Hey Steemers,
My boyfriend and I will soon be embarking on a wild adventure- we have joined the Peace Corps! Our foot prints will mark Zambian soil for the next two years. We depart in two weeks, and I am equal parts thrilled and terrified. Funny, isn't it, how similar these two states are? What really blows my mind is this: I have no precedent for what I am about to encounter. There is nothing in my past that prepares me for a future of farming in this beautiful African nation.
The removal from developed society isn't actually what scares me. I am truly looking forward to disconnecting from the barrage of news, data, and social media that defines our tech-y culture. I am excited for rural living- growing my own food, getting my hands dirty, and transportation by bike. I am scared of missing my loved ones. I am scared of losing my place in their lives, as they barrel forward towards great things. I worry that I won't be able to support them in the same capacity. The thought of seeing photos of graduations, weddings, vacations... it hurts already, if I'm honest.
Here is what I have realized. I'm sure that witnessing my loved ones' lives progress will be painful. I'm sure that I'll feel the separation of oceans and time zones and the equator. However, I get to create experiences that would be unavailable to me without this life- changing journey. I get to create a second home, half a world away. I hope that this will make the planet feel a little smaller, a bit less daunting. I hope that it will embolden me to travel and volunteer throughout my life. The other thing is this: I get to come home. I get to come back and re- enmesh myself into the lives of the people I love (although I can't think about that yet).
I know that these next two years will stimulate personal growth. I am torn between setting specific goals or simply opening my palms to the lessons that come. Hopefully I will do both, but I'd like to share two things that I definitely want to work on.
1) I am profoundly impatient. I hope to use this time, which will involve a slower lifestyle and slow- moving projects, to ease my rapid pace.
2) I have leftover eating disorder tendencies that include exercise addiction and food fixations. I hope to release my grip on them, as they inhabit more of my mental space than I'd like.
3) I am a creature of habit. Sometimes routines serve me well and other times I simply serve them. I look forward to living in an environment full of unpredictability.
In conclusion, Peace Corps Zambia, I am ready to dive in. I promise to commit my heart and intellect to developing relationships and projects. **Chileshe!** *(Cheers/Good Health, in the Bemba lenguage)*
Replies (7)
Don't worry.You will have best life ahead .Enjoy every moment of your life :)
Let me officially welcome you to Africa and Zambia in particular. I'm certain you stay would be an enjoyable one and mind you, you'll have access to the internet and social media platforms too though the service might be poor.
I'm sure the experience garner too would make an interesting read someday. I love the boldness and I wish you the best in your surjour to Zambia.
Danielle, it's true that life here in the States will go on as usual, and you will miss important events in your friends' and family's lives. And it's probably true that it will tug on your heart to see photos of weddings, graduations, other milestone events that your stateside loved ones are experiencing. I'm sure you will weather those tugs, because as you say, you will be forging ahead with your own life, creating experiences that are equally if differently meaningful to you. But most of all, I want to assure you that you will NOT lose your place in our lives....at least, not your place in the lives of those who consider you important and necessary in their lives (like moi :-) I know it feels weird to think of being in a situation where you're not being your usual supportive self, but think of this: you will be supporting the people of Zambia, who need it desperately. The rest of us will manage just fine. We will find other means of support, and cheer you on as we free you up to experience an opportunity for which you've worked very hard to obtain. So, go with an open heart, an open mind, and know that we are so happy for you and Brett to be able to have this experience together. We all eagerly await reports of your experience, and look forward to your return so we can share them with you in person. xoxox
Nice photo :P
Ah, thank you! I so appreciate your warm welcome and reaching out. I hope to continue to post throughout my time there!
Yes! I'm so excited and happy for you. We will be home waiting for you, and coming to visit you! <3
you both are looking so cute <3
btw your photography is also professional
keep it up