I'm currently sitting in the Peace Corps office in Dar es Salaam. I wrote my first African post in this very chair and fast forward 2 months, my life has turned topsy turvy. I have lived with my amazing host family for 2 months, acquired a truly functional grasp of Kiswahili, made incredible friends, and am proving to myself everyday that yes, I can do this.
The conclusion of shadow week was amazing. I had been living out of my current reality into something much closer to my former environement: Spring Break. And let me just say, Spring Break Iringa truly lived up to the hype. The actual town of Iringa is fantastic. I did some shopping, some eating (okay, a lot of eating...enchiladas woopwoop), and got my bearings in a region that wait for it, wait for it...
IRINGA IS MY FUTURE HOME!!!!!!!!!
I was placed this morning in a ceremony at the PC Office. I will be living in a small village north of Njombe town. My house will be on the grounds of a primary school and I should have a few teachers as neighbors. The entire village has no electricity so my solar charger is about to get a lil wear and tear. I'm replacing a volunteer that has served 3 years! Big shoes to fill, but I'm up for it. Supposedly she wasn't aware her site was being replaced and sold/gave away everything in her house!
Let's take a moment and picture me furniture shopping in a rural village. Okay. Can't picture it? No, me either! I'm ready to nest tho and let's just hope I have my mom's green thumb for decorating. I'm about one hour from Njombe so I will be able to post pictures of my future residence without too much trouble.
What more scoop can I give you about Njombe? It's COLD there. I'm talking long underwear cold. It's also beautiful, infused with a lot of tribal language, and well, I just know it's going to be amazing. Somehow every star alligned and my best girlfriends are all in the same region. That means less than one day of travel to visit each other. I'm already planning the next theme party. I'm beyond ecstatic about the entire situation and I can't wait to give you the details as they unfold.
For now, the line for internet is out the door and people are getting feisty.
Love you all and hopefully I'll post again in the next few weeks.
XOXO
Kate
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It is all so wonderful for you. Friends, cool weather and a great place to live. You work hard and you get some nice rewards. Can't wait to plan a trip..how's the guest quarters?? Kisses Everyone, leave Katie an atta girl..(comment)
ReplyDeleteYour mom is so proud of you and wanted me to read your latest blogs. You sound happy and very proud of yourself. This experience sounds amazing and I am very pleased for you. You are accomplishing so much.
ReplyDeleteLove, Aunt Fifi
Hey Kate,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you have a place to call home now. Your upbeat and positive attitude is so inspiring! You are an amazing person, and we are all so lucky to know you! Keep on keepin on and good luck decorating. I am really curious as to what you are going to find... :)
Julie
Hi Katie,
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me but you know my daughter Alison who is a peace corp trainee in Guinea. I think your blog is hilarious. Sometimes I read it to Alison since she has cell phone service but no plumbing, electricity or internet. We had a great laugh about the f...ing rooster. Good luck in your new home.
You sound amazing....wish we could come visit! So glad to hear that you will be close to people and internet!! Send us your info so we can mail letters! Have you gotten any of mine??
ReplyDeleteWe love you and miss you!!
Rand, Marcy, Justin and Noah
Woop Woop! So cool! Maybe I could call HGTV and ask Vern Yip to do a "Deserving Design" for your hut! Do you think he would come? We think of you all the time. Lots of love and kisses, Amy, Gary, Harrison and Holly
ReplyDelete