It's Time

Today I leave for America. I am really excited. I feel like this is the right time for me to leave because every project I have wanted to try I've tried. I have done the best I could to make my site and situation work for me, but unfortunately it has not. Many of you know that I had to deal with a few safety and security concerns during this past year. I also did not have a structured job. The decision for me to return to the States came because of my secondary project with the primary school. I was sent home for teaching children about puberty and sexual abuse. At that moment I made a pros and cons list of why I should stay or go. There were several more reasons to go than to stay. When I left my village this past Tuesday to come to Maseru I had an urge to cry. Not because I was sad to leave, but because I was so happy to go. I also felt a little upset for wasting so much time there, but it's not something I'm going to regret. I have learned so much during this past year and a half. I know more about the world and look at development work and aid funding through completely different eyes. I also learned a lot about myself. I know that wherever I am in the world I can feel at home. After Peace Corps I truly feel like a global citizen.

I don't want to discourage potential Peace Corps Volunteers from joining PC. This experience is amazing and can never be replicated. However, you must have realistic expectations when applying. Unfortunately many volunteers never see the results of their actions. We have to trust that the seeds we are planting are going to grow when we leave. Also, countries that receive aid from other countries tend to also have lots of corrupt leaders. Most of the money doesn't go to the people who truly need it. Read the book Dead Aid by Dambisa Moyo to expose yourself to a different and in my opinion more accurate view of Africa's aid situation.

I will miss the people I connected with in my village. One family in particular was wonderful to me. I traded vegetables with them when my garden was flourishing. The dad in the family also fixed my front door handle when it fell off. They were the most active people in my village. Even the grandmother herded sheep when she had time. (Most women don't deal with animals). I also connected with the shop owners in Thoahlane. It was hard for me to say good bye to them. I will definitely miss my Peace Corps family. I have met the coolest and craziest people while on this adventure. I asure anyone who joins Peace Corps will realize that we're a different breed. Most people don't sign up to give up electricity and running water. (I've learned that running water isn't that important if you have a clean water pump, but electricity is fantastic). (Also I don't mind latrines).

I am worried about returning to my native culture. I have developed different social habits and am way more emotive than I was before I left for Peace Corps. Sometimes I feel more African than Amerian. In fact yesterday I went shopping with my friends in Maseru and we stopped at a cafe for drinks. I told the waiter/receptionist that I didn't want to buy a sparkling water from him because I could get it cheaper down the street. He told me, "As white as you are you sure are acting black right now." This was coming from a black South African from Pretoria. It's funny, but probably the most racist thing I've heard in awhile. I think I'll fit in eventually...but it might take awhile. :)

The plan for life in America is tenuous. I don't what I'm going to do for sure. I want to stay in Defiance for two weeks before moving out to Akron. Is that cool Brian, Sharon and Amy? After that I want to get a job and just hang out until the first of the year when I can apply for financial aid. I'm thinking about going back to school for psychology.

Ok I must go to meetings then head to the airport. I'll be in Ohio tomorrow at 1PM. Crazy! I can't wait for my 16.5 hour flight. lol.

See y'all soon!!!!!!!