So as much as Id love to say serving, as a PCV is rainbows
and sunshine every day, sometimes this gig is rough! Let’s face it; every day
can’t be on fleek. (ß
who says PCV’s can’t be hip with the cool words States side) These past couple weeks have been one of a few weeks that had me borderline 3-year-old tantrum, tossing
myself on the floor kicking and screaming in need of someone to just hold me,
say its okay, and give me a sticker and ice-cream. However, not all hopes are
lost, I’ve come to find there’s a few ways to survive riding the rocky waves.
Happiness in a box – I’m pretty sure I can speak for all
volunteers when I say getting mail makes your day. Come on when was the last
time you wrote some snail mail? Its fun! I love reading what friends and family
have to say, and I have fun drawing pictures on the letters responding. Even if your not a PCV tell me you don’t
enjoy a letter from a friend. Care packages!!! Its like Christmas morning to
get to your box and see a little slip to pick up your package at the office. I
pretty much skip the whole way to the post office. Seriously, I can not say
thank you enough to the people who have sent me goodies, especially the ones
who have sent supplies for my little monsters, wait I mean….. ummm….. classes
of angels.
Welcome to the twenty first century – Isn't technology great?
There’s been a few times I had a day from h-e double hockey sticks! Then I get
a notification from a friend or family saying either something encouraging or
some quoting funny conversations or recapturing funny memories. Sometimes I swear people sense it even from
the other side of the globe.
Hide! – Its taboo for the culture of my host village to
spend time alone, but some times its needed. Yes, integration and being active
in your community is good, but sometimes its just, needed to lock yourself in
your room with head phones staring at the roof. Sometimes sanity is granted by
tucking away behind a back tree with a book. Just go for a walk. This job can
be tough at times, sometimes the best de-stressor is a nice walk and breath of
air.
I cant believe I’m about to suggest binge eating – I love
chocolate and hot Cheetos. I ATTEMPT to save my hot Cheetos for rainy days, but
then, well theyre hot Cheetos, especially lime, mmmmmmmmmm *starts dreaming of
its loveliness*. Peace Corps has taught me the meaning of love; love is the
feeling you get when you put hot lime Cheetos in your mouth. Since my hot
Cheetos don’t typically last long I try to always have a chocolate bar or some
other treat tucked away. Some times simply surviving the day is reason enough
to celebrate and indulge in good as an award for not going [completely]
bonkers.
Pack your teddy bear – Seriously! If you have one pack it. I
have an elephant, her name is Cassie and she is the best. Also, before I left
my friends back home gave me the best going away gift ever! They threw a
surprise going away party and made me a scrap book of collages, pictures, messages, and some
extreme randomness, and I LOVE IT! Just flipping threw its pages not only makes
me smile every time, its helps ease home sickness spells.
If you need to talk to someone, then talk. - We're not super heros, we're humans and with that comes emotions. You'd be surprise who you find can be the biggest support when you need it. There was literally a time I was so frustrated I cried my eyes out and a learner saw me, shocked to find out Americans cry. I'm usually a very bubbly person so she was under the impression that Americans are just happy. I didn't feel the need to explain all the issues but rather just leave it at, I'm feeling sad right now and sometimes crying helps. The next day she showed up at school with a card for me.
And when all else fails a nice walk in with your head phones blasted is really nice way to relieve some stress and bring you back to the fact that you are living through an experience. Whether you're in America, Africa, South America, on and island, good days and bad days happen. Sometimes one of the trickiest parts of being a volunteer is learning how do dance through the rain rather than screaming at the next person to cross your path.
hey--I thought you took my worry dolls. They sometimes helped me through my secret moments!! let me know if you don't have them and I'll send you a set. They're magical!! and always remember we love you and are there in some way or form
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