Sexy’s Ode to fellow volunteers

DISCLAIMER: This blog states only the opinions of a Peace Corps volunteer and in no way states the opinions of the Peace Corps Organization or the US gov.

I’m currently in Bamako. Just got my swine flu shot. I’m about to celebrate a couple of holidays with some other Peace Corps volunteers.

Whenever I’m away from site for too long I experience what we volunteers refer to as “site guilt.”

This time away from site is always much-needed every now and then of course.

Just living in Mali out in the middle of nowhere for two years is certainly somewhat of an accomplishment in itself. But, of course, that is not enough. We have to actually be productive while we’re here on top of that.

Recently, us Kayes region people, had our regional IST. It was four-day training. We were taught things like how to apply for funding, how to hold meetings, food security, among other topics.

What really impressed me though was that the day before our training, the head of Peace Corps Mali, Mike Simsik, came all the way to Dialafara for a site visit. When we got to Kayes, the volunteers had some really good conversations with him about things we thought could help improve our Peace Corps experience.

Peace Corps has this absolutely amazing way of somehow making you notice their incredible support system, and at the same time, giving each volunteer an incredible amount of freedom.

We are all being treated as adults. We are really for the most part left alone at our sites. If we really wanted to we could do absolutely nothing for two years. With great freedom comes great responsibility.

This training/vacation I’ve talked with a number of volunteers as well as read a lot of volunteer blogs.

The things that my fellow volunteers are doing (or attempting to do) are simply incredible. From leading formations, building schools, wells or pumps, teaching at schools and universities, holding hand-washing days, making maps, working with artisans, and the list goes on.

It is simply inspiring to see what all my fellow volunteers are doing. In that way this trip has been absolutely worth it. I am fired up to get some stuff done when I get back to site.

So, this one goes out to you. All you hard-working Mali PCVs. You push me to do great things. I hope all of you are being acknowledged for all of your hard work. Because, that too, needs to be said.

You are all amazing people, and it has been my honor to get to know all of you, and work alongside all of you.

I wish all of you all the best in any projects you may undertake, and I of course wish you all the best of luck in living in Mali. We all know how much of a challenge that is!

Keep on trucking guys. I ni baara!