Apparently, I am not dead.

After 11 months of service (and almost 14 in country), I feel that not being dead or back in the States is something to be proud off. And, to be honest, the only reason I'm here on LJ right now is that I wanted to see how much had changed in my "things I've done" and "books read" lists. Yes, I've done a lot more, and yes, I'm significantly better read now than I was before.

Fantastic.

Things are good. I've hit my stride (more or less). One of the classes I teach is so popular that we keep adding new students each week. Turns out, I'm a great teacher. Not necessarily what I want to do with the rest of my life, but at least I know I'm good at it. Making friends. Working hard. Eating well.

The trick to life here, just as with anywhere else, is to constantly ask yourself some questions: "If I were leaving tomorrow, would I be doing the same things?" "Is this living my dream? Is it a step on the path to living it?" "Will this really matter in 5 years? In 20?"

The Peace Corps is both less and more than as advertised. But that doesn't mean that I can't keep getting outside of my comfort zone and help as many people as possible. It's been a hell of an experience. 've changed so much in the past year, it's almost frightening to think of how different I'll be when I come home to visit in 13 months.

Holler back. Check out the blog @ subjectverbobject.com. Shoot me an email @ theresac@gmail.com.