Hello all! My name is Kyle. About a year and a half ago, I was having a Sunday morning conversation with one of my best friends. We had been out late the night before enjoying the weekend with some other great friends. We woke up and headed to breakfast. My friend always had great advice so when ever it comes to conversation, I listen to him. This doesn't mean I consider everything he says, but when it comes to life discussions I listen carefully.
At this point in time, I have a Business Administration degree from a private liberal arts college in Texas. I attended a year of Dental School post college, added biochemistry and genetics courses to my education, I have worked odd and end jobs, worked for a valet company (not too proud of, but hey, got paid decent to sustain living expenses and drove some expensive and fancy cars), worked in retail, electronic recycling, and managed a database for a non profit company that treated the mentally ill while serving the homeless population. I feel like I have had my share of jobs. None were steady except for the last one mentioned. I just have not found my calling, my niche, somewhere I would be happy. It was not until this Sunday morning conversation with my friend that I would make a life changing decision.
I was asked a simple question I had not thought about before, "Where do you see yourself in the next 2-3 years?" It was then it hit me. What was I doing in life? Where was I suppose to be? I was working, but I felt like I was working with out a purpose. I felt I was not going any where or advancing in life per say. I had applied to other jobs in the business field, but none were interesting to me. I did not want to end up in a cubicle working the day shift behind a computer screen. I know you have to start somewhere in order end up somewhere, but I always wanted to start somewhere that I would be happy. I responded to him, "I really want to help people who need my help the most and travel while doing so!" I do not regret his response. I knew it was a suggestion, but I accepted his suggestion of "Have you thought about applying to Peace Corps?" Personally I thought Peace Corps was a program for hippies out of college that wanted to travel to unknown cities across the world to live in adobe huts among an unknown culture. Although, this isn't far off from reality, I was a little frightened and nervous by the idea.
Monday I did not have work till later in the evening. I opened my laptop and found myself staring at the Peace Corps Application. I had scrolled through it a couple of times day dreaming about my possibilities of where I could end up. "What if I ended up in Malaysia? South America? Africa?" Part of me smiled while the other part of me was nervous and scared. I was not dating anyone at the time. I honestly felt free with the exception of my best friends and family. I wondered what it would be like leaving them for two years. "Could I manage this?" I took a deep breath and told myself, "Once you begin, there is no turning back. This is something you are going to do 100% and no looking back!" I had filled out quite a few job applications in the past so I thought there may be a chance of not being accepted. "OK, I am doing this!" I gulped for air as a couple hours passed. It would take a couple days to complete the application and the necessities needed before submitting it, but I felt like I was on top of my game for those two days. I had a sight, a vision, a goal for the first time in a while. "Was I ready?" It did not matter, my application was submitted!
A few months had passed before I started receiving e-mails from Peace Corps. The process had begun and I had documents to use as proof for my parents that I had actually applied. My parents are the greatest! They have seen me climb the ladder and have stood beside me when I fell. I have a close group of friends that are the same! They opened their arms and welcomed me into their parents houses, their apartments, their living room floors, their couches and guest bed rooms. I would not have made it with out everyone's help, encouragement, and willingness to give up their time to make sure I had a place to stay when times were tough. Summer 2011 was my official interview at the local Peace Corps recruiting office. I was nervous, but gave it my all. I had to answer a series of questions while my recruiter typed every single letter of my responses. A little awkward at times, but I did not care. I was suited in pin stripes and a polka-dot tie my roommate allowed me to borrow.
I was told that it would be a year to year and a half process. Over the course of time I ended up working for a non profit mental and behavioral health clinic and housing department for the homeless. I worked as a database manager with a great team and fascinating boss who carried his team through some tough times. I learned a lot about the mentally ill this year. I spoke to many and even helped the ones who were homeless move into apartments or houses we owned and leased. My job took patience, but like I said, I had a great team! I worked alongside a few colleagues from college which made work a little more pleasurable and enjoying. Once a week in the evenings, I spent two hours teaching English as a second language to refugees who lived at a local apartment complex near my work. This was through another non profit organization that allowed me to be introduced to other cultures. This would be my first interaction with people who could not speak English, yet I was the one who was going to help them ultimately obtain their citizenship in the United States. Most had fled their country due to violence, government problems, or to seek work in the states where they knew they could thrive and better support their families. Interesting conversations were common, but they opened my eyes to the hardships they faced in their home countries. I enjoyed listening! They spoke of their families back home, why they fled, and asked numerous questions about the states. I provided as much information necessary, they always thanked me each night for being there. Again, another humbling experience to have people from another country and culture to give you a hug or hand shake and say a simple "Thanks!" These nights kept me motivated and interested in my Peace Corps application process. I felt good, I felt great after these nights! I went to sleep knowing I had helped someone, I had benefited someone I did not know, someone that traveled across the globe just to listen to me, to me, a curious young man who once felt like he was one his way to success, but had been battling and knocking down every barrier that confronted him.
