this is the Alaska part of my life

A feeling of calm rushed over me

as the clouds parted below

unveiling our first glimpse

of the mountains & shoreline below.

Very much how I felt in going to Rwanda,

I know that I had chosen to apply to the Peace Corps

& that I had requested to be sent to Africa

yet somehow it all seemed beyond my control.

One day I woke up

& I was in Africa

& that was the Africa part of my life.

This is how my journey to Alaska today felt as well.

I know that I actively applied to AmeriCorps

& that I had chosen to submit my application

to the Earn & Learn program in Anchorage,

but coming out of my flight-long drowsiness,

it only seemed natural that I would wake up in Alaska.

Excitement did not wash over me,

but rather this feeling of

well, this is exactly what is supposed to happen.

It felt like another illuminated star on my map

guided only by my heart.

& in that familiarity,

I found comfort.