9 days to departure

After telling many friends and family that I have a blog but, “haven't done much with it yet,” I have decided to inform loved ones of my pre-departure experience thus far. First, let me explain why I have named this blog “Defying Gravity”. Setting aside the fact that it's a great, uplifting broadway song, I actually feel as though I am resisting a pull in the opposite direction. I feel that there is and always was an expectation for me to go from undergrad at CofI, straight to veterinary school. This is the “original plan” I had made at age 12. Maybe I have put so much faith in that plan that its mass increased, giving it more gravitational pull on my life and how it would play out. I was so pulled by my plan's mass that the idea of not following it was out of the question. After some soul searching, and asking myself what I really wanted, I came up with the alternate plan to positively affect as many people in this world that I can – as cheesy as that sounds. So, here I am, 9 days away from a plane ride taking me first to Peace Corps orientation, then to Malawi, Africa to teach secondary science.

I have to be honest in saying that before my invitation arrived I didn't know Malawi was even a country, needless to say I couldn't tell you anything about it or even point to it on a map. I started learning Chichewa on the first day, starting with “Moni” (hello). I have been adding to my vocabulary about 1 word or phrase a day. Now I can say a few more things like “I am thirsty” “What's up” and “Where is the bathroom”. Unfortunately, there is no one to converse with me or correct me if I am wrong, so I'm going to bet the natives will totally own me in even the phrases of which I feel most confident. It's going to be very humbling. On a positive note, in a recent dream I replied in Chichewa. I think I told someone that I was sorry.

I have been getting things ready to pack for about a month. Everyone has been so wonderful and supportive, and have been giving me some provisions. I am a little nervous to be wearing a skirt/dress every day. If you have known me before departure you will know that I am not a “girly girl”, and that daily dress wearing will be quite an adjustment to me. Also, what about “that time of the month”? I have been reading some packing lists and suggestions from past and current PCVs, and I've heard there is a reusable tampon out there which is best. All women I mention this to cringe at the thought. Don't worry, I will not blog about the experiences (successes/failures) regarding this subject later, but it's just something to think about. I have bought some really great gear for my trip, like a solar charger, and some great new Chacos (which I love!).

What have I been doing while I'm home waiting to leave? Well, I am taking the advice of many current PCVs - eating a lot of my favorite foods while I can! :) I have heard most volunteers get pretty sick (not used to local foods) and lose 10-20 lbs during the first month or so, so I am banking on that counteracting my overindulgence. Maybe it's just wishful thinking. I have been riding my horses as much as possible. I doubt that I'll have the opportunity to ride anything in Africa, but I guess I could get creative and try to wrangle me a wildebeest. I have been soaking up as much History and Discovery channel as possible. I'm enjoying trying to get through the first 3 seasons of PSYCH, which doesn't help me get over my crush on Gus or Shawn. Hanging out with the parents, teaching mom how to throw a frisbee, and going on hikes/runs are also daily activities.

I am very excited, but starting to get a bit nervous about my 2 year long escapade. A friend once told me that he believed deja vu to be an indicator that you are in the right place at the right time. Essentially, you are doing what you are destined to do. Not that I necessarily believe his idea, but I haven't had deja vu in quite a while. Either way, I'm not going to stray from my plan to depart to and teach in Africa. Every day I grow more excited to meet the people I will be working with, and to be in the “Warm Heart of Africa”. I am going to check off many bucket list items in the next two years. I will probably add some too. I will miss you all very much! Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I prepare for my time in Malawi.