CIB (Cait in Botswana)

Without too much fan fare 2009 has exited and 2010 entered.

2009 marked a full year of life in Botswana. Like all years it contained a year full of ups and downs. Some really high ups and some rather low downs...but nothing that couldn't be handled. Looking back I have a list of things to proud of - helping to coordinate 2 huge HIV testing events, helping to start Teen Club, welcoming new Peace Corps volunteers, being a camp counselor at Camp Hope, being a pen-pal with a middle-school class in the U.S., painting murals, working with Peace Corps staff and volunteers to rewrite the Peace Corps Botswana project framework, and transferring skills to co-workers were some of the highlights.

For fun I went camping twice (which I had never really done), went to Kasane (where a lot of wildlife is), had and went to random parties with other volunteers and generally tried to keep myself entertained.

All that being said and done, in November I decided that it was time for a serious break. As much I tend to enjoy my experiences as a Peace Corps Volunteer - life became a little overwhelming and so my mom, being awesome, bought me a ticket home.

On December 23rd I found myself on a plane for the first time since getting on a plane in New York City to come to Botswana. After a quick flight from Gaborone to Johnannesburg, South Africa I embarked on a 16 hour flight from Johannesburg to Atlanta. I spent 3 amazing weeks back in the United States surrounded my family members and friends who showered me with even more love and support than when I am here. It was so emotionally satisfying. The thing you don't always think about with Peace Corps is just how lonely it can be here (and I'm not even that remote). You are often in the presence of other great volunteers, but no one knows you like the people back home ... and I miss that more than anything else.

3 weeks went by way too fast and I quickly found myself back on a plane to Africa. This is where I am now. I have a long layover in Johannesburg, South Africa and then it’s back to Botswana in the morning.

2010 in Botswana begins tomorrow. I have mixed feelings about it. On the plus side I am really grateful that my time left in service is limited. No doubt about it, given another chance, I would do it all again. It’s been a fabulous journey - but I am definitely ready for the next chapter - whatever that might be.

Being home reminded me that living overseas is an awesome, life changing experience - but being somewhere where my heart and soul are happy is crucial. Family and friends are crucial to the previously mentioned happiness.

I want to do my best to make my last few months here worth something (and to keep myself busy!). I have projects that need to be wrapped up, things to be packed up and plans to be made (though they will be tentative I'm sure.)

So here is to a new year. No doubt for me it will be filled with many more ups and downs, changes, laughter and love. I hope that you find what you are looking for in the new year as well.

Happy 2010.