Next year

So in my last post I alluded to what I may be doing next year, but didn't spell it out.

So here's the dealio

I applied to volunteer for two years through Incarnate Word Missionaries and I got in! I just got the official letter the other day. Before I got the letter I talked the Meg and she said they would like me to go to Santa Fe, Mexico if I can work on my spanish. (There's no way I could have failed that part anymore during the interview.) Otherwise they want me to go to San Antonio, Texas. She said in Mexico I would be in a day care, which I would LOVE. In San Antonio I would be in a transitional home. From the very beginning I've felt Mexico sounds like a better fit for me. I am extremely nervous about spanish though. I'm trying to work on it, but it's hard man. I used to wish I could just pump it into me, but then again I'm used to working hard for things I want and I want this so I have to work hard...period. That's something I think I got from my grandpa rottler: there is nothing wrong with hard work and in the end it's much more rewarding.

I know I want to do it, but I keep freaking myself out. I just got in touch with the girls who are currently there and they said I could get a very good idea by reading their blogs. I read a little. And got scared. Really only because I'm going to choose to put myself in an uncomfortable situation. I will be living very simply for 2 years.

I have the letter and just keep looking at it.

I haven't told a lot of people yet, but there are certain people I just can't seem to tell. I don't know why. Well I guess I do. I don't want to disappoint them.

I keep thinking of the things I will miss...

• of course friends and family (I don't really even need to say that)
• running (i don't know how the place I'll be will be for that) or if I do get to run it for sure won't be as far as I go now. I'm just really going to have to enjoy the season in Chicago before I leave. Probably not going to happen, but I looked at the marathon in Mexico City.
• water-I've always lived on the water (even in NYC and LA) I'll miss that in Mexico City
• Pumpkin Spice Lattes-I know that's silly, but it's true.
• the Cardinals! Which by the way they JUST beat the cubs in their first game against them this season! YES!
• LUNA!!! and everything that entails: the events, the consumers (most of them), my meetings with Aliy, working with Aliy, and of course...toasted nutz and cranberry =)

It sounds like I won't have phone access, but I will have internet access.

Something that makes me feel better is when I read one of the girls blog's when she first arrived and got a tour of where I'm going to work. This was her first impression: "Though the day care center is crowded with babies, toddlers and pre-school children, they are well-behaved and it´s very well-organized. There is a lot of joy there." That has to be a good sign right?

Ok so I'm obviously starting to blabber. I just got an email from Meg today saying the organization fully supports me going to Santa Fe.

I've had a very blessed life, it's time for me to give back.

I'll think I'll send in the letter tomorrow.