FAQs

It's my last few days at home. After a year of anticipation, the reality of my big adventure still hasn't sunk in. I'm guessing I'll run into it at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport at around 6am Monday morning.

Creating a blog was one of the few things left on my to-do list, and just look how productive I'm being! I won't have Internet access for my first couple months in Malawi, so I figured I ought to get a post or two in before I leave. Here are my answers to some frequently asked questions to get us started:

Q: Now where are you going?
A: Malawi. It's in southeastern Africa between Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. The official languages are English and Chichewa and there are a few other tribal languages (no, I don't think there's any clicking). There's a big lake and a big mountain and it's climate is relatively warm and tropical.

Q: What is your village like?
A: Don't know yet. They wait to match volunteers to villages until they know a little more about their individual strengths and weaknesses...at least some people still recognize that people are more than their resumes.

Q: How long is the commitment?
A: 27 months

Q: 27 months?! Do you get to come home?
A: I am allowed to use my own money and vacation time to do so, but I'm not planning on it. I'd rather use that time to see more of Africa.

Q: What will you be doing?
A: Teaching high school. I'm pretty sure I was hired to be a biology teacher, but I may also teach physical science, English, or their version of sex ed, which is mainly focused on AIDS awareness/prevention.

Q: Do they give you any sort of training?
A: Yes. The first 8 weeks will be spent with other education volunteers in language, culture, and technical training. I will attend lessons and live in a home-stay (to help with language and cultural immersion).

Q: What is the food like?
A: Homogeneous; mostly corn-based.

Q: Running water and electricity?
A: Probably not...at least not at my house.

Q: Are you nervous or excited?
A: Both. It oscillates. I feel basically the way I did before I moved to Bucknell: I'm confident in my decision and I know it'll be a great experience, but it's not going to be a cake walk. In fact I'll probably really miss cake. And my family. And flushing toilets.

Q: Why did you decide to join the Peace Corps?
A: I've always wanted to; it has something to do with my sense of adventure, my desire to do good in the world, and my life goal to be an interesting person. Mostly I just decided to go for it, because I didn't want to regret not going in my old age.

Q: Are you worried about your safety?
A: Yeah...The same way I worry about my safety wherever I go. But I'm pretty good at being aware and alert and making good decisions; I know all the tips and tricks for avoiding crime as a tourist; I think I'll be okay.

Q: What do your parents think?
A: Please. My parents are the bomb.com. My dad was hanging off the side of a mountain when he was my age, and my mom traveled extensively with my sister and I way before I can even remember. Her reaction to my assignment was, "Yay! We're going to Africa!" They're so excited for me. <3

So that's it for now. If you have any other questions for me, let me know in the comments or on Facebook. I'm not sure how often I'll be able to update this blog after the first 9 weeks, it could be once a week or just once every few months depending on my placement, but I promise I'll make an effort! So excited!