Today is Mother's Day which has me feeling a bit sentimental. It will be my last mother's day that I spend with my mom until 2017. Seeing as how I am sure there will be a lot for me to blog about while I'm in Cameroon, today I'll tell you my thoughts on what will be the most difficult thing: spending 27 months away from my family.
As you may know I'm close with both of my parents. Perhaps it is because I'm an only child. Perhaps it is simply because I have great parents who have found that difficult balance of parenting, mentoring and friendship.I am going to miss them so very much while I am gone. The longest is have been away was for four months while I was in Senegal. I know there will be days that I will become very home sick.
The first way I hope to overcome homesickness is to remember just how much my parents support me leaving. When I told my mom in 4th grade that I wanted to join the Peace Corps, she and my dad allowed me to have experiences that would foster my sense of global citizenship. Just over a year later they funded and allowed me to spend sixteen days in Australia and New Zealand with People to People. That was just the first of many trips and they supported me all the way, knowing I ultimately wanted to join Peace Corps, essentially cultivating my desire to move far away from home. They have encouraged me to be involved in my community, helping to develop skills that the Peace Corps looks for.
I also know it is possible to create family wherever you find yourself in the world. Host families, other travelers, and teachers/trainers/guides are simply amazing. (If you ever have the chance to host a student from another part of the country or the world, please do. Words will never be able to express what fond memories I have for the many people that have welcomed me into their homes over the years.) Once again I give my parents kudos. They've listened to me speak of my other mothers and fathers without the slightest hint of jealousy. They've encouraged me to foster those relationships which when you are away from home, can be the ultimate comfort.
I look forward to meeting my new "family." In the meantime I am enjoying every last minute with my biological family as we celebrate final mothers' days, fathers' days, and birthdays together for a couple of years. As I saw on Facebook, "It takes a special kind of mom to raise a Peace Corps Volunteer." I would change that to "It takes special parents to raise a Peace Corps Volunteer." Thank you to my immediate family and extended family. I would have never considered doing this without your support and goodness knows your support has been incredible through the application/nomination/invitation process. I love you all!
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Friday, May 9, 2014
F.A.Q.
I've had some questions asked of me repeatedly so I thought I'd answer them here!
Q: So...ummm....where exactly is Cameroon?
A: Right there! It's the country shaped like a peacock (which is how I've always been able to remember where it is for map quizzes).
Q: How long will you be there?
A: 27 months. Three months of training followed by two years of volunteering.
Q: Will you come home at all?
A: As much as it would be awesome to come home, the cost of a plane ticket for the amount of time I would have it would not be worth the cost.
Q: Are you worried about security (i.e. Boko Haram and general safety)?
A: No. Peace Corps has closed posts in the North for security reasons and if any more security issues arise, I have full confidence they will react appropriately. Everyday security does not concern me in the least. I always try to be self-aware when I travel and as my dad says "Bad things can happen anywhere." I could just as easily get attacked or robbed here in the United States.
Q: What exactly will you be doing?
A: Not exactly sure, that's part of the adventure. I will be a health volunteer which could mean anything from maternal health to HIV education to vaccinations. I will also have secondary projects depending on what my community needs.
Q: Do you get paid?
A: I will receive a living stipend that will be enough to live on. I will also receive some money when I come home and some financial benefits for grad school. Beyond that, it's about volunteering.
Q: How much can you bring?
A: 2 checked bags and a carry-on. (Basically 100 lbs of luggage)
I think I've covered some of the most frequently asked questions. As more come up, I'll share.
Q: So...ummm....where exactly is Cameroon?
A: Right there! It's the country shaped like a peacock (which is how I've always been able to remember where it is for map quizzes).
 |
| http://www.operationworld.org/country/came/owtext.html |
Q: How long will you be there?
A: 27 months. Three months of training followed by two years of volunteering.
Q: Will you come home at all?
A: As much as it would be awesome to come home, the cost of a plane ticket for the amount of time I would have it would not be worth the cost.
Q: Are you worried about security (i.e. Boko Haram and general safety)?
A: No. Peace Corps has closed posts in the North for security reasons and if any more security issues arise, I have full confidence they will react appropriately. Everyday security does not concern me in the least. I always try to be self-aware when I travel and as my dad says "Bad things can happen anywhere." I could just as easily get attacked or robbed here in the United States.
Q: What exactly will you be doing?
A: Not exactly sure, that's part of the adventure. I will be a health volunteer which could mean anything from maternal health to HIV education to vaccinations. I will also have secondary projects depending on what my community needs.
Q: Do you get paid?
A: I will receive a living stipend that will be enough to live on. I will also receive some money when I come home and some financial benefits for grad school. Beyond that, it's about volunteering.
Q: How much can you bring?
A: 2 checked bags and a carry-on. (Basically 100 lbs of luggage)
I think I've covered some of the most frequently asked questions. As more come up, I'll share.
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