CIB (Cait in Botswana)

Does A Sky Get Much Better Than This?

Having been back nearly two months, I have frequently contemplated how to wrap up my blog. I find myself many days shaking my head and wondering just how it is that all of a sudden I was on a plane and, numerous time zones later, back in America. There are moments, like now, where I find myself so nostalgic I could weep. Weep with joy, with relief, with sadness, and happiness.

My last two weeks in Botswana were certainly emotional ones. My last Teen Club was so sweet that I cried at numerous time. (I am, for the record, a crier it seems.) The kids put on a drama (a play) for Jonathan and I...it was so cute and funny! The little girl who played me how somehow figured out to speak English using the same catchphrases I did - hilarious! One of the little boys cried, they wrote me cards, they made me smile. They reminded me that these two years were so worth it.

There was the final cleaning of my house which was a more massive undertaking than I anticipated. Thankfully I had two good friends help me do it. I was even more thankful upon the discover of a rather large, furry spider. Ugh.

There were frustrations. There were moments where I just shook my head and said, "Nope, I'm not going to miss this."

But I do.

I am so thankful to be back home. To be able to pick up the phone anytime I want and call my friends and family. To have a job and a car. I am very thankful and very blessed.

But it was worth it.

I've said it a lot, I know, but these two years were such a gift - even on the days when it felt like it was a burden.

So that part of the journey is over. I am, officially, a RPCV - a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. I am back in the United States of America, grateful for washing machines and my car, but missing so many little things.

I was lucky enough to come back to a job, I am still working in the field near and dear to my heart - HIV/AIDS.

I will end by saying one last round of thank you. Thank you to all of those who have journeyed with me in one form or another - from the Peace Corps Volunteers who served along side me to my priceless family and friends to the person who every now and then read my blog.

Ke A Leboga. (Thank You)

The Long and Winding Road..

One of my favorite spots in my village...no real reason...just is.