I have officially lived away from how for the longest time
ever. That’s right I have officially lived in Uganda for an entire year. It’s really hard to believe that it’s been
that long, especially since living in Uganda has been my dream for the past
five years and it is finally my reality, and has been my reality for the past
year. I still have about fifteen months left of this crazy adventure and I am
the most excited to see what is to come. I still have so much country to see,
people to meet, and adventures to have. Here I am going to recount some of my
favorite adventures, lessons learned, and adventures I still hope to have.
First I
want to apologize for not blogging more. I knew I was going to drop off and not
blog as much as I had originally hoped. I just honestly had hoped that I
wouldn’t but let’s face it life gets busy and lesson plans happen and blogging
is forgotten about. However, I am going to set a goal for year one to start
blogging more. It will probably be twice a month but we will see if I can do
more.
I have
been talking to other Peace Corps volunteers and they have all said that the
year mark has been their sweet spot where they finally get comfortable in their
teaching, with their neighbors, fellow teachers, and just Peace Corps life as a
whole. I didn’t realize that I have finally hit my sweet spot also. I am have
fully started teaching and feeling completely comfortable with my students.
They finally pick my accent and I have seen so much growth and improvement in
their phonics and reading comprehension. I have also finally started my Theatre
Club which was my biggest goal for Peace Corps and hopefully our play will
happen at the end of term three. This sweet spot makes me so excited for term
one because I will be able to begin right away with all my classes. I have also
finally hit my sweet spot with my neighbors who happen to also be my teachers
at my school. I am planning dinners so I can continue to get to know them more
and form even stronger friendships. It’s been slower for me getting to know the
people around me because I have been a bit shy but I am finally more confident
and able to open up.
Now,
let’s recap some of my adventures. First, we went on a safari, which was the
most amazing experience. We were so close to so many beautiful animals. Then we
went rafting on the Nile, which was exhilarating, scary, and so much fun. That
same weekend we went bungee jumping, which was the most terrifying thing I have
ever done. Then we got to hang out on a beautiful island. The island was simple
and fun. Not much to do but still relaxing. We also got to experience a music
festival. That was raining, but fun. I also got to experience cold in Uganda by
heading over to the Southwest to Lake Bunyonyi, which was so beautiful. I
stayed in a Geodome that had a balcony that over looked the lake. I am
incredibly thankful that I have been able to experience this beautiful country
more. I have experienced other adventures and fun hang outs but these have been
my favorite. I can’t wait to see more of this country.
Here
are some lessons that I have learned thus far in my service. First I am much
stronger than I think. I have endured my fair share of challenges and I have
gotten through each one of them. I didn’t handle them on my own each time but I
still got through them. I also learned that I can be independent. I have lived
on my own for the past year for the very first time ever and I have been doing
so well and I actually kind of enjoy it. I have also learned that I can
actually be a pretty good teacher. I know I have been teaching for a while but
this is the first time that it is not extracurricular teaching. I have also discovered
that I am beautiful and I truly love myself. I cannot get over all the growth
and experience I have been through this past year and I cannot wait to see what
the next year holds.
The
adventures yet to come, first I am going to Rwanda. My mom is coming to visit
me and we should go chimp trekking and hopefully to the Crater Lakes. My dad is
hopefully visiting where we will go to Kidepo, a safari and Chobe which has a
beautiful outlook of the Nile and an infinity pool. I also want to climb Sipi
and Mt. Sabinyo. I also want to travel to the other districts that I haven’t
been to yet. I am itching in anticipation to experience the next set of
adventures.
This
year really has been a beautiful year and I cannot believe that this is my
life. Peace Corps is difficult at times but I honestly would trade any of it
for a second. It makes the hard days worth while. Not to mention Peace Corps is
going to give me incredible opportunities after service. I will be able to get
my credential and teach in California and then hopefully in other countries as
well. The world is my oyster and this adventure is just the beginning.
Here’s
to hoping I can blog more often in the next coming year. We will see what
happens.
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