Peace Corps Week II

Happy Peace Corps week! Does it feel like a year? To me if feels equally like a few months and a few decades. A lot has changed between this year's PCW and last year's PCW. I think the biggest difference this year of service has made in my life is a greater sense of self-awareness. I've clearly had a lot of time to think about why I chose to do Peace Corps and all it entails, what it is I'm doing here, and why I feel motivated to keep it up. Processing every experience is helping me become a stronger person. 

I've learned to love people, whom I've only known a short time, unconditionally. 

I don't take much for granted anymore.  

I know my breaking point and how to deal when I've been brought to the edge. 

I have zero tolerance for first world problems. 

I value my independence so much more. I'd say that's the number one thing I'm looking forward to getting back in 6 months. 

And yes, there are have been ups and downs. Actually saying "ups and downs" doesn't even scratch the surface. I'm coming to the realization that I'm going to go home and no one will know what I experienced. I won't have a friend or family member I could turn to and say "Remember eating pupusas at Niña Orbelina's?" or "I'm really missing Otinia today." Blog posts only tell so much, and I think I can see why people say reverse-culture shock is a lot worse. 

I'll need to join a RPCV group real fast. 

Way to go, PCVs, whether you're just starting training or heading into COS. The Peace Corps experience is truly one of a kind.