New Experiences Bound by Purpose and Structure.

I don't have any false hopes for NAPS. I know it will be difficult and lonely at times. Yet, I seek unique experiences, novelty, adventure, and exploration; bounded by structure, obligation, discipline, and even ocassional stress. With NAPS, there will also be nostalgia.

Elias Heads to Singapore

We drove Elias to the airport. He starts a two month internship working in Singapore for a 3-D printing company. He will work 4 days a week; plus take a class, one day a week, at Singapore National University. There are about 30 other students from either UCB or other universities, who are part of the program and who will live with him in small home/dorm like quarters. I can see his excitement!

Purple Soccer Team

Adult Rec League Champions!

NAPS

For several days, I have wondered what compels me to explore paths like the Peace Corp or NAPS. For the Peace Corp, for sure, there is a sense of altruism and service. For NAPS, it's more of a pilgramige or sojouner. As I worked through my second interview, I am recalling those formative moments in my life on my first journey. As a young man, I recall my quest and I bought into the propaganda. To be challeged academically, physically, morally -- the discipline, honor code, and camaraderie. In some respect, I share the same goal now. I am on a journey. I will return, hopefully, as a better person. This journey comes with both trepedation and excitement. This will be a challenge. With retirement, I have settled into a comfortable social life. In addition to family, I have wonderful friend groups at Soccer, Odd Fellows, Church, Mahjong. I am hosting family gatherings with my Dong side cousins. NAPS would be a challenge for me to set up a minimal household, make new friends, revisit nearby classmates. I've learn that I need to be intentional, yet I know there will be many quiet night of silence and loneliness. I hope family and friends could visit often. Plus, I would have the assurance that I can return home many times (Oct, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break) over the 10 months. It would be like my first year in college, but harder. With college, one leaves to build a new life and is surrounded by classmates, who likewise are forced to meet new people. With my situation, my colleagues will already be established with their families and daily life. I would need to intentionally seek out and find new community. My work would be interesting. I enjoyed preparing math lessons for my interview. For some reason, I have always found a way to work in the classroom teaching at UC Davis Extension, Davis High School, Pluralsight, and DaVinci Academy. Now, maybe add NAPS to that list??? When I was 19 years old, I joined the Coast Guard and left home for NAPS. I found a new home and community, yet fifteen years later, I returned to my original roots--the Sacramento region. Now, settled in Davis for almost 30 years, will I return again to NAPS, my first home away from home?