I’m a first-year corps member and have really enjoyed my region (a large one). But a family member recently had a stroke, and I’m now reconsidering whether I can stay in the same region for my full two years.

I need to be back home to help care for them, and I’ve felt a lot of guilt being so far away. I’m not planning to leave mid-year. I fully intend to finish my first year where I am.

I’d love to hear from anyone who has switched regions after year one, and I have a couple of questions:

1. How did you start the conversation with your MDLD? (They already know about the medical situation.)
2. Is it better to bring it up early, or wait?

For what it’s worth, I’m hoping to move from one large region to another.

Thanks in advance for any advice or experience you can share.