So I am currently sitting in the Charles de Gaulle Airport in a hazy fog. I've spent the past few months living in a 3rd World country, as a Water/Sanitation Volunteer in the Peace Corps. Basically every night as I scratched myself to sleep (due to all of my mosquito bites) I drifted to a dream, where I was at home and wondering how I got there. Although I could swear that once again I am dreaming, I am constantly awakened by my reality. Due to illness beyond my control, I am being Medically Separated from PC. When I heard this news I was immediately in shock, and I suppose I still am. The problem with living in Mali with basically any illness is the harshness of the climate and conditions that one lives in while serving. Mali beats up your body, and basically every day one wakes up with some new issue, that seems quite questionable. Peace Corps Mali is one of the most difficult programs, and at the same time, one of the most rewarding.
I'm honored to be a part of Peace Corps, and strongly believe in what they stand for. Peace Corps is not an organization that throws money at a situation, or (in my field) goes in and builds a water pump for the people. Peace Corps is all about sustainability, which is what makes it unique and successful. Peace Corps teaches their volunteers the skills that they need to be successful, and then the volunteer teaches their village how to help themselves.
I am so thankful for this experience, and I pray that I made some what of a difference in other peoples lives during my time of service.
My life will be forever changed from this experience, in more ways than one. Of course, after living with a family in severe poverty, I learn to appreciate the things that I have in my life, material wise, but more importantly being away from the ones I love I have learned to never take them for granted, and to live each day as if it were my last, never taking a moment, with those people, for granted. My experience in Mali gave me the opportunity to serve with people who had somewhat different views than me, and I believe that that experience helped me significantly as well.
I am definitely going to miss those people, especially my 'Goodfellas,' who strongly impacted my life. Each and every person within my stage group is very dear to me and I am going to miss them dearly. Although I am leaving Mali, I am not worried about my village, or the other villages with PCV's, because I know that Peace Corps will do a fine job replacing me, and as for the other villages, I know that my fellow 'Goodfellas' (and the other volunteers in country) are going to do amazing things.
I learned a lot in my short few months. It was really neat to see how the logistics of Peace Corps work, as well as how all of the American's within the country relate to each other. I learned how to make bricks, and treat water, dig wells, and build a soak pit/wash station..oh and how to speak Bambara (intermediately).
I found out just how wonderful the people of Mali are, and how to adapt to their culture. I also found out how scary and difficult it is to physically be a Peace Corps Volunteer.
To say that I am not happy that I am going home would be a lie, because I have a lot to look forward to. I can NOT wait to see my fiance, and my friends and family…and Tinners of course!!!
…But I am terrified, not knowing my next move. I am excited to see what life has in store for me, and I am thankful for this experience and what it has taught me (so far.)
Thanks for everyones support throughout my journey…I could not have done it without you*
All my Love…~Ramata Sogoba!! PEACE*
