The Decision

Throughout my Summer, and especially during my Parents visit, I've been wrestling with a decision to make. I really wanted to hear what my parents had to say, because their thoughts and input mean a lot. I even Skyped with my brother to make sure he knew where my head was at and what I was thinking. They helped me lay out the pros and cons, but I knew that ultimately, I had to make it on my own.

After a lot of thought, I've decided to "extend my service" or stay in Ukraine another semester (6 months), through the Summer of 2013! I had a meeting with my Director last week who approved everything and colleagues who are also so excited. The downside of this decision means that I won't be able to come home until next Summer, which is still weighing heavy on my heart, but with the support I've received the past 2 years, I know the next 10 months will be a blink of an eye.
 

My extended time will be unlike any of my time here so far, but I can say that I'm super excited for the future, whatever it may bring! My decision comes with many things in the works, things that I feel cannot be accomplished in the next 3-4 months. Of course, I'd like to see my 11th Form Class graduate in the Spring. Also, I'm pursing a few grant opportunities and partnering with another extending Volunteer to do some workshops around my "state". Also, I'm thinking of doing a book drive for my school, reaching out to some communities back in the States (stay tuned). All this, on top of the English and Leadership Clubs I have started, Leadership and Gender Empowerment Seminars I want to lead, and my full teaching schedule. This Winter will be long, cold, and grey but as you can see, I have ambitious goals to get me through -20'C weather, plus a village that loves me to death and would never let me feel unsupported, lonely, cold, or God forbid, hungry. 

I really feel like my time won't be finished in December, and I knew that I would have some sort of regret leaving. My plans for the future are still up in the air, but Seminary is still my main goal - possibly starting in 2014 after a year of reintegration and catching up. I've found a new passion here, working with people from a grassroots level and would like to tie the this together somehow with my future.
 

Like I told my parents, "I'll be home before you know it with stories, pictures, and memories to last a lifetime". When else does someone get the opportunity to stay longer at doing something they love so much!? In the meantime, I promise I'll be blogging - sharing stories and photos throughout this journey! It's almost Ukraine's 21st Independence Day, which means I'll be putting together a new list of the 21 Things I Love Most about Ukraine!