It is with very mixed emotions that I’ve decided to leave Paraguay and head back to the U.S.A.
I really feel like I did everything I possibly could to find a reason to stay, but in the end it came down to the fact that I’m just not happy here. I feel terrible about breaking my 27 month committment to Peace Corps, but I also feel that I was misinformed about how Peace Corps works. I thought that I would be placed with an organization that wanted a Peace Corps Volunteer and had actual projects in mind. Instead, it was more like I was parachuted into a new city, where I knew no one, and expected to just find work to do. After being rejected by 18 organizations here, I have hit a wall, and it’s time for me to come home.
Even though Peace Corps did not work out as I had hoped, I do not have regrets about my decision to join. I took a huge risk, to just pick up and move to a developing country without much knowledge of where I would live, where I would work, who I would meet, etc. I am still very proud of myself for that, even if it was only for 6 months. I learned so much here including greatly improving my Spanish, a new language Guarani, and many aspects of Paraguayan life and culture.
This was not an easy decision to make. I’m sure many of you know from my previous blog posts that I’ve been frustrated here for quite a while. I don’t want to spend the next 2 years feeling this way. I’m ready to move on to whatever comes next, and finding something to do where I can be happy.
Peace Corps is working on my flights, and I’m expecting to be in Dallas sometime this week.
And finally, I can’t wait to see all of you in the United States of America very soon!!!!!!!!
Yours Truly, Julie G
YoursTrulyJulieG 
Can’t wait to see u, you did the right move. It is Paraquey’s & Peace Corps LOSS to loose you!!!! Love so much. Honey
Keep your head up an be proud you gave it your all. You should feel proud of yourself for wanting to help others in need. It just wasn’t a match. Your experience in Paraguay, though frustrating at times, will live within you for the rest of your life and I feel confident that this episode in your life will make you a better person. I think, with time, the fond memories will be more vivid in your thoughts. We can’t wait to si you. That’s right I said si. Your silly daddy loves you always.