With
1 month before departure closing in on me, I suppose I should begin
my blog. I have accepted my invitation from the Peace Corps to serve
in Zambia with their RAP (Rural Aquaculture Promotion) program.
Basically, teaching how to fish farm in the African bush. I have been
told I will have no electricity or running water. I will have my own
mud/brick hut with a thatched roof. My toilet will be a hole, and my
shower a bucket. Months ago, this was wonderful idea; I had always
dreamed of living off the grid, away from civilization, enjoying life
by the rhythms of the earth. As much as I am more exited than ever to
begin this journey, reality is setting in. Everything I am used to
now in life - from hot morning showers, a microwave, internet, to
cars and grocery stores – will only exist to me in some abstract,
upside down, backwards version I once took for granted.
Over
the course of the past year, I have fallen in love with the thought
of living in Africa. As my view of Africa has gotten more complete
from more stories and books than I can count, I am still bewhildered
by the immensity and weight of the history and culture that lies in
this region. This growing perspective of the continent has given me a
clearer picture of the vast differences between ethic groups,
climate, culture, beliefs, and ways of life than I ever though I'd
know, and I haven't even stepped off the plane.
The
main goal of this blog is to help paint a more realistic picture of
Africa. But, I need your help. My wish for this blog is to create a
dialogue between the readers and myself. Ask questions, get involved,
leave comments. This is your chance to experience the world in ways
you may never have been exposed to. I am going to keep this entry
short, I will have plenty to talk about soon enough.
Now,
how to pack for 2 years...
Peace
