A New Journey Begins

 

There's no stopping time; it just keeps going by no matter if you're ready or paying attention.  We all know this, but sometimes we have to remind ourselves of this.  Last year, this thought seemed to hit me harder than it ever had before.  (It probably was a side effect of reaching my mid 30s.)  I was happy with what I had accomplished in my life, but I also expected more of myself.

After nearly 13 years in the same career, I excelled at my job, had done some very interesting things, and visited many unique places.  But in a way, I was playing it safe and was no longer growing as a person (or at least not very much.)  I came to the realization that I needed to move on, but to what exactly?  That, I wasn't sure of.  But I decided that I could not let that stop me.  I could not just sit and wait for the next opportunity to find me.  I needed to create a new opportunity for myself.  It was now or never.

I made the difficult and crazy decision a few weeks ago to quit my job and become purposely unemployed so that I can take the time to seriously consider my future and figure out what course I should take.  I also want to tackle some personal goals and aspirations while I have the flexibility and financial means to do so.  While it is difficult to face the fear of the unknown, I am ready and excited for a new challenge.  I am not entirely certain what I will end up doing from here, but I think I have a good start.

My first endeavor is a month-long trip down to Peru for a Spanish immersion and volunteer program to help underprivileged children.  This experience encompasses many "wants" that I have had for the past few years: improving my Spanish by studying abroad, seeing and learning more about another part of the world, helping poor and orphaned children, and getting out of my comfort zone.

I leave for Cusco, Peru, this Saturday.  My first week will be spent taking Spanish language refresher classes and getting to know the city.  During the following three weeks, I will be volunteering at a Children's Home (orphanage) and staying with a host family (an older married couple.)  In my free time on the weekends, I will explore Cusco and hopefully make it up to Machu Picchu.  Once my program is over, I will fly to Lima to spend a couple days sight-seeing before returning home at the beginning of June.  That's the plan, at least.

Side note:  I would once again like to give a shout out to United Airlines.  I was able to book my roundtrip flight down to Cusco and back from Lima for only 40,000 reward miles.  Amazing!

The support, understanding, and encouragement that I have received from my family, friends, and co-workers has been overwhelming and uplifting.  This whole experience is very scary, and there are lots of uncertainties, but I feel much better knowing that I really am not in this alone.

 

Card from my co-workers on the left.  Another reason why I love my mom on the right.

As I mentioned, I leave in a couple days.  I feel very underprepared at the moment though.  First, I have felt sick ever since my "unemployment" began a week ago, but I think I am finally starting to feel better.  Second, I haven't studied any Spanish yet!  I have been tackling other items on my massive to-do list though, so hopefully by the time Friday rolls around I will be able to get a good night's sleep in final preparation for the long journey.  (I don't actually arrive in Cusco until Sunday.)

 

My old books from high school and college.  Cram session to commence ASAP!

 

 I will be posting periodic updates while I'm in Peru, so stay tuned!