Being in Peace Corps is like being on a roller coaster. I have heard it before and I will hear it again. I don’t like roller coasters and I think I can count on one hand the number of times I have been on one. But, I like Peace Corps. I could see how people compare the two. There are times when you’re up and times when you are down.
During your service of 27 months there is always this looming question that you ask yourself and other asks, “Are you extending”? Which means are you staying for a third year? For me personally, the first half year or so I really didn’t know one way or another and always told people I don’t know right now. There was about a year gap where I thought to myself, there is no way I would stay here any longer than I have too. Around my birthday I started thinking that I like it here, I like my village, host family and I am not really getting that sick anymore. I also started working on this Food Security initiative and as time went on I found myself working more at the Peace Corps office. This summer I went back to the states to visit my family and while I was there I discussed my options with them. The main options was I could potentially move out of my village and into the city and work on this Food Security Initiative full time. I could only see doing it for a full year and not just the rest of my service of six months.
I thought I would have until December to decide. For reasons outside of my control things started to fall into place and I had to make my decision in August. It depended on Budget approval for me to move and work full time on food security. In the beginning of November we got budget approval so I then officially submitted my paper work to extend until April of 2014. Passed my medical exam, and then got my official approval from the country director.
The next step was to tell my family and friends in my village. When I told them they were upset but they were also excited for me. My host father said he would let me keep my house and not let anyone else move in. I appreciate it because I still want to go and visit and hangout on the weekends. I also love my mother’s cooking.
My program manager then came and told the elders and other important people in my village that I am leaving. After that I found an apartment near the PC office and filled out the lease agreement. I should be moving from my village to my apartment December 1st. I am headed back to village for a couple weeks and then I take a step on a different path for about a year and a half.
I saw this Peace Corps PSA a couple weeks ago and it hit me just right and I just shook my head and told myself that its sooo true
