With 8 days until I
leave for DC and then 2 more days until I leave on a direct, 12.5 hour flight
to Ethiopia, there is a lot of change occurring. I have been spending time with
friends and family, have said many goodbyes (or as I prefer, “I’ll be seeing you
again soon”), and of course some packing and organizing thrown in the mix.
Many people have asked
me what I will be doing once I arrive in Ethiopia. Quite a reasonable question, but the truth is
a lot is unknown. For now, what I do
know is that I will have 3 months of intensive training (cultural, health,
language) and during this time I will live with a host family in a town called
Butajira, about 2.5 hours from the capital, Addis Ababa. From there I will be assigned to some part of
the country where I will begin my work as a community health volunteer. I am
looking forward to both using my knowledge and skills and learning from the
people of Ethiopia.
Among all of the
change that is coming very soon, I find peace in something a friend recently
told me: Change is a part of nature: the four seasons are proof of this. Change is natural and change is good.
What I am excited for:
- · The beauty and culture of Ethiopia
- · A much slower pace of life (no more studying flashcards while on the stationary bike at the gym)
- · Meeting a group of incredible, talented, and like-minded individuals and fellow Peace Corps volunteers
- · Learning from the people of Ethiopia
What I suspect will be (quite) challenging:
- · Washing clothes by hand
- · Learning Amharic (or one of the other several other main language., keeping in mind that there are over 200 differect dialects spoken)
- · Learning how to prepare food without the amenities that I am so used to and grateful for
- · Many more that I am sure will arise…. :)
Most importantly I am
striving to go into the Peace Corps with no expectations; a blank slate and
sponge, ready to write my Peace Corps story and take it all in.
One final thought, and I will try to do both while in Ethiopia....
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