So, I have a confession to make... I've always thought that people who kept blogs were self-involved narcissists. I mean really, who has that much time to devote to talking about themselves? And who really believes that their life is so interesting that other people care to read about it? Ha, well I guess I do now! This blog will be a way for my family and friends and anyone else who stumbles across it to keep up with me while I am thousands of miles away from home, volunteering with the Peace Corps in Ethiopia. Hopefully you will find it interesting, and hopefully I will have a few followers! Hopefully at least my parents will read this. Hi Mom and Dad! I don't know quite what to expect upon my arrival in Ethiopia on June 5, 2012, but I am hoping to have semi-regular internet access and be able to update my blog every couple weeks. Well here goes nothing-- my first blog entry...
I love telling strangers that I am moving to Ethiopia. I love to see their reactions- the shocked and confused looks on their faces, the questions "Why?", "What will you do there?", and "Aren't you scared?". The answers I can provide to these questions are much too involved for a short interaction with a stranger, so I try to sum them up in a few words. "Why?"- To volunteer with the Peace Corps. "What will you do there?"- I will teach English. "Aren't you scared"- Yes! But now my friends, I will attempt to answer these questions for you. The answers are complicated and may not make sense to everyone, but they are my truth.
Why am I moving to Ethiopia? Because I feel deep down in my soul that this is absolutely the exact thing that I am meant to do at this moment in my life. Because I desire to be a part of something bigger than myself. Because I believe that I can make a difference. Because I have a dream to live in Africa. Because I want an adventure. Because I love to travel and experience new cultures. Because I love and care about helping other people. Because I want to live somewhere long enough to see and be a part of positive change and progress. Because I want to get my hands dirty and do the work that is necessary to bring progress to a developing country. Because I believe that everything in my life thus far has prepared me to do this.
What will I do in Ethiopia? I will serve as a Peace Corps Education Volunteer. My official job title is Primary English Teacher. What that means exactly, I do not know yet, but I will soon find out. I will live like Ethiopians live. I will learn and attempt to speak their language. And hopefully I will have a wonderful adventure!
Am I scared? Yes!
Hell yes, I am absolutely terrified, but not of the things you may think. I am not scared of living in a developing
country. I am not scared for my safety
or my health. I am not scared of bugs or
other crawling things. I am not even
scared of living without electricity.
Well, ok maybe I am a little scared about not having my Blackberry
within arm’s reach. The thing that I am
scared of is that I will be missing out on life here with my family and
friends, not being a part of holidays, birthdays, celebrations, or even just
the day to day routines. I am terrified
that being alone and so far from all I know may take me a really dark and
lonely place emotionally. I am scared
that I might not have what it takes to actually do this. Right now, my fear is tempered with anticipation and excitement. I pray that I will be able to keep my fears at bay, and I just hope that everything will be ok and that this will be a truly positive experience.
Thank you for reading my first attempt at blogging! Thoughts, comments, and emails are always welcome! Please continue to check in as I continue to bear my soul for all to read... 3 weeks from today I will be on my way to my African adventure, until then I'm gonna live it up with the ones I love!!!
