It’s hard to believe I’m finally here… Just a few days away from making my dream of returning to Africa (more-permanently) a reality. It feels oddly familiar to be surrounded by suitcases, and half-packed boxes yet again (I calculated a few days ago that this will be my 12th move!) I love the sensation of having a great adventure ahead… So much learning and exploring to come.
On October 10th, I will start the next chapter in my life… I’m moving to Lesotho (a small country in southern Africa) to work as a Secondary Science Teacher with the Peace Corps for the next 27 months. At this point, I feel that I have more questions than answers- I can’t be certain where I will be posted in the country, or where I will teach, or how I will manage to learn Sesotho in 2+ months, or under what conditions I will be living for the next two years of my life. Yet, I am oddly content. Nervous, to be certain, but confidant that I will face each challenge as it comes… And hopeful that I will be a stronger person at the end of it all.
And without a doubt, I am excited. I am so incredibly blessed to get the opportunity to embrace this next adventure… Lucky to have a family that is supportive, friends that are willing to visit and write often, and an education that will hopefully allow me to contribute something to my new Basotho community. I guess it’s also rather convenient that I’m young (ie. stupid and crazy) enough to give up everything I know to go live in relative poverty for two years. :)
I know the transition will be difficult, but it is my hope that I will take each challenge as a lesson and opportunity for growth. I pray that in silence, I will learn to listen to my own voice/heart more clearly. I pray that in darkness, I will find comfort in the light and company of people. I pray that when I am in physical discomfort, I will become attuned to the rhythms of my own body. I pray that when I am alone, I will learn to savor my own thoughts and feelings. I pray that when I am overcome by the strangeness of the foreign, I will see more clearly the similarities in all humans. I pray that when I am homesick, I will learn to be thankful for the blessings of a safe home and loving family. I pray for strength, patience, peace, and compassion, so that I may give freely of myself and my talents.
Thank you in advance to everyone that has and will support me in this adventure over the next several years! I look forward to sharing the wonderful stories of my time abroad with you all here, and when I return safely in two years!
With Love from Virginia… <3 Mary Elizabeth
So touching Mary Elizabeth... You are such a beautiful person inside and out! Peace Corps and Lesotho are both lucky to have you!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful time! We'll miss you but we support and love you 110%. You are Amazing!
Your Mom