A Year in Review
What can we say about 2005? It lasted about a year.
The year started off with me anxiously awaiting the start of my internship at Delton-Kellogg High School (Go Panthers...maybe, I can't remember the mascot, but Panthers sounds like a winner). It was my first opportunity to spend an extended period of time in a classroom in the capacity of a teacher. I definately learned a lot and taught some pretty sweet students who even still drop me a line here in Kenya.
It was during my internship that I was told I was nominated for an assignment in Africa with the Peace Corps. I had to go through the lengthy process of having a physical exam, dental exam, bloodwork, and lots of paperwork.
Oh, and then I graduated. It was a bit surreal to realize that my time at WMU had come to an end. Man, I really love WMU. I have such great memories and friends there. I could go on and on about that place and its people...but I won't, not today.
Following graduation I searched for a job for about a month, to no avail. So I had to exercise my backup plan: buildings & grounds at Bedford Public Schools. (Sigh) Back to exhaust fans. I got to hang with Chris again, which was fun. But during this time I was filled with longing. I desperately wanted to know when I was leaving and where I was going in Africa.
My answer finally came. Kenya. September 19th. My mom's birthday.
Also during the summer we had my Grandma and Grandpa's 50th wedding anniversary and my friend Nathan married his bride Jessica who may or may not have been blushing.
And then, it was time to leave. Just like that. It happened fast. My birthday seemed strange, my farewell visit to WMU didn't seem like it, and my goodbye party just seemed like a fun time to see people from all aspects of my life. But then I was at the airport with my parents on my Mom's birthday saying goodbye. Goodbye for over two years. It didn't completely set in, but it was emotional. I was leaving into the unknown. Everything that was familiar would be challenged. I didn't know what to expect from the moment I stepped on that plane.
It was exciting. I love being in new situations and experiences and meeting new people. My group of volunteers were/are pretty sweet.
I was amazed at how fast I became accustomed to the Kenyan lifestyle. In a short amount of time it became natural. I felt relaxed and at ease. Sure there are some things that I miss (washing machines), but others are a welcome improvement (at most restaurants and homes they come around with a pitcher of water and basin to wash your hands before you eat).
Lets just fastforward to today (I've never been good at these self-reflective writings). I've been at my site for about a month as an official PCV. I'm starting to learn the local dialect Kikamba. It's a tonal language so its a bit difficult. I spent Christmas with a friend and after that I visited another friend on the coast for a few days. I went snorkeling for the first time. It was way harder than I thought it was going to be. For 23 years of my life my brain and lungs and body have been in agreement that it is not a good idea to try to breathe under water. So it took a little persuading for me to adjust. But I saw some sweet coral and fish. Got a lot of sun. Saw some slave caves.
After that we came to Mombasa, one of the largest cities in Kenya and a popular tourist destination because of its great beaches. A group of us spent New Years there. We went down to the water and saw some fireworks. There was no ball dropping or Dick Clark to let us know when it was officially 12:00 so different groups of people started celebrating at different times. Hakuna matata.
New Years day we relaxed, I ate some pizza and we watched King Kong. It is a really good movie. It was also long, especially with an intermission. And King Kong was played by the same guy who played Gollum in Lord of the Rings. Right? It's a story of friendship. A friendship that defies all odds. That's my review.
So I'm heading back to my site with school starting in about a week. I'm almost in the same position I was in at the beginning of 2005. Anxious about starting a new teaching experience. I've been brushing up on my Kenyan geography since I'm supposed to teach it. I'm excited to finally begin what I came here to do. Here's to a successful 2006 for everyone!
I love you all!
---------
P.S. Check out the 'Evidence' tab for new pictures!
P.S.S. I took off the Snapfish link, because all the pictures have been moved to the 'Evidence' tab. So check out the 26 new pictures that begin The AuntJanette Educational Series. -- Dan (or, as I like to use on blogs, PungentAroma)
