Why did you come to Lugansk?

This is a question I have heard many times since my arrival in Lugansk and I am often not sure how to answer it. Joining the Peace Corps is such a big deal and commitment, and yet for me it something I just did, one step at a time. There were many times I never thought I would become a Peace Corps Volunteer. I had a job I loved when I left for Ukraine. I have a family who is incredibly supportive. I have friends who are still amazed I am living in Ukraine.

Surprisingly the Peace Corps was about Ukraine from the very beginning for me. I have always wanted to live in Eastern Europe and more importantly, Ukraine. I have always been fascinated by Russian history, pre-Soviet Union, and since having a close friend serve his Mormon mission in Ukraine 20 years ago, I have been fascinated by the cultural of Ukraine.

But every time this question comes up, my long answer seems like a bit too much detail. And then today I was taking my first of three Peace Corps Annual Volunteer Surveys. I figured out a bit more of why I am here. In the following list I needed to answer the significance of each in my decision to join the Peace Corps. It is an ‘ah ha’ moment for me.

1. different culture
2. work experience
3. help others
4. international experience
5. language
6. personal growth
7. US job market
8. serve my country
9. travel/adventure

And now, for all of you, and for me, I will rank them by priority or influence.

1. different culture
2. help others
3. personal growth
4. international experience
5. language
6. travel/adventure
7. language
8. serve my country
9. US job market

Fun, huh!!! And by the way, the US job market was a major influence when I applied in Feb 2009. I was unemployed. But after I started a new job, I wasn’t sure if I still wanted to serve. My mom’s neighbor, Julie, told me to keep going through the steps to serve and call the Peace Corps my back-up plan.

And I am so glad I did. I love it here. Every day brings new challenges and new great people into my life. I never let an experience pass me bye. The Peace Corps is an absolute blast, with some serious bouts of homesickness thrown in for good measure.