Preface: Why This Blog?

Dear reader,

With new beginnings naturally come new challenges, and such it is with joining the Peace Corps. As I sit here in my parent's kitchen listening out the window to the gentle patter of rain on the lush, verdant foliage of southeastern Massachusetts, I am filled with questions and not without doubt. Now although there are certain logistical obstacles to becoming a Peace Corps volunteer - including a lengthy application and clearance process - the questions I have are more internally focused. I question why I chose to serve in the first place, whether I am committed enough to helping others and promoting American values abroad, and if I will find important aspects of "the good life" (philosophically speaking) in The Gambia.

I am no stranger to these self-inquiries. I do not question that I am capable of service, but rather if my intentions are true enough. I am well aware of the neocolonialist critiques lobbed against the institution I plan to serve, and I recognize the need to critically examine my service as I go. Yet, I also wonder about living authentically and happily in a first-world country that seems to have gotten stuck somewhere along the way. Perhaps such wisdom can be found externally. I do not have answers today, but I will surely touch on these issues, questions, and insecurities in the coming months and years, and I hope that you will stick with me.

My wish for this blog is to serve multiple functions. One is to introduce you, dear reader, to the cultures and customs of a foreign country. I would be remiss if I did not consider the Third Goal of the Peace Corps to be a defining aspect of this blog. I want you to see what the world is like but a short ocean's hop away, to picture yourself there alongside me, and to grow with me in learning about other peoples. However, just as strongly, I want this blog to serve as a place for my musings about life. For a long time, I've wanted to share my thoughts more broadly. And while I don't expect this blog to have much of a following, I hope that my reflections on life abroad will at least resonate with some of you here at home. I welcome you on this journey - geographically, culturally, internally, philosophically - and look forward to your feedback. Thank you for joining me :)

Warmly,

Jon