A very wise RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) told me that I had to read Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist because it was on the top 10 book list of her PC group in Bangladesh. I decided that since she had passed down so much of her PC knowledge and wisdom to me, that I would take another piece of her advice and read it.
So here is an excerpt to help clarify the title of my blog:
"The boy didn't know what a person's "Personal Legend" was."
"It's what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their Personal Legend"
None of what the old man was saying made much sense to the boy. But he wanted to know what the "mysterious force" was; the merchant's daughter would be impressed when he told her about that!
"It's a force that appears to be negative, but actually shows you how to realize your Personal Legend. It prepares your spirit and your will, because there is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it's because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It's your mission on earth."
(The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho, pages 21 - 22)
So I just wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who made it to either one of my parties and to those who couldn't come, but wished me well. Thank you so much for taking the time to say goodbye and good luck! If you ever get bored or lonely or just feel like writing, I love mail!! Here's my temporary address from now until December 11, 2008.
Sarah Hedges, PCT
Peace Corps
C.P. 4398
Maputo, Mozambique
Don't forget to write par avion on your letters!
12 years ago