I know, I know. It’s been a long time. I’m a slouch. I can’t even claim I’ve been busy… unless you’re willing to concede that reading for at least four or five hours a day constitutes “busy”.
Since I last posted I went on the most incredible vacation of my life. My parents came here to South Africa and we went to Kruger National Park, up through Botswana, and over to Victoria Falls. Then we came to my village. It was spectacular. It was fun. It was incredibly good to share it all with my mom and da.
I surprised myself by how excited I was when I was waiting at the airport for their arrival. I knew I was excited, I had been talking about our trip for weeks (months!), but when I was actually standing there, watching people come through arrivals I was practically peeing my pants. I really don’t think I’ll ever forget the feeling of pure joy when I saw them walk through the door. I’ve never spent this much time away from my family. Time together is really wonderful.
One night we were on a beautiful river cruise on the Zambezi. At one point the Canadian woman behind me was so overwhelmed by the experience that she exclaimed, “I’m in AFRICA!”. Although, of course, this statement contains some of the romanticism that blinds tourists to the realities around them it is still incredible to think that my path has led me here (and in turn led my parents here). The world is big and strange and when we venture out into it we are given the gift of unexpected destinations and experiences.
We were raised to follow our hearts, to have confidence in ourselves and to act on what we believe. There is a lot of freedom inherent in an upbringing like that, and it had delivered us in unexpected places. Last I heard Sean is on a wild fire crew in Oregon, Colleen is happy with her partner of many years, and Michael is married to one of the most incredible people I’ve ever known. Without pressure to be something specific we have all taken paths to be true to who we want to be. I have no real idea where my path will take me next (and I can’t even fathom where it will end up) but no matter what I have the love and support of my family.
Speaking of family, my Peace Corps family is slowly disbanding. Maybe disbanding isn’t the right word, we’re just spreading out. My friends who came a year before me are COS’ing (Peace Corps speak for Close of Service- the end of your two years). A few good friends form my group have made the decision to go home to other opportunities after a year of service. It’s a strange transition because I rarely actually saw my friends, but there was something important about our shared experience. Now, our worlds will inevitably be different but it will be interesting to hear about people’s adventures in world travel and readjustment to the Mother Land. I’ve known for a long time the transient life I’ve chosen leads to separation but I’ve also maintained some of the most important relationships I have via letters and emails. My friends who are leaving will be missed but they will remain in my world. They’re too cool for me to totally let go.
It’s been over a year since I came to South Africa. I’ve learned more in the last thirteen months than I have ever learned in a year of my life. I’ve built friendships that will last for the rest of my life. I have done some work I’m really proud of. I’ve changed but I think it’s for the better. I miss being with my family and my friends every day but at the same time I don’t really want to be anywhere but here, and I want my people out there following their paths and saving the world from itself. Sooner than you think it will be me walking through the arrival doors. I’ll be older, wiser, and no more sure of where my path is leading. I like it that way.
Romeo & Juliet's Crime Scene
4 years ago