I had not initially
planned on a trip to America during my service. So many things were
happening in my family in the month of May that I simply could not
resist the use of my vacation time. Thanks again to mom and dad for
fronting the travel costs! I was very excited to go as I made my
reservations. I looked forward to my cousin Lea's wedding, Sara's
16th birthday, my mother birthday and mother's day, as
well as Memorial day weekend. Though as the time approached I got a
little scared. I hadn't been home in over 600 days. Just under 2
years, and I wasn't sure if I was going to be the same person. Would
I randomly talk in Wolof, eat with my hands, or make an off color
comment? When I finally saw American soil though all my worries were
gone and I was glad to be home.
 |
| Miss these guys every day! |
While I was there I went
to the above mentioned events as well as so much more. I talked to
elementary, middle and high school classes, went 4-wheeling,
canoeing, shooting, boating with dad, 2 concerts (one at which I
crowd surfed to the stage!), and so much time with family and
friends. It was so great to see my brothers and sisters and how much
my nieces and nephews had grown up. I caught up with my cousins, and
spent a lot of time with Sara. I also got to see my best friend Jess
who flew in from Portland just for me :). The ease with which people
can travel was refreshing.
I had some great days
working with my dad and seeing wildlife. Everything was so green! My
family vacation to Lake Cumberland was also a highlight of the trip I
won't forget. We went out on the lake and saw Mammoth Caves. We also
stayed out late to see a moon-bow over a waterfall. It was one of the
most amazing things I had ever seen.
I relished as much meat
and cheese as I could. I even took time to cook some Senegalese food
for my family. I finally had Penn Station and Skyline, omg soooo
good! I got to eat at some other great restaurants too, and was fully
satisfied by the time I had to go. I was there for a whole month and
it was just enough time to see almost everyone. I did miss my friends
and family in Senegal though.
I knew my friends were
waiting for me here and that my family was hoping I would actually
come back lol! I had some trouble getting back home but I'm not even
getting into that until it is resolved. There will either be a future
posting of Peace Corps caring for its' volunteers, or how little they
really care, we will see. When I finally got here I was so happy to
see my friends and it was so great giving gifts to my family. It is
so cute to see my little baby siblings in frilly American dresses.
Kids are still coming to my hut this day asking for more toys. I have
some hidden in my trunk that I'm waiting to hand out so they aren't
too overloaded. I also stocked up on some goodies for my friends and
I, so don't worry I'm not starving yet!
There were a lot of
feelings I had in America that I hadn't expected to have. For
example, I was really annoyed when people asked about the animals in
my area. Yes, I live in Africa. No, there are not large animals like
lions and elephants here. They are all being wiped out. Habitat loss
and poaching are clearing the plant of these mega charismatic beasts.
I was shocked to find that people had no idea that many of these
animal aren't just endangered but some of them are down to less than
100 individuals in the wild. 100 individuals is considered to be the
bare minimum of animals needed to continue a species due to the need
for genetic recombination.
I was also disgusted by
the wastefulness. Half full plates being thrown away, gigantic
portions well beyond what is necessary to survive, or even to live
healthily, and all of the plastic. There is so much excessive
packaging on everything. Why do all the fruits and veggies need
containers? I hope I find a nearby farmers market when I get home.
The first and only trip I took to the mall I almost had a panic
attack. The consumerism is disgusting and so many things are
completely unnecessary. They seemed to me the perfect symbol of
American laziness. Why is America obese? Maybe because we have
machines to do everything for us so we have more time to watch TV.
I'm sorry, but seriously after a week I wanted to throw the TV off
the roof. There is so much out there and so many things to do. I
don't understand watching a box for 4-6 hours a day. I didn't own a
TV in college and now I'm glad I didn't or I may have become just as
addicted.
I was also appalled by
the excessive use of energy. Lights left on during the day, TV's an
radios on that no one is listening to, car rides just out of
boredom, and I know this is crazy but it seemed weird to me all the
fuel used to keep the yard “pretty”. I don't mean to rip on my
homeland, but I hope when I return I keep the ideals I have learned
here and don't abuse the resources we have such easy access to at
home just because I can. People in Senegal have a minimal trash
system and no recycling. I recycled everything at home and see no
excuse for people who don't. I want to enjoy a good quality of life
while I am alive and I don't mind working a little to ensure that
future generations can have that too.
Overall, I feel I must end with this; Despite the things I don't like about America I still can't wait to get back.
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