Any Peace Corps service will be
filled with challenges, but I think some of the toughest ones that I have faced
so far have been the mental ones. It’s often much easier to focus on the
difficulties that come with life here than see all of the potential opportunities
that lay ahead. There are many Volunteers that finish their time in Cameroon
jaded and cynical about their expectations for development here, and I don’t
want to be one of them. I have noticed recently that my patience often wears
thin and that I find myself frustrated at some of the inconveniences that used
to amuse me. This past week was especially challenging, as I attempted to
restart projects that I had neglected during my preparations for Jake’s visit.
Progress moves slowly here and in my experience so far, constant vigilance is
required to keep projects moving.
So in an
attempt to counter some of the negativity I’ve been feeling, I’ve decided to
write this post about some of the things that make my service great. Some of
them are unique to my post, some to Peace Corps Cameroon, and some can be
applied to Peace Corps service in general.
- · I have nearly complete freedom to choose my work projects, work partners, and set my own schedule. My only limitations are the availability of committed work partners and geography.
- · Part of setting my own schedule means that I almost never have to get up earlier than I want to. So I’m never tired. I’m still getting over this novelty.
- · The fun of shopping at the market still hasn’t worn off. I have a few “market mamas” that I’ve gotten to know, and I try to be loyal to them whenever possible. It’s way more satisfying to buy vegetables from a woman that I know than a generic supermarket, even if the selection overall isn’t nearly as good. And they’re usually much fresher.
- · I get way more joy out of American-made goods than I ever did back home. One of my market mamas gave me a Hershey’s Nugget today and it made my day. It was stale milk chocolate, and I’m not sure I would have even eaten it in America.
- · I live in my own apartment for the first time in my life (and probably the last for a while) and never have trouble paying rent. My landlady and I are going to “make sport” together this afternoon by walking the two kilometers down the mountain to Bamenda and then back up.
- · Getting clothes custom-made is totally normal and brings approval from my Cameroonian friends and neighbors.
- · It has never been easier to make friends. My neighbors were so curious about my presence here that they welcomed me with open arms, and continue to make me feel at home whenever I stop by.
- · The Peace Corps gives us the most comprehensive medical care I ever expect to receive. And although I haven’t been very impressed with the quality of care available in local facilities, we always have the PC medical office in Yaoundé to take care of us if we need it (as well as the option of medical evacuation…but let’s hope I don’t need that). I theoretically have a pair of glasses headed my way (courtesy of the US government) to replace the pair that I lost at the beach.
- · The climate here is warm and comfortable, but somehow lacking in mosquitoes. I really got lucky on that one. Also, the landscape is stunningly beautiful and consists of grassy mountainsides, sometimes with animals grazing.
- · You don’t sign a binding contract when you become a PCV, so we’re all free to leave whenever we want. For me this means that every day that I spend here is my own choice, not just a step towards fulfilling an obligation.
- · There are almost 200 other PCVs scattered across the country, most of whom are only a phone call away (some don’t have phone service). Talk about a support system. And the phone company we all use just introduced an unlimited texting plan for $1/month. Game-changer.
I’m sure that I could think of more benefits to life as a
PCV if I tried, but I’m happy with this list for now. In the meantime, enjoy
all that June brings your way. That’s my strategy these days.
No comments:
Post a Comment