Welcome to my page! I'm assuming most of you reading this are
already well aware of my upcoming journey and what it entails - to some extent
- as it is what has consumed my life and thoughts since getting my invitation
in April. Just in case that's not the case, here is a brief breakdown:
On August 12th, I will be departing for
Botswana, Africa with 67 other volunteers from the United States. Botswana is
located directly above South Africa and is relatively developed as far as
Africa goes. It does, however, have the second highest population in the world
infected with HIV/AIDS. As far as my studies have gone, normally, when
development goes up, spread of infectious disease goes down, however, there is
a definite disconnect in Botswana. It is my hope that this team of dynamic
individuals departing for Botswana can work to bridge that gap. Upon our
arrival, we will complete 10.5 weeks of in-country training. At this point, we
will be living with separate host families in order to immerse ourselves into
the culture of Botswana and better understand social norms. After the training
is complete, we will be assessed and subsequently placed at our individual
site. We will have our own homes and it is at this point that our two years of
service begins. What a journey we are all in for!
As I prepare for this move, it is quite
difficult to put into words what I am feeling. I have moments of overwhelming
excitement about what lies ahead – the unknown, the complete life
transformation I will undergo, and the people I will meet and come to love
along the way. On the other hand, I am overcome with moments of sadness at what and who I am leaving behind and the things I know I will miss stateside while serving
abroad.
The main goal I have as my departure nears is to keep an open
mind. I am trying my best to hold little expectations of what Peace Corps
Service will mean to me. I remind myself daily that I will struggle and that I will
be homesick. But I also remember how excited I am about the work I will be
doing and the change I intend on bringing along with my service. One thing I am
confident in through all of this CRAZY CHAOS I feel right now is that I have
made the best and most fit choice in accepting my Peace Corps Invitation. So,
for now, I sign off. If you are reading this, I love you and you have touched
my life in some way. I hope you will follow me in my adventure and support me
along the way.
