9 Months in country

My week had a rocky start since I was sick and missed the first day of school on Monday. They say it’s just a matter of time before you have an intestinal infection in Namibia. After 9 months in country, I finally had my turn and it was not fun. Fortunately, it was short lived, and I was back in school on Tuesday with no further issues. I think it helped by maintaining a BRAT (banana, rice, apple, toast) diet for three days so my stomach could really rest.

During PST (pre-service training), they prepared us for the roller-coaster of emotions we would experience during our service and how it is normal to have highs and lows. They even gave us timelines based on previous Peace Corps volunteers’ experiences of when to expect the highs and lows and to prepare ourselves for these times. At 9 months some people may feel extreme highs and others extreme lows. We’ve been here long enough to either feel like things are going great and we are soaring or just the opposite.

I wouldn’t say I am soaring, but I have more good days than bad. A better description may be that I have more good moments than bad because my days are filled with a range of emotions. I am committed to completing my service but there are times when I remind myself of the reasons and think about the vow I made. My doubts, if that is the right term, are never based on what is going on here, they are based on what is going on with my large, loving family. What wedding am I missing, what Baptism will I miss, what baseball games, music recitals, and all the other events of my children, grandchildren, siblings, and friends? These moments will be gone without me in them and it makes me sad.

However, I am serving where I was sent. I may not be changing the world, but my housemate told me and the other PCVs who stayed with me this weekend that she loves Americans. She said we do things and we have fun. One of my learners said she loved me because I came to her netball game. I am fulfilling a lifelong dream, I am teaching, and it feels right to be here.

All for now with all my love