I met a lot of great people during the time I waited. Patience, one quality I have. I have learned that patience can either work for you or against you. It can benefit you or defeat you. How you utilize your patience is what matters. (Sorry, I think that was a random thought I was thinking while writing this.) Some people popped in and out of my life while others stuck around. None the less, I would benefit in some way from each person. I learned a lot about myself through conversation with these people. Some would become my closest friends, others would leave as if I had never met them. I am not sure why this has to be, but I know it helps us grow and develop into young adults. I have learned to take things and ideas with a grain of salt. This is the same for conversations had by everyone I spoke to. I know people try to help through words and advice, but you simply cannot take everyone's advice. Some people did not understand why I was applying to Peace Corps or why I would leave the United States to serve other countries in need. Some people were uplifting and praised my decision. Others felt like I was just taking a vacation or escaping life in the United States. I explained to all my decision making process and why it was important for me to do this. I would gain valuable insight through conversation, all which I would take into consideration through the year and half long process.
Toward the end of Summer 2012, I found a letter in the mail from Peace Corps Headquarters in Washington DC. "Was this what I was waiting on?!" I was living with my parents at the time in hopes that Peace Corps would be a success. They agreed I could stay so I could work and save money. I tore the envelope and read the letter aloud to my parents, "You have been nominated to serve in Central or South America in the small business development program, congratulations on your nomination!" Only a nomination...I was thrilled, but a few more months of waiting until my final invitation would arrive.
Earlier I mentioned I had no strings attached. Sometimes we got up in a whirl wind of life and we decide to fly with what or who ever enters our lives. You never know. I had dated off and on during my waiting time, but when I mentioned Peace Corps, it was like the light was turned off and I was pushed away. I was understanding of their reasoning. I knew it would be hard to date someone living in a different country. As said, things and people enter your life when you least expect them to. Toward the end of 2012 a beautiful girl grabbed my attention. I was caught off guard. Why was she wanting my attention? Who is this girl? Where did she come from? It was not long before these questions were answered. We would meet for runs in the park around the local lake. We would meet for coffee, pizza, movies, breakfast lunch and dinner too. My invitation letter arrived in the mail not long after meeting her. I was super excited about this particular piece of mail. Again, ripping through the Peace Corps labeled envelope, I yelled out to mom from across the house "NICARAGUA!" Wait, "Where is Nicaragua?!" I pulled up a map within seconds and was showing my mom, my destination. I was to leave in March 2013 to work in the small business development sector. Finally, I was going somewhere! This was it! I called other family members, friends, and posted my new status. How would I tell this new girl though...? What will she think? Will she turn me away? Support my decision? It was not long after that I had told her. We would spend the next few months hanging out, getting to know each other over several cups of coffee, silly conversations, and a series of "Dexter." It was not but a couple of days before I left that we would try the long distance relationship. We knew it would be hard. This was going to be new to me. It takes a lot of heart and guts to commit to such a crazy idea, but you never know unless you try. She has become one of my best friends along the way who has also provided her support in my decision!
I woke up early March 5th at my parents house. They drove me to IHOP to eat breakfast then to the airport to catch an early flight out to Washington DC. The flight seemed to last forever, but I was soon surrounded by 30 other strangers all with the same goals and aspirations that I had. We are all different yet the same. Half of the group would become Nica 61 Health Volunteers and I would join the Nica 61 Small Business Development sector!
I will not explain in full detail the first three months of training at this point in time as it has lapsed. Training consists of 11 full weeks of intense language training, culture training, traveling to and from our training sites to the capital, Managua, learning the bus system, and every aspect possible to prepare us for the following two years of service. I was placed in a small town named San Juan de Oriente that is located in the southern part of the department of Masaya on the west side of Lake Nicaragua close to the southern border of the country. San Juan de Oriente is known for the arts and artists of Nicaragua. My host family has been great and supportive every step of the way. I thank them every day and every night for their generosity and willingness to open their home up to a complete stranger from the United States!
Here I am in Nicaragua, the second poorest country in the western hemisphere about to move to southern Matagalpa, Nicaragua, Central America!
This is my story! Please follow me and walk beside me during my journey. Provide your support and encouragement along the way if you feel it is necessary. Again, opinions will be expressed and they are not related to Peace Corps by any means.
Walk Beside Me
-Kyle
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