I've been in the country for 12 days now and I don't know how to begin. There are so many different stories and such a variety of emotions that I'm sitting here staring at my computer thinking how i should organize my thoughts. Since i'm not going to get anywhere with this strategy, I'm just going to start typing and see where it goes. I'll try to start from the beginning and put in all the interesting tidbits. So this journey finally began on March 7th as I left home for DC...
Staging in DC
As I boarded the plane, I knew that one of my fellow PC members was on my flight thanks (to the social network that is Facebook). We ended up next to each other and it was refreshing to talk to someone about to embark on the same adventure that I was. The west coasters were flown in on Sunday night because registration for staging was at noon on Monday, so we met up and started to get to know each other. The next day was a flurry of paperwork and information. Staging was very informative and it was nice to be around people who were in the same boat as me. We didn't have the awkward icebreakers that I was dreading (Thank goodness), and didn't have any trouble making conversations.
That night, Jonny and Kristi came and took me out for one last dinner in the United States. It was so nice to see them, since I hadn't seen them since their wedding reception. I think it was at that point that it hit me that I was leaving the country the next day. I still had my phone with me, so I was able to make/receive last minute phone calls and texts, but it was finally happening- this was the last time I would be seeing my friends in the states for a while.
Tuesday morning came before I knew it. It was off to the health department for shots, then to the airport. I kept thinking that the fact that I was leaving the United States was going to hit me suddenly and that I would panic. I landed in Senegal without a panic attack and the excitement just kept building up.
Senegal
We landed at 6am and when I deboarded, I was hit with the smell of the ocean (so comforting!). I can't even describe what was going through my head at that moment- a ridiculous mix of exhaustion, excitment, anticipation, nervousness, fear, and probably 7 other emotions. We all gathered our ridiculous amount of luggage (not so ridiculous when you remember that we were all moving for 2 years), and boarded the PC buses for Thies. That first day, we had a series of "interviews" to help determine our languages, our placements, and medical status. As exhausted as I was, I was able to make friends, get through the interviews, and partake in the dance/drum circle. I'm pretty sure I was running on pure adrenaline. The other PC trainees are awesome and I feel so connected to people already. I thought that I clicked quickly with the other Summer Seminars counselors, but this is a whole other level.
Training
For all the people who were wondering what I would be doing for the next 2 years- I still can't tell you for sure. However, our program has a great framework with concrete goals outlined. I do know that I am expected to plant a garden and create a 100 sappling pepiniere(tree nursery) every year (eek)! I am learning so much about Senegalese culture, family structure, gardening, development strategies, and myself. It's been interesting to discover that what i thought were my limitations, don't actually exist. I just keep going and although I'm usually hot and sweaty, I find a way to get things done. One of the most interesting experiences that I've had has been entering into my homestay and not speaking any of the language.
Oh, the homestay- what can i say about that. I learned on Sunday that my language was going to be Fulakunda (Pulaar du Sud). From that, I can narrow down my ultimate site to two regions. We had one language class and left for our homestays on Monday. When the bus dropped me off in Mbour, my baaba (one of the few words I know because it's the same as in Cantonese) was there to pick me up. We had the shortest conversation ever because it ended at hello. The first night in my homestay was an elaborate game of charades mixed with my attempts at speaking french. A lot of volunteers have said that the first night was one of the worst of their service- if that was the worst of it, then I CAN do this.
My homestay family is adorable. There is my Mom and Dad and three little brothers! Coming from a family of 4 girls, it's really cool to have brothers =). There's Seegoona, whose 4 and is my counting buddy. Then there's Ous Semane who is 3 and didn't talk to me at all for the first 2 days, but then stopped being scared of me and now thinks I'm the funniest Tubab ever. Lastly, there's Boubacar. He's 18 months old and has these big eyes and will come and sit in my lap whenever he wants. My family is so patient with me and helps me with my language. I'm pretty sure that they think that I'm dumb because they have to repeat everything and things that I understand one day doesn't stick with me the next. But I'm trying (seeda seeda!). I feel like I'm starting to be part of the family. I have a Senegalese name: Faatumata Balde! Also, the other day, during dinner, my Dad told me that his home was now my home and I need to eat more. Love!
