresh and steaming bowl of mohinga, the echo of students' voices throughout the school, wrinkled fingers as I hand wash my weekly laundry. I want to become more conscious of the little moments throughout the day that I often miss in the US, where our lives feel constantly 'on the go'.

It’s funny, actually. Just the other day, as I was arriving home during the late afternoon, I stole a brief moment just like this to myself. The sun lowers itself in the sky later in the day now, and as I was walking toward my house, the way the sun had caught these overgrown and dying weeds near our fence grasped my eye. As I stood in the tall, dry grass trying to get just the right angle for a photo, I felt the warmth of the sun wash over me. And so I paused, taking that moment in just a little bit longer. I look forward to capturing more small moments like this when I get to Myanmar.

Quote by Chuck Palahniuk