Im going to Zambia! I will be a HIV/AIDS Community Mobilizer...no clue what that means. The Peace Corps definition: Your task will be to help the communities to understand the basics of HIV/AIDS, identify means of prevention, care and support, prioritize, plan, implement and manage these interventions in a sustainable manner.
Because that isnt intimidating at all.
I leave July 23 for staging (a short orientation to meet other volunteers and get lots of shots) in D.C. and then we all fly out July 25 to Lusaka, Zambia. The first three months is intensive training in a local language, technical skills and cross-cultural awareness. And then we are sent to our villages for the actual 2 years of Peace Corps service.
Im doing my best to prepare and see everyone one last time so email me or call. Im hanging out in the Bay Area filling out paperwork, packing and drinking a lot of red wine. And please PLEASE write a letter to me in Africa. But most of all...send up some prayers for my safety and this great opportunity to learn about my little self in the Lord's big world.
B. Fresh
5 comments:
As a proud mother of a PCer, I must tell you I have recently noticed MANY whiney PCers complaining about their job as if it were all a surprise to them. Some have even justified reasons for quitting and going home. To me, all of them were weak excuses from weak people who should have prepared better for this opportunity of a life time to become strong.
Prepare yourself diligently in your head for what appears to be dreaded loneliness.
Prepare yourself now for culture shock in all aspects of your life.
If you can't bend like the willow during a "life storm" you will definitely snap.
My daughter has become one with her community, has become one with the people, has become one with the nature of Africa.
This is what you need to do in order to get the full enjoyment and satisfaction out of being a PCer in Africa.
Embrace, don't fight the differences between you and an entire nation of cultural differences. This is where you must be strong. Become one with the people, don't isolate yourself. The ones that do this isolating and hiding are the ones that are lonely and miserable.
I hope you meet my daughter, her name is Tatiana.
Hi Donna, Thanks for your comment. I appreciate your advice. I look forward to this challenge and consider it a great opportunity to learn about myself and a different culture. Maybe I will meet Tatiana. God bless.
Dear Brittany, As the time of your departure grew near I kept wandering "what is the best fatherly thing to say?" The answer on the "best" never came. Just know that I am so proud of the person you have become. Know that before you set foot in Zambia, and know that will never change. I love you so much and am with you every day in thought and prayer. Peace be with you. Dad
A best friend brings out the best in you. Thanks for being the only real best friend I have ever had. I hated saying bye to you this morning, but I know that you are going to do amazing things. Your a warrior and a lover. Fight the injustice in Africa and love the people. I am with you always, and I know that you are with me. I love you, and i believe in you. Remember criticism is weakness leaving the body, and encouragement is Jesus lending a helping hand. See you soon sister.
YOU ARE SO AMAZING!!!
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