Departure Day

 “The Lord said to Abram: “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.  I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you.  All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you.”  Genesis 12: 1-3

Here we go, we’re off to the airport.  There are 68 of us on two buses.  We are each other’s new family, friends, support network and lifeline.  Most of us are 20 somethings, some of us are in our 30s and there are a few retires.  We are a bunch of random people thrown together to serve those in need and to promote peace and understanding among nations.  We’ve barely gotten to know each other and now we’re going to experience together the most transforming life experience that many of us will ever go through.  Wow, how humbling and powerful.  The only thing there is to do is trust, have faith, and remain present.  We are being sent from the land we call home, from the culture that has shaped and educated us, away from family and friends, to a place that will shock every sense, tissue and bone in our body.  Through fear, language miscommunication, safety threats, loneliness, and work incompetence we will discover a way to be a blessing to the people of Ghana.  I’m confident and look forward to the welcome we’ll receive, to the relationships with our host families we’ll grow, the training we’ll receive, and the launch into assignment on August 30^th that is coming in three months time.  Until then I’m not sure how often I’ll write to you.  I’m not sure where in the country I’ll be, but do know that the Peace Corps address will always work for mail and packages.  Please pray for me and my new Peace Corps family.  I will pray for you and yours.  You have formed me and helped me get to this place of peace, contentment, and joy in life, let us continue this journey in the spirit together.  Godspeed.  –Zachar