Renewing Aspects of Myself in the US

Recently, I've been questioning where I belong and where I will be happiest in life. After graduation, I need to decide whether to go abroad and work in the developing world, to move within the United States, or to stay in the DC area. Each of these options has pros and cons but I don't think that any hold the key to my happiness and fulfillment. I'm realizing more and more how important it is to ensure that you are fulfilled where you are at each moment. It is important to bring along other experiences that have shaped you but it is unfair and unhealthy to spend your life wishing for the past or hoping for a vastly different future. Leaving the US to live permanently abroad is not the answer to my concerns, although it may be enticing and life abroad is definately a goal...

I have been volunteering recently at the Pregnancy Aid Center in College Park with recent immigrants to the United States. Most are Spanish speaking and I've felt a disconnect due to the language barrier that we face. I've mostly been in the back filing and pulling charts. Today, however, was the exception. A young pregnant girl of 15 came into the center, a political refugee from Togo. She spoke no English and I could finally put my French to use. I spoke with her and her father for the better part of an hour (in French!!) and talked to them about the US, West Africa, the coming baby, family, halloween and a whole array of issues. I was then able to go with her to translate with the social worker and ask about her questions and concerns for life and the birth. As she was leaving, they asked for my number for perhaps getting help for her with English as a tutor once she enrolls in school...and I offered to help her find the things that she will need for her little girl. This experience has already been so rewarding and was so refreshing to interact with people from Togo and knew of the places that I had visited there. And it was so nice to feel an importance at the center past filing and pulling files. I think it will be things like this that make me feel happy and useful wherever I am... Hopefully I will be able to assist this family and make my small change in the world. Onyame adom.