Rose O'Donnell is a freelance writer in Mentor, Ohio.

MENTOR, Ohio -- He does things I wouldn't be able to do. He gives up things that not all would be willing to forfeit, myself included. He said he would be gone for a little over two years. He said this was something he wanted to do; something he felt God had placed in his heart. He says over the years he has developed a passion for learning about new cultures and new groups of people, in addition to his passion for wanting to help others. This is partly why he -- our son -- has joined the Peace Corps and is currently stationed in the country of Ecuador.

He wants to work for peace.

It doesn't matter to him that in doing this he has had to give up a lot of everyday luxuries such as clean water, hot showers, access to a washer and dryer, plentiful food on a regular basis, and a nice soft bed to lay upon come the end of a day that's filled with many global challenges and countless uncertainties.

What matters to him is that in doing this he will somehow be able to bring hope to a place that has scarce hope; to find ways to help turn disorder and confusion into peace. As a secondary education English teacher, he has decided to take the path less traveled, a path that has opened his eyes to different cultures, and at times what appear to be very strange customs.

He says amazing things like, "I was always happy with my life, but I did not realize how blessed I really was."

I can tell by our correspondence how being a Peace Corps volunteer is shaping him into a stronger, more compassionate, caring individual.

As a mom of this Peace Corps volunteer, I've now made it my mission here in our bountiful country of the United States of America to no longer take for granted all the simple everyday luxuries I'm so accustomed to. I'm learning to be so very thankful for all the fresh clean water I can get by simply turning on a faucet. And, I'm learning to turn off that faucet in order to reduce waste of this precious gift. I'm now happy to throw a load of clothes into our dryer -- grateful for the convenience this appliance provides.

As much as I wish it, especially when he tells me he is a little homesick for American food, I know that I cannot send my dinner to him, but I can sacrifice a treat so that I may then offer a treat to others who are less fortunate by making a simple donation to the many charities needing our assistance.

He has made me realize that what really matters in life is not so much all the things I have, but all the things I can choose to do with my life.

All of us can find ways to work toward peace. If you're like our son, the adventuresome type with a heart the size of Montana, you could look into joining the Peace Corps. I heard they are currently seeking volunteers. Or if you're more like me, comfortable where you are stationed -- you could search deep within your soul and come up with different ways to bring about peace to those close and far away.

These are some of my simple thoughts that might be used as a jump-start in bringing about your own actions for peace.

* Care for each other regardless of race, religion or financial status. If someone needs help and you are able to help -- help.

* Sacrificing in order to give is a reward in itself -- being that oftentimes the bigger gift is given to the person sacrificing rather than the one receiving.

* A simple prayer has the potential to lead into deeper prayers. With God, all things are possible -- including world peace.

Come join our group. We are people from all walks of life; we are made up of sons, moms, fathers, and daughters. We carry within us hope and peace. We can be found all over the world, and though we may have different customs, we all have one common goal. We will work for peace.

If you are interested in learning more about what it is like to be a Peace Corps volunteer go to Cullen O'Donnell's blog piecebypiecepeacebypeace.wordpress

Rose O'Donnell is a freelance writer in Mentor and author of "A Better Life (Awaits You)."

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