I've already gotten some marriage proposals, including from my "uncle". In my limited Fulakunda, I was able to understand that and refuse multiple times. haha! Other than that, we are the center of attention in our quartier. We obviously stand out and we are the entertainment. I've gotten really good at laughing at myself and making the best of everything. Thank goodness all the other PCT's are great and keep me up. This crazy rollercoaster ride has been full of ups and downs and I know the upsidedown turns are still to come.
More to Come....,
This has been a horrible entry and I know I'm missing so much, but I'm facing major writers block. Forgive this monotonous entry and hopefully I will write something better next time. Oh! I have a cell phone here: 221-77-116-9578! You can call me =). AND, ask me questions! I will write what you want to know...
--Peace Out (JAM TAN!)
Monday, March 22, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Jumble of Emotions
As I mentioned in my first blog post, I don't know how often I will keep this blog updated. In the seven weeks since I last posted, I've had internet access at my finger tips and still haven't managed to post another entry (then again, I haven't done anything noteworthy). I've been meaning to write this entry for weeks, but I did what I do best- procrastinate. Where to begin... the past few weeks have been full of laughter, tears, and nerves. I've said more farewells than I can keep track of and they keep coming. It's been difficult to say goodbye, but strangely not as bad as I originally anticipated. Peace Corps and Senegal are actually happening (I'm writing this on the plane ride to DC), but I don't think the reality has set in and hit me yet. I'll keep you updated on this front aka if I have a mini panic attack on the plane ride to Senegal.
Packing
I don't know how i would have survived the nightmare of packing without my friends and family. Those of you who have suffered through my packing dilemas know how much I looooooooove (ha!) packing. You would think that all those basketball trips would adequetly prepare me for packing, but having "travel outfits" made packing at 5am so easy. But what about all those other trips I've taken this past year, shouldn't that have prepped me? Far from it. I am the queen of overpacking because I like having options. So how was I supposed to pack for two years with an 80 pound weight limit..I made lists and more lists. I put off actually packing til this past wednesday where I engaged in an intricated game of luggage tetris with various clothing items, toiletries wrapped in ziploc bags, and crystal light packets. I managed to fit everything into a 65lb hiking backpack and a duffel bag (thank you Swim with Mike), with odds and ends and my netbook going into a smaller backpack. I am happy to report that my luggage weighed in at 73.8 lbs- a mini miracle. But, I feel like I overpacked and underpacked at the exact same time. We'll see how efficient I was in the coming weeks. I will eventually post what I packed, along with what i should've brought.
Support
I am so grateful for my support system. From listening to me complain about packing to letters to going away presents, my support system has been with me every step of the way. I want to thank everyone for all their support. It means so much to me and I will carry all the love with me to Senegal. I already miss everyone so much and I haven't left the United States yet. However, the excitement for what is to come balances it out.
I have my mailing address for training! I will only be here for the first two months and the mail may take up to three weeks, so plan accordingly =)
PCT: Wilma Mui
Corp de la Paix
B.P. 299
Thies, Senegal
West Africa
Make sure to write Par Avion or airmail on the envelopes! I expect life updates via snail mail, email, facebook posts, and/or skype (add me: wilmamui).
Africa Bound
The next time I post, it'll be from Senegal! I can't wait to see what I will be doing, learn a new language, and experience something new.
