Hello Everyone! This will be my last post as A Peace Corps Volunteer as today, April 6th, I will finish the last of my paperwork and officially complete my service here in Malawi. It's hard to believe how fast two years can go by but as we know, the older we get the faster it seems to go. These last four months have been amazing; and I've spent my time truly appreciating and enjoying all that Malawi and life have offered. I have been extremely lucky to have had such a wonderful and fulfilling service here and I thank you all so much for reading this and keeping up with my life.
The last opportunity I had to post anything was right before my vacation to Zambia and Botswana. I think many of you had the chance to see some pictures I emailed my parents from the trip. Five friends and I rented a car and spent three weeks exploring these two beautiful countries. We started by camping in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia where I got to see Zebra, Giraffes and Leopards for the first time along with many other big game. I can't really describe what an incredible experience that was or what it feels like to be so close to such exotic creatures that I thought I would only ever see in a zoo or on T.V. Next we headed to Victoria Falls which absolutely blew my mind. It was so incredibly beautiful; the sheer size of one the worlds largest waterfall was almost incomprehensible. Sitting at the edge of the falls, and looking straight down, while watching the water rush past, is something I will never forget. My friends and I also took advantage of the fun touristy things to do as well. We went whitewater rafting, which was pretty amazing and something I look forward to doing in the States; bungi jumping 117ft into the gorge; and also took a New Year's Eve sunset booze cruise down the Zambezi. Finally, we went to Chombe National Park in Botswana and were lucky enough to end our vacation watching a pride lions for hours amidst the largest numbers of elephants, giraffe, and kudo I have ever seen. The trip was amazing for everyone who came and I was excited to be able to drive after almost two years.
I was very happy to return back to my village knowing that I only had three months left. In terms of my work here and the relationships I have built, those last three months were so intense and special to me. I worked with some great people in my village to raise around 400 tree seedling at my house that we later planted all around the village to help in many different ways. I continued to work with my different women's groups advising them on small business opportunities. Finally, I kept spreading the good word about the Moringa tree and its health benefits which could do such much to combat the health issues in this country. Each day I cherished every conversation, bike ride, hole I dug, and tree I took care of. The reflection and joy I felt was so intense. Getting water at 2 a.m. due to my water shortages may seem crazy to all of you, but to me those moments under the stars waiting with other women are experiences that are so wonderful and unique it gives me chills to think about them.
My last project in the village I was able to do because of the kindness and generosity of you my family and friends. I can't thank you enough, or express the gratitude of my community for the love and compassion you have shown. With the money you donated, we were able to complete the following restorations to my primary and secondary school: the repainting of 8 classrooms and all the blackboards, the girls hostile, and 6 roofs in addition to the fixing and re screening of all the windows in the girls hostel (to reduce mosquitoes), and the re patching of floors and small repairs to beds. Over 100 community members donated their time to bring this project to completion. I cannot find the words to truly express my gratitude to you all. More importantly, the people of my area will never forget the selflessness of your actions and how it will affect their children and their future education. I really feel lucky as I've already said, to have been supported so thoroughly by the people in my life back home. My service would not have been the same without you.
It is almost impossible to share all that I have experienced and learned here as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Spending two years of my life living in a rural African village in one of the worlds poorest countries has changed my life and my philosophies in ways that I have yet to fully understand. These have been two of the happiest and richest years of my life even though I've lived with less than I have ever before. The people of Malawi have taught me how to smile, laugh, and be happy no matter what life has to offer. I will miss the camaraderie of the village life, and the sense of the community it instills in all who live there. I feel forever changed and my professional ambitions and what I need for happiness have changed also. My goal now is to come home and apply to graduate school though I have yet to decide on exactly which program. I'm looking at programs that allow me to work internationally toward positive social and environmental changes that will allow people to live a better life.
Thank you all for the support I have received over the past 2 years. As much as I loved it here, the phone calls, letters, e-mails, and packages always brought me joy and reminded me of the amazing people in my life that I have back home. I look forward to catching up with you all soon but I still have a few more African adventures ahead of me before I am on the North American continent again. This beautiful woman has been a major part of my life and happiness here and together we are travelling to Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Turkey for what I'm sure will be an amazing time. From Turkey I'm heading alone to Europe to explore the people, countries, and cultures that I have dreamed of seeing. Life is amazing and each and everyday I am happy and lucky to have another day on this earth.
Cheers, Pat
