I have made the very difficult decision to terminiate my Peace Corps service. I will be returning to the United States to begin a new life adventure on Wednesay, January 14th.

There were many factors going into this decision, however, the main reason I can't continue is that I'm not cut out for working for a bureaucratic government organization like Peace Corps. I no longer have the trust and patience needed to put my life and livelihood into their hands at this point in my life. Although I have become frustrated with the way things currently operate I still wish to clairfy that I am extremely grateful to the US Peace Corps for giving me this opportunity to serve my country and to serve Jamaica in the name of international peace and understanding for the past six months.

This journey has changed my life. It made me more aware of myself and my role in this world. It taught me that people are the same no matter where they are from, what language they speak, or what their customs are. People want the same fundmamental things: love, validation, and an oppurtunity for a happy and productive life. I learned that there is plenty of good work needing to be done on this planet, and I have met countless numbers of the inspirational people who are currently doing that work. I have grown to love this country and its culture, as well as all the people I have met and have shared my life with here. I am deeply saddened to leave because I truly feel that I still have much to give, much to offer, and much to learn. But I am starting to understand that sometimes life doesn't follow the rules you want it to follow. But I'm going to be just fine.

Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me during this amazing time, and thank you to those who have helped to teach me some of life's hardest lessons. I am forever changed and I have everyone and everything to thank for that.

Onto the next great adventure! This will not be the last you hear from me! :-)
Take care and keep on loving,
Grace