--Peace Out
Packing
I don't know how i would have survived the nightmare of packing without my friends and family. Those of you who have suffered through my packing dilemas know how much I looooooooove (ha!) packing. You would think that all those basketball trips would adequetly prepare me for packing, but having "travel outfits" made packing at 5am so easy. But what about all those other trips I've taken this past year, shouldn't that have prepped me? Far from it. I am the queen of overpacking because I like having options. So how was I supposed to pack for two years with an 80 pound weight limit..I made lists and more lists. I put off actually packing til this past wednesday where I engaged in an intricated game of luggage tetris with various clothing items, toiletries wrapped in ziploc bags, and crystal light packets. I managed to fit everything into a 65lb hiking backpack and a duffel bag (thank you Swim with Mike), with odds and ends and my netbook going into a smaller backpack. I am happy to report that my luggage weighed in at 73.8 lbs- a mini miracle. But, I feel like I overpacked and underpacked at the exact same time. We'll see how efficient I was in the coming weeks. I will eventually post what I packed, along with what i should've brought.
Support
I am so grateful for my support system. From listening to me complain about packing to letters to going away presents, my support system has been with me every step of the way. I want to thank everyone for all their support. It means so much to me and I will carry all the love with me to Senegal. I already miss everyone so much and I haven't left the United States yet. However, the excitement for what is to come balances it out.
I have my mailing address for training! I will only be here for the first two months and the mail may take up to three weeks, so plan accordingly =)
PCT: Wilma Mui
Corp de la Paix
B.P. 299
Thies, Senegal
West Africa
Make sure to write Par Avion or airmail on the envelopes! I expect life updates via snail mail, email, facebook posts, and/or skype (add me: wilmamui).
Africa Bound
The next time I post, it'll be from Senegal! I can't wait to see what I will be doing, learn a new language, and experience something new.
--Peace Out
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Waiting Game
As you can tell, I’ve decided to give this blog thing a try. I can’t promise you monthly entries or even that I post more than this one time, but hopefully I provide you some insight into my life as I ramble on.
Here’s a brief introduction for those of you who don’t know me. My name is Wilma Mui and I graduated from the University of Southern California in May 2009 with a B.S. in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies. I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA. I am very social and enjoy going out/hanging out with friends, but I'm a nerd at heart. I love spending an afternoon reading or museum hopping. One word that I often use to describe myself is effervescent and I like to think of myself as a very loving person. I’m a sports fanatic and I stick with my teams through thick and thin (you have to when you’re a Warriors fan). I even worked for the WBB team at SC and had the privilege of traveling to numerous places including the Bahamas and Hawaii. I’m actually not very good at this part, so if you want to know anything specific, just ask! Now, onto why I’m writing this Blog.
I am currently a Peace Corps invitee. I have been assigned as a Preventative Health Educator in Senegal. To save you the trouble of Google-ing it, Senegal is on the west coast of Africa, west of Mali and North of Guinea. On the rough outline of Africa that I can form with my hands, it’s at the midpoint of the cagina of my left hand (no, its not a dirty term, it’s the area between the thumb and index finger). Still can’t picture it? Use Google images. As of right now, it’s a little bit over a 7 weeks till my departure (54 days to be exact). It seems like forever ago since I received my nomination- over a year, in fact. Since then, it has been a long and at times torturous waiting game. I recently received an email informing me that I have staging on March 8th and 9th in Arlington, VA. It isn’t a plane ticket, but it’s the next step showing that the Peace Corp hasn’t forgotten about me.
Some of you who are reading this may be wondering why I’m starting my blog now, before I’ve done anything. The simple answer is: my dear friend said that I should. On an eventful 6-hour drive from Los Angeles, CA to Tempe, AZ on the first day of this New Year, we discussed everything under the sun including my current life decision aka Wilma goes to Africa for 27 months. While sharing some of my decisions, concerns, fears, and excitement, she said that I should definitely write about it. (This may or may not also have to do with the fact that another close friend had mentioned that day that she would love to read blog entries about our lives.) She thought it would be interesting to read about the process that leads up to my departure, including some of the decisions that I have to make. To me, these are decisions and topics I am checking off my to do list, written on multiple pages of my green Kate Spade notepad (it didn’t make sense to buy a 2010 planner for 2 months). I’ll attempt to organize my decisions and thoughts into a few general headings, but I warn you that it’ll resemble a collection of ramblings.
