Heading out...again...

...to begin, this is the first entry of my new blog. Many of you have asked whether I would be starting/maintaining one while I ventured off to Peace Corps or some other volunteer opportunity. At first, I resisted as I had concerns about regularly making entries. But since I already journal each day, it seemed a natural extension to share my experiences publicly. Bear with me, then, if I can't make new entries often. While in Perú, computer access will be easy, however, elsewhere may be more difficult--I'll do my best! Also, you will find below various website links of groups that I'm either interested in or relate to my volunteer experiences. If you're curious, explore further in these areas.

Tomorrow I leave for another 3 months in Peru, volunteering for Explorama Tours in their efforts to bring educational opportunities to children and adults in the rain forest of South America. Many of you know I lived in Peru for 3 months earlier this year. Part of my time was spent in the jungle and part was in the city. This time, I will live the full 3 months in the City of Iquitos, staying at a charming youth hostel called La Casona. Last time the owners treated me like family and I look forward to their hospitality, once again.

I will essentially be the "volunteer personal assistant" to Pam Bucar, who runs the Adopt-A-School program. Each April, this program delivers books and school supplies to about 4,000 students in various villages along the Amazon River and it's tributaries each April. She is also on the board of directors and works in close conjunction with CONAPAC, an environmental, non-profit organization. This group helps teach sustainable farming and livestock management in many villages of the rain forest. There are logistical requirements for all this to happen and it takes place in the offices of Explorama Tours. Thus, I will be "going to the office" most days to assist in a variety of ways and this will become part of the story.

But that's the work part...most of you want to know about daily life in a developing country and the lifestyle I lead. I'll bring more of that to the blog as well as the on-going saga of my Peace Corps application. Many of you have asked about this and I find it complicated to explain. There are many hoops to jump through and then a lot of waiting. I'll bring you updates as they come, let you know when I finally get my "invitation" to serve and then where they'll be sending me. In the meantime, the journey continues...