Starting a new journey...

I’m leaving for Ecuador in 4 days.  I’ll be moving to Peru in January to work with ICA Peru. This isn’t the beginning, no the beginning of this story goes back to Labor Day at the Cennacle, in Chicago, Il.   It’s been a whirlwind since.  I got back to Texas on September 4, 2012.  I’m leaving Texas, possibly for good, on November 7, 2012.  Just over two months.  My life is being caught up in  the frenetic action of preparing for the move.  Three weeks ago I bought a one way ticket to Ecuador. Two weeks ago I interviewed with my volunteer placement in Ecuador and with my job site in Peru.  Last week I gave away 80% of my clothing.  Yesterday, I sold my car.  I have been going through all the motions of preparing for this move, but I have had little time to emotionally process the changes that will be taking place.  

I spent Labor day weekend in Chicago at the Episcopal Peace Fellowship retreat for young adults.  This weekend was focused on finding your voice - and choosing the way you could be most effective and most faithful to the life you are called to lead.  During this weekend I realized that I needed to make some serious changes in my life.

Right now, I am in Texas where I have a decent job and I have friends and family that really care about me.  I have been living here for three years.  I moved here because this was the place that I was called to be.   I’ve been “looking” for more fulfilling work for more ways to be living out my calling, even as I’m attempting to define and figure out what that calling is.   After my retreat I decided I needed to seriously start the hard work of getting to know myself and where I want to go and be.   

In the middle of this I also got a small amount of money that allowed me to travel for a bit.  I decided to go and learn Spanish and volunteer.  Through my research and connections I was offered a full time position with the ICA Peru.  I hope that this work will be another way that I can continue to be faithful to myself and to the calling to create a better world.   

I’m prepared with just enough belongings to fit in the backpack my uncle gave me.  I have my passport and a plane ticket. I am ready for my journey to begin - but I don’t know what this journey will hold which is why I go.  I am nervous and sad and excited.  I am nervous because of the uncertainty that comes from the unknown; I am sad because I am leaving the friends, family and comforts that I have grown so accustomed to; I am excited about the possibilities that come from living out fully the one wild and precious life I have been given.