It is official ladies and gentlemen: One year in the books.
One whole year.
This has been the toughest and most amazing year in the 24
years of my life.
Having this opportunity really allows you to get to know
yourself. I feel like I have learned so much about life. By the time this
service is over I will pretty much be a Guru. People will write great leather
bound books to share all that is in my mind.
To help out these future authors I wanted to share a little knowledge
with you today. I have compiled some of my greatest insights for life. I title this
“10 Lessons I have learned in My First Year of Peace Corps
Service”
1. “Always Say Yes”. Even if you aren’t entirely sure what
people are asking you. Nod, Smile, and just say yes. Who knows how many old
women think I am willing to marry their son or how many times I have told
people that I in fact know Barack Obama (PS Barack if your following my blog ,
I’m still waiting for that care package!)
2. “It’s Okay to Say No”. It really is okay to say no to
that second cup of coffee with salt and rancid butter. Unless you really like
it, in which case see “Lesson 1”.
3. “Just Ask”. This
really has nothing to do with my service but more so a chance for me to rant
about the downfall of humanity. This year I became aware of the newest craze
for tourists. The “Selfie Stick”. The “Selfie Stick” is everything that is
wrong with the human race. If you want a picture with you in it get off your
butt and ask somebody.
4. “ Treat Yo Self”. Ya just gotta treat yo self. Your town
just got a new suk with a fridge full of cold soda? Treat yo self. You went to
your hub city and they have toilet paper (which you can’t buy in your town!)?
Treat yo self. You have water and
electricity at the same time? Treat yo self.
5. “Mamas Know Best”. The first thing you want to do when
arriving to site is find yourself a mama. A mama will be there when you need
someone to tell off creepy guys, when you are too sick to go to market to buy
food for the week, and when you need to day drink local beer. She will be there
to tell you that your house is dirty, that it’s a hot day so you should
probably shower, and that you need to eat because you have lost too much weight
(but then describe you as fat). There is nothing like the love from your site
mama.
6. “Take a Deep Breath”. Through your mouth. Breath through
your nose as little as possible. Just trust me on this one.
7. “Shit Happens”. And most likely will happen in/on your
pants. There is nothing you can do but laugh/cry/vomit possible all at the same
time. Then get up and wash your pants.
8. “Let your Freak Flag Fly”. There is a 98.75% chance that
as a foreigner people will group you with the crazies. You know there’s the
crazy pant less man dancing in the street and the foreign girl. We are
practically the same person! I like to use that to my advantage. Shoot if I could take it as far as not
wearing pants I would. But I think that is pushing it.
9. “Sharing is caring”. It’s the law. You got a lovely care
package from back home? The only kind thing to do is share. Not sharing is just
cruel. Really, really cruel.
10. You can’t triple stamp a double stamp!