Three months from today, I will be on a plane to staging then 2 days later a plane to Dakar, Senegal!! absolutely crazyyyy! Many people have been asking me how I am feeling about this new path my life is about to take. I heard one girl now in the pc describe the period of waiting as ...hovering above a state of absolute panic. I would agree but also add in a sprinkle of bipolarity. One minute, I will be looking forward to everything that is about to happen, the thrill of exploring my new home, new country, meeting new people, the challenges of learning new languages, basically the newness of everything. Yet in the same minute, i'll think hollllly jhesuss what did I do??!?!? I'm going to live in AFRICA for 2+ years whattttttt.....leaving my friends, family, loved ones behind, everything familiar about the US. I'm hoping this is a normal transition of feeling panicked and blissful at the same time. I'm already taking extreme pleasure in the luxuries of life here, like a washing machine and dryer, dish washer, shower, running water, a working toilet, paved roads, stop lights, cars, microwaves......whoever invented these was brilliant..thanks! I'm loving foood, for thanksgiving, I ate so much, I was in pain lying on the couch for hours..had to wait to have pie till near midnight.
Since the departure time was extended, I've been staying very busy. Still working at the farm, no longer weeding but things still need to get done. Interning with a vet once a week to learn more about animals, their natures', how to care for them, signs of disease, interacting with the farmers, its a very interesting exposure to say the least, and I'm loving it. I'll start working at a ski mountain as a skiing instructor, once mother nature gives us some snow. Hosting and busing at a restaurant as well. And, of course, spending some quality time with friends and family.
In the holiday spirit, I'd like to offer some thoughts on the amount of wealth that we all have in our lives, whether it is material or emotional. I have found myself wishing for less material, maybe its through my purge of material items to get ready for the PC, but instead of giving material this year think of simply being with your loved ones or donating to a local food pantry, Heifer International, cancer research, UNITED WAY, OXFAM, or the thousands of other organizations helping others. I promise you will feel 'cleaner' and lighter.