Family
Being apart from my family is nothing new to me. I am the black sheep of the four daughters- the one who left the Bay Area for Los Angeles and didn’t attend UC Berkeley (GO TROJANS! FIGHT ON!!!) That being said, I was only a phone call and a six-hour drive away (5.5, the way I drive). It’s a whole different story being on a different continent and not being connected via numerous mediums. Out of everyone, my grandma is the most worried for me. She’s told me that she doesn’t want me to go, but knows that I’ve chosen this route for a reason. Then there’s my dad. He’s supportive of my decision; I didn’t even have to fight to get his OK on joining the Peace Corps. In fact, I wasn’t even the one who told him I was considering going to Africa (my sister spilled the beans). It’s funny; my dad has been more concerned with my little sister going off to Rome for the semester than he is about me going to Africa for two years. I assume its because he knows that I can take care of myself and has told me that I have a good head on my shoulders.
Onto the sisters. As I mentioned before, my little sister is studying abroad in Rome for the semester. If I don’t return home for a visit or if she doesn’t visit me in Senegal, we could be apart for 29 months! That’s the longest we have ever been apart, including before she was born (there’s a 19 month age difference). It’ll be interesting. I’m contemplating returning for her college graduation in 2011, but we’ll see what my situation is at that point and if it’s feasible for me to come back (plane tickets are $$$). Then there’s my older sister. She seems to like her job, but I don’t think she loves it. Also, she doesn’t tell me much, so in the time that I’m gone, she could get a promotion, a new job, and/or be in a relationship. Who knows what will happen there. Lastly, there’s my oldest sister. She JUST got engaged and while I am extremely happy for her, there’s a little (selfish) voice in my head that’s wondering when she’s getting married. Obviously I will fly back for her wedding, but I wish I could be around to help her plan it. I have experience!! I once planned an entire wedding in my high school econ class =D. Also, my friends can vouch that I throw great parties- I’ve never done a bachelorette party or a bridal shower, but it can’t be that hard. It’s going to be an interesting being away from them, but they can’t drive me crazy from 6400 miles away. On the flip side of that, I can’t stop them from stealing my clothes, shoes, and accessories either.
Friends
Where do I begin with this topic? Being back in San Francisco has been an experience. I was definitely spoiled in college, living a few feet away from some of my closest friends. It’s been nice being close to my best friends from home, but we’re used to being apart and our relationship always picks back up in no time. I admit that I may have taken some friendships for granted. It wasn’t until we were scattered in multiple time zones that I realized how lucky I was! Whenever I needed someone to talk to, a shopping buddy, or a partner in crime, all I had to do was walk out of my room or make a phone call. Gone are the days of wine & movie nights, morning after recaps, and wedding show marathons. I realized how great I have it every time I return to LA and my calendar is surprisingly booked with all the people I want to see. It’s been a challenge keeping in touch with everyone when I still have a cell phone and constant Internet access. I don’t know how it’ll be when I’m actually gone. Maybe the distance will make me a better communicator.
Now onto my fears: eek! I feel like my life in the United States will have been put on pause, while everyone else will continue to move forward. Who knows where everyone will be at that point in his or her life. Will they be engaged, married, pregnant, or a parent? And career- wise, I’ll find myself friends with lawyers, doctors, accountants, teachers, actors, writers, and maybe even a video vixen… Then there’s me. Will I come back a different person? Will my friends still want to be friends with me? I know some of my friends out there are shaking their heads in disbelief that the thought would even cross my mind, but it’s one of those nagging concerns in the back of my mind. And only time will tell.
