I officially have two weeks left before I begin the next 27 months of my life! At this point I've gotten past most of the anxiety about being away for so long and I'm excited to get back to Africa! I have very little idea what to expect from Cameroon or the Peace Corps (probably overall a good thing) but I'm really hopeful that Central Africa will be every bit as wonderful as Southern Africa was.
Anyone who has spent any amount of time with me this summer will know how much I agonized over what to name this blog...I enlisted the help of several friends and family in brainstorming for a clever title like my friend Liz's, the PCV in Benin who got to name her blog 'Benin There, Done That.' Or the Cameroon PCV (who I can't wait to meet) who already has a blog called 'That's What She Said.' The competition was pretty tough and at times I doubted if I could even write a blog if I couldn't even come up with a catchy name...
In the end I've decided to go for idealistic instead of clever and borrow some lines from a wonderful Nigerian poet, Ben Okri. These words depict so much of what I love about my experiences of Africa so far -- the amazing hope and joy that people seem to be able to effortlessly create in the face of what I -- and I think most Americans -- would consider incredibly depressing and hopeless circumstances. While I doubt that I'll profoundly change the world by spending two years in the Peace Corps, I do not doubt that my life will be changed and inspired by the experiences I have here. I hope this blog will be a way for me to include some of you in these experiences, both in the moments of difficulty and frustration as well as the moments of hope and inspiration.
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10 comments:
I love it! You are doing great so far on the tech front, and although it makes me sad to think that this is how I'll be primarily communicating with you in a matter of weeks, I can't wait to hear about everything! So thanks for making me a blog subscriber :)
xoxoxo
Beans
p.s. the title is very original and captivating! :)
Bookmarked! Best of luck, Katie!
I know how hard coming up with a name was for you, and I think this one suits you and your adventure perfectly! I can't wait to read and keep up with your travels on this blog. Best of wishes, best of luck, and of course feel free to twitter your experiences as well :)
KATIEEEEEEEEEEE I'M GOING TO MISS YOUUUUUU!!!
but i am so excited for you and know you will do great things and i will think of you often. loving the blog and can't wait to read it :)
xoxo
cait
We're thrilled for you, Katie! And honestly, I hope to live a little vicariously through you. You are taking a leap I've almost always wished I'd taken. Bravo for your Irish courage! My sixth graders will be dropping by to watch too, and so...we, as a class, may drop you a line, as we watch Cameroon through your eyes and your words.
Katie,
Although it took me awhile, I have finally read your blog. Thanks for putting the link on the laptop. I love your words and your indomitable spirit! Take Cameroon by storm! Remember, "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living, my baby you'll be." (Robert Munsch) Love, Mom XXXOOO
What you are doing is wonderful and we're proud of you. You are in our thoughts each day and in our hearts every second. We love you.
Dad and Mom
HEY BABE, Didn't know how to start and Tommy The Cat was playing.You never made it back out but your visit will always be cherished and we'll see you soon.I'll have 6 months next full,look up eh.Time flys kid.We know you'll fill alot of hearts over there just don't break any, don't want to have to join cousin Brian and company to get ya.Love ya, always with us. Shave your head.
HEY BABE, Didn't know how to start and Tommy The Cat was playing.You never made it back out but your visit will always be cherished and we'll see you soon.I'll have 6 months next full,look up eh.Time flys kid.We know you'll fill alot of hearts over there just don't break any, don't want to have to join cousin Brian and company to get ya.Love ya, always with us. Shave your head.
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