and cheese and chocolate,
and current and touch-screen phones,
and hot showers and traffic lights…
sure is strange.
I’m back Stateside on a medevac (medical evacuation) and at this point, I’m thinking I’m not going to be returning to Liberia. I have to basically be “healthy and stable” within 45 days or else I’ll get med-sepped (medically separated) from the PC. While I’m trying to stay positive, I highly doubt I’ll be cleared before that designated time frame. I was initially very sad by this news, but I’m trying to make the best of it. There are only so many tears you can cry! At least I’m here in the STL with my network of family and friends, and I’ve been able to enjoy the luxuries of western civilization once again!
Like hot showers…woah! And hair dryers…can you say a-ma-zing?! Not to mention the food. Geesh, I’ve never been so excited to eat! (Remember the scene from the end of “Charlotte’s Web” where the rat Templeton goes on a smorgasbord at the state fair? He eats a little bit of anything and everything and by the end of his feeding frenzy, he’s dragging his belly along on the ground as he walks. I feel a little like that with all the lovely foods I’ve been eating!) Thankfully, I went to the Mexican store con mi mamá to purchase some items for our annual New Years Day tradition of tamale-making. And what did I find, to my delighted surprise? Well, I shall tell you (because I know you’re so interested). They have mango, guava, and sugar cane! I bought them, of course, and ate them all for dinner to remind me of sun-shiny Liberia! I’m hoping the global market has dried cassava leaves though…. J
I’ve also been keeping myself busy doing chores, which are fun now, thanks to the machines of modern technology. Who knew that doing dishes in a sink and under a faucet of running water would be so pleasurable?! And I’ve been using the washer and dryer machines--so convenient!--to do wash, while listening to African music on my iPod (and dancing), of course. I am definitely more appreciative of all the things I--we, as Americans--have that make life so much easier.
Yes, I am appreciative of temperature-controlled buildings, light bulbs (despite being temporarily blinded the moment I flicked the switch in my hallway for the first time), and traffic-law-abiding-drivers. However, I am not a fan of the cold weather. My first night at home, I slept under 3 blankets, including an electric one. I walk around the heated house in layers of under-armor and alpaca wool pants, sweater, hat, and slippers (of the warm n’ fuzzy variety). Today I went on a 7 mile jog during a snow storm and wore 15 articles of clothing. 15! That’s how cold it is here. I sure am not in Africa anymore! I hope I acclimatize sooner rather than later….
I am still speaking Liberian English small-small and can’t stop talking about “Liberia this…” and “Liberia that…”, but readjustment isn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Granted I was only there for 6 months, I’m finding I’m able to get back into the groove of things easier than I thought. While living with my parents again is, let’s just say interesting, I am trying to stay positive. Who knows what new adventure I’ll tackle next, but I’ll never forget the experiences I had in Liberia and the amazingly passionate PCVs I am lucky enough to call my friends and colleagues. And the PC Liberia staff, both American and Liberian, work tirelessly to make sure everything runs smoothly and that the Volunteers have the support and resources they need. I know they all will continue to do great work over there and will only serve to improve the education system in the land I consider my second home. So best of luck, PC Liberia, in the year 2013! May it be filled with sunshine, smiles, and less spying from your students!
*Fellow PCVs: don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything sent to you in a care package. I.e., Oreos are so cheap here!
Mucho love,
~Dany/Lela/Ms. Bendu~