Material Things
“You know that we are living in a material world, and I am a material girl.” Yes, I admit it; I like the material things in life. However, I am not defined by my possessions. In an age where email is at my fingertips and my iPhone is permanently glued to my hand, not having consistent Internet access and texting (*gasp*) is going to take some getting used to. I am confidant that I will adjust and will probably find not being constantly accessible somewhat refreshing. And speaking of Internet access, what am I going to do about my computer? A netbook is the most logical choice, but that means leaving my beloved Mac at home. In the time that I’m gone, Apple will either a) discontinue the Macbook Pro line, or b) create two new versions of it. Will my computer be old by the time I return?
Packing up all my things and moving it 400 miles from LA to San Francisco was a reality check in my consumer ways. Simply put, I have a lot of stuff. This is the girl who has about 100 clothing items with some form of USC or Trojans written on it (to be fair, a good portion was given to me). I am not a slave to fashion or the newest trends, but I like to look good and am not simply a jeans and t-shirt type of girl. What trends will come and go while I’m away? Will I thankfully miss the comeback of shoulder pads and scrunches or will I sadly miss the resurgence of 20’s glam? Maybe it’s a good thing that my sisters will divide my closet among themselves; my collection of leggings and tunics won’t be “in” forever. That being said, I need my girls to take me on a shopping trip upon my return to reacquaint me with fashion.
Then comes Eva and Wellington- what’s going to happen with them? For those of you who don’t know, I’m referring to my car and GPS respectively (yes, I name inanimate objects). Well, my little sister is one lucky person. She inherits both of them, along with all the other gadgets in my car.
Not to fear, I’m not going sans electronics. I will have my ipod, complete with a solar charger (just in case). Everything else is just extra stuff. I learned to live with it all and I can learn to live without it.
Miscellaneous
These are the random thoughts that are currently floating through my head. The most pressing topic right now is what do I pack? I have trouble packing for a weekend away, how am I supposed to pack everything I need for 2 years into 2 suitcases? I’m convinced that this is an impossible task to achieve without having magical powers. I will let you know how that process goes.
Next up is my greatest fear. Failure. I don’t know what my role will be in Senegal, but I’m scared that I won’t be successful. I don’t have astronomical aspirations and I don’t expect to change the world by myself, but I’m nervous that I won’t accomplish anything meaningful. Also, I’m scared of accidentally offending members of my new community. I am very aware that I will be an outsider in a community and culture that I am not familiar with. It’s a scary concept to enter a different culture, but an exhilarating one as well. I could go on and on about what I’m scared of, but where’s the fun in that. I’ll write more about them as they come up.
That’s it for my first (epically long) post! I enjoyed writing most of this post and I hope you enjoyed reading it. I think I will continue this and will probably post once more before I actually leave. If you actually read this entire thing, then a) you love me, b) you were really bored, or c) I was able to entertain you with my random musings and commentary.
--Peace Out!
P.s. If you have any questions you want me to answer in the next post, let me know! I’ll be more than happy to address them =)
Here’s a brief introduction for those of you who don’t know me. My name is Wilma Mui and I graduated from the University of Southern California in May 2009 with a B.S. in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies. I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA. I am very social and enjoy going out/hanging out with friends, but I'm a nerd at heart. I love spending an afternoon reading or museum hopping. One word that I often use to describe myself is effervescent and I like to think of myself as a very loving person. I’m a sports fanatic and I stick with my teams through thick and thin (you have to when you’re a Warriors fan). I even worked for the WBB team at SC and had the privilege of traveling to numerous places including the Bahamas and Hawaii. I’m actually not very good at this part, so if you want to know anything specific, just ask! Now, onto why I’m writing this Blog.
I am currently a Peace Corps invitee. I have been assigned as a Preventative Health Educator in Senegal. To save you the trouble of Google-ing it, Senegal is on the west coast of Africa, west of Mali and North of Guinea. On the rough outline of Africa that I can form with my hands, it’s at the midpoint of the cagina of my left hand (no, its not a dirty term, it’s the area between the thumb and index finger). Still can’t picture it? Use Google images. As of right now, it’s a little bit over a 7 weeks till my departure (54 days to be exact). It seems like forever ago since I received my nomination- over a year, in fact. Since then, it has been a long and at times torturous waiting game. I recently received an email informing me that I have staging on March 8th and 9th in Arlington, VA. It isn’t a plane ticket, but it’s the next step showing that the Peace Corp hasn’t forgotten about me.
