Woah We're Halfway There!

Last week marked an exciting second half to my Peace Corps Uganda experience.  Along with the 42 other Volunteers from my May 2012 class, we came together to celebrate our Mid-Service Training… One year at site and one year left to go.

We talked about the past yet focused on the future… A way forward to make the best of what is remaining.  We talked about life post-PC and whether that is work or education and what resources are available to us, we had a very candid conversation on resiliency and how we are feeling, and we were able to share what we have done thus far so that we could walk away with a wealth of ideas.

The days allowed us the opportunity to talk with our respective program people, inquiring about various things.  Specifically for me was information on my new site as it has been seven weeks since I had found out I needed to move yet again.  During my discussion with Akiiki and Cotious, I was told that the site in Kitgum is in fact where I will relocate.  I was overcome with emotion, as I am confident that this site has everything to make my service come full circle. 

The evenings were filled with trivia thanks to yours truly and a slideshow commemorating the past 14 months in country.  Pictures dated back to our Staging event in Philadelphia and to our 10-week Pre-Service Training.  Pictures capturing us learning how to bucket bathe, wash clothes, and speak in local language.  Pictures capturing the smiles, emotions, and beauty that is this experience.

Mid-Service put everything into perspective.  We are now on the countdown and I feel like we just left country.  Come October, the May 2012 class will be the oldest group in country.  These newest group of PCV’s are saying to us, “I can’t believe you are at MST!” 

The scary thing is, I remember saying this exact comment to the group that is soon to be leaving back in October.  As I type this, they are packing up their bags, closing out their projects, finalizing their COS trips, and saying goodbye to the people in their community.

As eager as I am to see everyone back home and begin the next chapter to my life, I want to soak up every moment in Uganda.  I can’t imagine saying goodbye now.

It’s ironic that this is how I felt when I left home.