By far, my favorite Nigerien proverb was mentioned a few days ago in our diversity session. A volunteer that was leading the session mentioned “Life is like a chicken butt, one day you get eggs, the next day you get shit.” I couldn’t help but laugh. I was having a really terrible day, in part the dreary day, in part my mood. That cheered me up, and I knew that tomorrow would be a new day. I think that saying might be going on our stage t-shirts.
Everyone gets weary here of people having bad days (because we’re 4 people down from staging). We also know the group that is COSing (Close of Service) is about 25 people, when they started with 45. So around 20 people have ETed (Early Termination), gotten MedSep’d (Medical Separation), or AdminSep’d (Administrative Separation). My roommate here pegged me last night when she told me that she wasn’t worried about me ETing. I asked her why she thought that, and she informed me that I would be too upset at the idea of disappointing my friends and family back at home. It made me laugh at how well she understood me. I absolutely could not get through this without everyone supporting me. You have given me so much strength to get through the bad days. I am so grateful to have you all – writing me letters, calling me, sending packages, emails, and facebook messages. I was explaining to my mom just a few days ago that here a facebook message is so much more than just a facebook message. A comment on my blog means SO MUCH. And letters mean the WORLD. One of my biggest fears going into this whole process was that the life I was leaving behind would continue on and forget about me. It makes me so happy to know that my friends and family would take time out of their day and think about me. You’re all so wonderful, and I’m so happy with the decision I’ve made to go to Africa, but I know that I never would have gotten to this point without all of you. I just realized today that I have officially been outside of the states longer than I ever have before. I’m going to keep taking things one day at a time, and I’ll be home before you know it!
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5 comments:
You're Kira! How could we ever forget about you? Especially since you made the first year of college spectacular!!! Miss you and am glad to hear that you're enjoying yourself!
~Jaime
Tear...damn you, Kira! I sit here in tears (and it's certainly not the first time while reading your blogs)...not really sure why on this blog. I believe a combination of excitement for you (the longest amount of time you've been outside the US), of how proud of you I am, the wonderful things you've said about your friends' phone calls and letters, etc., and of course because I miss you terribly! Of course you couldn't be forgotten! Love you!
that's a crazy awesome saying. i'ma use it. you're my chicken butt, kira ... take it as you will.
so i'll be making your world soon. i've got a few letters to send your way. congrats on all you're doing. i'm interested to hear what type of projects you're going to be working on! love you, chica.
Kira,
I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say...You say how you are so happy to have us... but really KIRA we are so happy to have YOU. I'm so lucky you came into my life!! You have made such an impact on my life. With helping me get use to the idea of newell. And without that step I never would have been excited for my last year as an RA. The excitment you gave me allowed me to get to know you, amanda, pat, lauren, rochelle, and so many other people who have truly become my core of best friends. And thats just one of the many things you have done for me. So WE Kira are so lucky to have you!
Kira, I called and called yesterday and then decided you had a problem with your phone, which your Mom told me was true. We will get a box ready for you and get it sent within the next week. Take care of yourself and we love you. Grandpa and Grandma
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