Ssekukulu Eyesanyu (Merry Christmas)

This Christmas was an interesting one. I have spent the past three days very sick. The only real relief I felt was lying in bed. Eating just caused me a tremendous amount of pain, however despite all this I was surrounded by an amazing Ugandan family who took such good care of me, made sure I at least ate something little and rested so I would be back to new as soon as possible.

Being sick as been really hard on me because I have spent most of my time in my room so I could rest. Spending time in my room has meant that I have been away from my host family and I know that I am just being paranoid that they totally understand that I am sick and just need to rest but it’s still hard. I want to be present, I want to be spending time with the family but being sick I have had to rest, in order for me to be back to normal and no longer sick. But, I have a huge case of FOMO (fear of missing out) and I feel like I am missing out majorly. But I go back to the reminder of self-care I need to care for myself in order to be full and present with my family.

So… I didn’t have the Christmas that I expected because I was sick, and I missed my family and friends so much, but it was still a good Christmas because I got to experience the kindness of my amazing Uganda family that I have the pleasure of living with. Homesickness is real. It sneaks up on you like a ton of bricks. In the midst of everything however you are greeted with the reminder that home really isn’t that far away. That the people back home are still supporting you, fighting for you, and cheering you on every step of the way. Peace Corps is hard, and wonderful, and challenging, and moving, and rewarding, and exactly where I am supposed to be. So here’s to this adventure and experiences firsts away from family and friends. I’m here with new family and friends that I can’t imagine life without.