Well, that was a quick trip!
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Guarambare,
Paraguay
Thursday, October 6, 2005
Hey everyone, how are you all doing¿ Well, Its funny how things work out. Even though I came here with the best of intentions, I have decided that Peace Corps is not for me. I know this may come as a shock to some of you but I havent come to this decision lightly. I dont know yet when I will be coming back but it will be within the next couple of days. I really had a chance to step back from this experience and ask myself why. I decided this, for me, it is really more of a test of endurance than anything else. I wanted to see if I could do it. I decided that, yes, I could live in a hut and cut myself off from my friends and family for two years. But I really dont want to.
I want to make it work with Emeralda. I asked myself if I could give her up. Yes, I think with great pain I probably could move on, but that just isn't something I want to do. I think if I give up on love now, love is gonna give up on me (to quote the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughn).
Also, I came here all excited about Guarani. I thought, how cool, the indigenous language in Paraguay is still dominant. That is admirable, I think I will go learn it. But, now that I have started I have been reminded how difficult it is to learn another language. The only reason I speak spanish is because I really wanted it and still do make an effort to practice and spend hours studying vocab. that is just something I am not willing to do for Guarani.
Most of all, I have no complaints about Paraguay, the people here or the Peace Corps. They are all great, but just not for me right now. Its all about timing.
Like I said, there are a lot of reasons for my leaving Paraguay and I look forward to talking to each of you about them when I get back.
Until then, suerte,
Andy
P.S. could someone in Spokane pick me up at the airport?
Comments
No more hut
Hey Andy,
It looks like this was a difficult, but also very well thought out decision. I admire your courage and also respect what you have decided to do. It would have been a great experience, but sometimes you just have to follow your heart. You have the rest of your life to do it again if timing permits. See ya soon, buddy.
I can pick you up at the airport if you want...just let me know when!:)
Jen
The dude returns
Whats happenin' bro, well I have to say that I'm a little bit surprised that you're coming back so soon. But I'm also happy to have you here for my final months in spokane. It must have been a very difficult decision for you to make and I'm sure that you thought long and hard about it. Having to make the choice to leave your friends and family for two years is tough and in the end it's not for everyone. Well, i'll be glad to have you back and can't wait to see you. If Jen is working then I can pick you up from the airport. Just give me a call and let me know the time and I will be there. Peace out.
~Aaron