Jason Gipson's Peace Corps Experience in the Dominican Republic
Jason Gipson:
The Peace Corps Experience
Captain's Log Pictures Peace Corps About Me Links
Sign Guestbook View Guestbook Home
February 14th, 2003.
This morning, I woke up in a state of semi-panic. In about 49 hours, I'll be on a plane to Miami, and in the past few weeks, 49 hours has seemed to pass like 4 hours. I've got some more organizing and packing left to do, which basically means that I have some more junk to throw in the dumpster.
It's all beginning to hit me --leaving home, leaving family, leaving friends, just leaving. I feel like I just want to sit down and reflect on all 25 years and 4 months of my life, but I don't have time for that. Besides, I quit my job back in October, so I've had four and a half months to sit down and "reflect". I think I'm just stuck in awe at how everything is working out. I prayed about this back in 1999, and it's all working out according to plan. Twenty-five years and God still never ceases to amaze me. And since I do believe that I'm being led to do this, I have no fear. I am extremely anxious, yes, but I am not afraid. I'm looking forward to new adventures, new challenges, new faces, new friends, and life in the Caribbean!!!
I know that times will get tough. I will probably get tired of eating beans and rice. I will miss my family, miss my friends, miss speaking English, and miss indoor plumbing. I may have times where I am at the point of tears, dying to come back home. But in those times, I'll remember my life at my old job, and everything will be alright. In all seriousness, I will remember the people who were close to me who never got to visit such wonderful places or have such incredible experiences. I will remember my ancestors who fought, hung, burned, bled, and died so that I could live freely and without fear. Most importantly, I will remember my God who is always with me, and who gives me the strength to do all things.
Okay, time to finish packing.
