As my Peace Corps service is drawing to a close, I am (naturally) looking back at my service experience, accounting for my time here. Did I accomplish what I set out to do? Have I given it my 100%, absolute best? Have I tread softly, encouraging others toward success with gentleness and love? Have I fought for those without a voice, those without a fair chance? Have I put myself second and others first? Have I been a good example in my behavior and speech?  Have I done what was right regardless of what others were doing?  Have I been forgiving and patient? Am I leaving a legacy that is righteous and honorable? Did I work as hard as I could have?  Have I been honest?   I wish I could say the answers to all were “yes.” More often than not, the answer is “I tried.”

But I plan to continue to work in all things and end my service with integrity and dignity, doing what I can to ensure the success of my students and the success of future volunteers at this site. At the end of the day, this is all any of us can do.

Perhaps my service will be well received and perceived; perhaps it will not. But I have the assurance of knowing that I tried to do the very best I could by Cape Verde and its people.

"So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord.  His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He will come to us like the rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth."  (Hosea 6:3-4)