Some of you who are reading this may be wondering why I’m starting my blog now, before I’ve done anything. The simple answer is: my dear friend said that I should. On an eventful 6-hour drive from Los Angeles, CA to Tempe, AZ on the first day of this New Year, we discussed everything under the sun including my current life decision aka Wilma goes to Africa for 27 months. While sharing some of my decisions, concerns, fears, and excitement, she said that I should definitely write about it. (This may or may not also have to do with the fact that another close friend had mentioned that day that she would love to read blog entries about our lives.) She thought it would be interesting to read about the process that leads up to my departure, including some of the decisions that I have to make. To me, these are decisions and topics I am checking off my to do list, written on multiple pages of my green Kate Spade notepad (it didn’t make sense to buy a 2010 planner for 2 months). I’ll attempt to organize my decisions and thoughts into a few general headings, but I warn you that it’ll resemble a collection of ramblings.
Family
Being apart from my family is nothing new to me. I am the black sheep of the four daughters- the one who left the Bay Area for Los Angeles and didn’t attend UC Berkeley (GO TROJANS! FIGHT ON!!!) That being said, I was only a phone call and a six-hour drive away (5.5, the way I drive). It’s a whole different story being on a different continent and not being connected via numerous mediums. Out of everyone, my grandma is the most worried for me. She’s told me that she doesn’t want me to go, but knows that I’ve chosen this route for a reason. Then there’s my dad. He’s supportive of my decision; I didn’t even have to fight to get his OK on joining the Peace Corps. In fact, I wasn’t even the one who told him I was considering going to Africa (my sister spilled the beans). It’s funny; my dad has been more concerned with my little sister going off to Rome for the semester than he is about me going to Africa for two years. I assume its because he knows that I can take care of myself and has told me that I have a good head on my shoulders.
Onto the sisters. As I mentioned before, my little sister is studying abroad in Rome for the semester. If I don’t return home for a visit or if she doesn’t visit me in Senegal, we could be apart for 29 months! That’s the longest we have ever been apart, including before she was born (there’s a 19 month age difference). It’ll be interesting. I’m contemplating returning for her college graduation in 2011, but we’ll see what my situation is at that point and if it’s feasible for me to come back (plane tickets are $$$). Then there’s my older sister. She seems to like her job, but I don’t think she loves it. Also, she doesn’t tell me much, so in the time that I’m gone, she could get a promotion, a new job, and/or be in a relationship. Who knows what will happen there. Lastly, there’s my oldest sister. She JUST got engaged and while I am extremely happy for her, there’s a little (selfish) voice in my head that’s wondering when she’s getting married. Obviously I will fly back for her wedding, but I wish I could be around to help her plan it. I have experience!! I once planned an entire wedding in my high school econ class =D. Also, my friends can vouch that I throw great parties- I’ve never done a bachelorette party or a bridal shower, but it can’t be that hard. It’s going to be an interesting being away from them, but they can’t drive me crazy from 6400 miles away. On the flip side of that, I can’t stop them from stealing my clothes, shoes, and accessories either.
Friends
Where do I begin with this topic? Being back in San Francisco has been an experience. I was definitely spoiled in college, living a few feet away from some of my closest friends. It’s been nice being close to my best friends from home, but we’re used to being apart and our relationship always picks back up in no time. I admit that I may have taken some friendships for granted. It wasn’t until we were scattered in multiple time zones that I realized how lucky I was! Whenever I needed someone to talk to, a shopping buddy, or a partner in crime, all I had to do was walk out of my room or make a phone call. Gone are the days of wine & movie nights, morning after recaps, and wedding show marathons. I realized how great I have it every time I return to LA and my calendar is surprisingly booked with all the people I want to see. It’s been a challenge keeping in touch with everyone when I still have a cell phone and constant Internet access. I don’t know how it’ll be when I’m actually gone. Maybe the distance will make me a better communicator.
