tentative "see ya later" to a second home

One of my greatest struggles in recent weeks has been internalizing the anticipation of my pending invitation and eventual departure. At this stage, I have not made the status of my application 100% public, but even if those outside of my immediate friends & family circle were made aware, I'm certain I would still be facing this challenge. The fact of the matter is that it's something I have to go through on my own, with limited exception, just as I will be on my own for a good deal of my time in country. That being said, I figured it was a good idea to start thinking out loud and, by virtue of this blog, sharing those thoughts with anyone who might tune in. Welcome to my brain.

As the window of time between now and when I might depart grows smaller by the day, those moments where I find myself doing or preparing for something that will likely be my last "such and such" for quite some time seem to take on inflated meaning. This weekend's trip to Citizen's Bank Park to see my Fightin Phils take on the Red Birds of St. Louis was perhaps the most noteworthy of such experiences thus far. 

You don't have to know me very well to know that the Phillies are the soundtrack of my summer. This has been true throughout my life, but such sentiment has fully woven itself into the fabric of my being over the past three seasons as I've settled into my Pemberton Street dwelling. Few experiences have brought me more peace in that time than sitting on my deck or roof, cold beer in hand, looking out toward a sunset over the gloriously illuminated Philly skyline, and tuning in to Larry Andersen and Scott Franzke as they paint a picture of the poetry as it plays out on the diamond. 

Sunset, Skyline, and Phillies on the Radio

please look for a letter in the mail

I stumbled in from the earliest outbursts of Hurricane Irene, following a solid 9+ mile run with the students, to find a single piece of mail in my bin. It was the arrival of this very envelope that preoccupied my thoughts while walking home the two days before. A gray and foggy morning, in both atmosphere and temperament, must have clouded my underlying anticipation, however; this letter was the last thing on my mind when I saw it sitting there in my building's mail rack. Rather than tear right in, I set it on a small table and let it sit there - alone - feeling shades of trepidation as I settled myself and grew steadily more aware of its presence.

update on my path to volunteering overseas

Original Transmission: 4 May 2011

Dearest Friends, Family, Colleagues, and all other folks whom have helped along the way,

As most of you are now aware, the process of finally recognizing my long-held dream of serving as a Peace Corps volunteer is well-underway. For those who were not included on my first update, I officially submitted my application back in late January. Since then, I have gone through several rounds of paperwork, regularly corresponded with my recruiter, had my initial interview, spoke with a handful of extremely helpful and insightful Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, and continued doing whatever needed to be done in order to move my dream closer to realization.

i'm officially (finally) a peace corps...applicant!

Original Transmission: 26 January 2011

Dearest Friends & Family,

After 6+ years of thinking, talking, and dreaming about it, I have finally done it - I've submitted my application to be considered for a term of service as a Peace Corps volunteer. As you all well-know, getting to this point has not been easy. There have been many ups-and-downs and countless uncertainties along the way. The path before me is still not yet certain, but this is an all-important first step, and a very significant one for me. I want to thank each of you for the role you have played in getting me to this point. Without your support, encouragement, and especially your love, I'm not sure my dream would have gotten this far.

There is still a wide space between this moment and when I might finally set-up shop overseas (I'm estimating 12-18 months), but I'm sure that time will pass rather quickly. I will keep you all posted as my journey progresses. Again, thank you all so much!


With love,


-Joe