i don’t know what to say…
February 7, 2008
well, its been a good few months in kenya so far. but unfortunately now its all over. Peace Corps has decided to suspend the program in kenya at least until may, at which point they will reassess the security situation. for me this means i will be flying home to Connecticut friday, arriving saturday.
life in kenya is really hard, but leaving this life is the hardest thing i have done yet.
my mind is racing at all times of day and night. i can’t seem to wrap my brain around the fact that i will become a returned peace corps volunteer (RPCV) 22 months earlier than i expected. i had just began teaching and coaching volleyball, i felt like i had made a few great friends and was feeling very comfortable with my enviornment and work. it took some time to integrate and be accepted, now i feel like as soon as i did that, i am leaving. there was a lot to do, and so much more in kenya that i was looking forward to, now it seems like those goals and dreams may never be realized.
the peace corps staff is split in opinions of what will happen, some believe that this violence and insecurity will end soon and by may we will be able to return. others, who i am incined to agree with, believe that these problems are not election issues, but deep rooted tribal problems, there is no quick fix, there is no comprimise. as much as i hope kofi annan has some tricks up his sleeve to save this country, he is only a man. it will take time and devine intervention to save kenya.
if this is it for me in kenya, i still see value to my time here. i have learned so much about the world, myself, and kenya. my views of some thins really have changed and i would recommend that every american go somewhere where electricity, water and a stable government are not taken for granted. americans can learn a lot. my only regrets are that i took in so much and gave so little back. i planned on helping the people i lived with for two years, and instead was given two days notice that i would be leaving. its hard to do, but i will never forget the things i have learned, or the people i have met.
Entry Filed under: Uncategorized. .
2 Comments Add your own
Leave a Comment
Some HTML allowed:
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <pre> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>
Trackback this post | Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed
1.
Barb Labadie | February 7, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Dear Bob,
You are sad to leave, I understand, but realize that you have seen more in 5 months than most people see in a lifetime. As I told your mom, I am sure that this dream is only “on hold”. There is a world full of people that need the kind of help you can offer, but I do think that in time, you will return to Africa. I do hope so.
Know that God does know what He is doing, and as Papa would have said, “things happen for a reason”.
We are ALL proud of your nobility, courage and determination. I will never believe that the people whose lives you touched are not richer for having known you.
Love,
Barb
2.
Gretta Orazen | March 2, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Jambo Bob! My name is Gretta and I’m a RPCV Kenya 95-97. I’m sorry your PC experience was cut short. What a tragedy has befallen Kenya. My RPCV friend Mary Anne and I have developed a project that promotes peace and unity amongst Kenyas and a unique way and also gives friends of kenya a great way to pass along their hopes for a peaceful Kenya. I hope you can check out our website at:
http://www.suluhu-peacekanga.org
Of course, we would also love to see the link passed along to as many other people as possible.
If it is inappropriate for me to approach you through your blog, I apologize, but we are anxious to contact former PCVs from Kenya in any way possible. Thanks so much and best of luck to you!