Hello aLL!! I just finished my very last session as a Peace Corps Trainee. Crazy to believe that I Swear-In as a Peace Corps Volunteer in like 14 hours. This journey has been a long one, and the most difficult two months of my life. I am constantly stressed out to the max. In Mali, Stress takes on a completely different meaning. I've dealt with stress throughout my life, but nothing like this. Not only am I stressed about Language exams, and Medical issues, but I experience stress every time I have to use the negen, and eat, and go to sleep, or wake up (I've been here 2 months, yet nearly every morning I wake up in a panic, thinking where the heck am I?) These past two months I have experienced quite a bit of 'culture shock,' and found myself wondering what in the world am i doing?
The answer: I have no clue. Most days, I don't know what to think or what to feel. I feel a mixture of emotions, and have lots of highs and lots of lows.
I DO KNOW that tomorrow I will Swear-In as an official Peace Corps Volunteer and join thousands of admirable individuals. I am so proud of my accomplishment, because I know exactly what it has taken to get to this point. I know that the next few months are going to be unbearable at times, and unimaginably lonely, but after 'HomeStay' there isn't much that I can not do.
Peace Corps is HARD, especially in the 'Hard Core' Peace Corps Mali, but although I do not like this aspect most days, I am able to reach limits that I would never have EVER set for myself. Yes, I am complain and No, I may not want to do it some days, but I have done it. I have successfully completed my Peace Corps training, and will Swear-In in the morning with the incredible 22 individuals who have battled through the past two months with me!!
Wish me Luck!!
Love you aLL, and I am so thankful for all of your encouragement*