So today I turned 25. Im in the big city Lusaka for medical tests since Im extending my Peace Corps service into a 3rd year...more on that later.
But I was walking with a friend to the grocery store. And she (being older than me) playfully asked if I felt older and more mature and wise and all that playful witicism jazz that people say on the official recognition day of aging. This birthday was the first time I said yes. Yes I do feel older and more accomplished and wiser and all that jazz.
Maybe its the monumental number 25. A quarter century. Probably its that.
Its that I no longer feel focused on fixing myself. I've always been concerned with bettering myself. With trying to change. My skills. My knowledge. My beliefs. My personality? Always advancing and pushing for the latest model of Brittany. But lately and especially on this official recognition I have a concrete idea of who I am and what Im great at and all those things I suck at and for the first time its all OK.
For my 3rd year Im moving provinces (states) in Zambia to be what is called Peace Corps Volunteer Leader (PCVL). Basically its the person that is the middleman between the volunteers in that province and the Peace Corps administration in Lusaka. The PCVL takes care of the office in the capital, which is really like a frat house for the volunteers in transit. The PCVL has to handle a lot of details and listen to a lot of complaints.
And for that reason a lot of people think Im nuts to do this job. Hell, I think Im nuts.
But its all OK. Because its an important job. Its important for the PCVL to listen to the volunteers bitch about things that are really just products of being culturally tired. Tired of changing. Tired of adapting. Tired of always trying.
And its really nice to do this when for the first I've stopped trying.
I just am.
New Address:
Brittany Freitas
P.O. Box 710150
Mansa, Luapula
Zambia
5 comments:
New blog post! Yes! Yes! Yes! Hooray! Sound the trumpets! Blare the-, ok I'm sorry.
Dude, I seriously looked into that RPCV position. I think you're crazy. Haha! But who knows, maybe when I turn 25 next year I'll have a change of heart and feel like I should lead little bratty PCVs as well!
I might be helping out at the initial orientation of the new kids. I guess that will be a taste of the glory.
When will you go back home? Since you're extending, maybe we'll be back home at around the same time. If that's the case we should party!
Happy Birthday Britters! I'm glad it's "OK" So many forces compel us to be like everybody else. Te we become what Brennan Manning calls "imposters" preoccupied by acceptance and approval. "If you don't be you...." You are MARVELOUS. It sucks you will be gone another year ("gone" meaning far from me but not really gone) but I'm inspired by your decision and thrilled we'll get you in the states for October. Can't wait to hear your Made of Honor speech. :-) Daddy Loves YOU
heyy brittany!
so i've been virtually stalking you for a while. ali gave me the link to this blog and said i would be interested in reading it. turns out she was right. i guess you've heard a little bit about what i've been up to lately, and i would love to hear more about what you've been doing. i know you'll only be here for a little while, but if you find some time i would love to grab coffee or have you over to my little commune thingy for dinner one night. i love stories and i have a feeling you have lots of them. i would love to hear some of that 25-year-old wisdom if you wouldn't mind imparting some of it. :)
anyway, let me know! i hope the next couple of months go well for you!
sarah hoffman
I forgot to tell you HAPPY BIRTHDAY on wed!!!!!!!! Im happy for your current status. I can't wait for your homecoming and to hear more stories. I love you and miss you big sis!
Brittney, it seems like you will be in exactly the right spot next year. You will have insight and empathy for people on the front lines, and maybe, just maybe, you'll be able to pull some strings for them sometimes. Frustration level could get intense...anyway, congratulations, and cheers on your upcoming visit with your wonderful family. Love, Patty
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