Now onto my fears: eek! I feel like my life in the United States will have been put on pause, while everyone else will continue to move forward. Who knows where everyone will be at that point in his or her life. Will they be engaged, married, pregnant, or a parent? And career- wise, I’ll find myself friends with lawyers, doctors, accountants, teachers, actors, writers, and maybe even a video vixen… Then there’s me. Will I come back a different person? Will my friends still want to be friends with me? I know some of my friends out there are shaking their heads in disbelief that the thought would even cross my mind, but it’s one of those nagging concerns in the back of my mind. And only time will tell.
Material Things
“You know that we are living in a material world, and I am a material girl.” Yes, I admit it; I like the material things in life. However, I am not defined by my possessions. In an age where email is at my fingertips and my iPhone is permanently glued to my hand, not having consistent Internet access and texting (*gasp*) is going to take some getting used to. I am confidant that I will adjust and will probably find not being constantly accessible somewhat refreshing. And speaking of Internet access, what am I going to do about my computer? A netbook is the most logical choice, but that means leaving my beloved Mac at home. In the time that I’m gone, Apple will either a) discontinue the Macbook Pro line, or b) create two new versions of it. Will my computer be old by the time I return?
Packing up all my things and moving it 400 miles from LA to San Francisco was a reality check in my consumer ways. Simply put, I have a lot of stuff. This is the girl who has about 100 clothing items with some form of USC or Trojans written on it (to be fair, a good portion was given to me). I am not a slave to fashion or the newest trends, but I like to look good and am not simply a jeans and t-shirt type of girl. What trends will come and go while I’m away? Will I thankfully miss the comeback of shoulder pads and scrunches or will I sadly miss the resurgence of 20’s glam? Maybe it’s a good thing that my sisters will divide my closet among themselves; my collection of leggings and tunics won’t be “in” forever. That being said, I need my girls to take me on a shopping trip upon my return to reacquaint me with fashion.
Then comes Eva and Wellington- what’s going to happen with them? For those of you who don’t know, I’m referring to my car and GPS respectively (yes, I name inanimate objects). Well, my little sister is one lucky person. She inherits both of them, along with all the other gadgets in my car.
Not to fear, I’m not going sans electronics. I will have my ipod, complete with a solar charger (just in case). Everything else is just extra stuff. I learned to live with it all and I can learn to live without it.
Miscellaneous
These are the random thoughts that are currently floating through my head. The most pressing topic right now is what do I pack? I have trouble packing for a weekend away, how am I supposed to pack everything I need for 2 years into 2 suitcases? I’m convinced that this is an impossible task to achieve without having magical powers. I will let you know how that process goes.
Next up is my greatest fear. Failure. I don’t know what my role will be in Senegal, but I’m scared that I won’t be successful. I don’t have astronomical aspirations and I don’t expect to change the world by myself, but I’m nervous that I won’t accomplish anything meaningful. Also, I’m scared of accidentally offending members of my new community. I am very aware that I will be an outsider in a community and culture that I am not familiar with. It’s a scary concept to enter a different culture, but an exhilarating one as well. I could go on and on about what I’m scared of, but where’s the fun in that. I’ll write more about them as they come up.
That’s it for my first (epically long) post! I enjoyed writing most of this post and I hope you enjoyed reading it. I think I will continue this and will probably post once more before I actually leave. If you actually read this entire thing, then a) you love me, b) you were really bored, or c) I was able to entertain you with my random musings and commentary.
--Peace Out!
P.s. If you have any questions you want me to answer in the next post, let me know! I’ll be more than happy to address them =)
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