The Peace Corps aims to help people of interested countries and create a better understanding between Americans and the people of the country served. That's exactly why I joined. I wanted to help those in needed, while embracing a new culture and sharing stories about the American culture. I applied in March of 2011 and left in January of 2012. Most application processes take about a year, especially because of the medical checkups.
Originally, my recruiter nominated me for an education program in South America. I was thrilled to finally get going on the process, but a little nervous because I didn't take Spanish language classes in college. I purposefully took French, hoping to better my chances at getting nominated for Africa.
Imagine my delight when a placement officer in Washington, D.C., called and asked if I would be OK with a placement in sub-Saharan Africa! He admitted that the location is one of the most remote places where the Peace Corps goes -electricity, running water, and even paved roads would be rare. I was excited at this opportunity, because I really wanted to embrace myself in a challenging environment.
So, I did what a normal American would do and packed for a 27-month safari/camping trip. I rushed to department stores for all the holiday sales and packed about 100 pounds for the next 27 months of my life. Suddenly, I became a little sad and nervous. I was embarking on an exciting new journey, but I was leaving my family in Laughlin and a wonderful job and friends at the American Cancer Society. I was upset with the luggage weight restrictions, because I certainly wanted to pack all of my friends to join me in this experience.
Immediately upon my arrival to Zambia, I knew that this was more than just a 27-month camping trip. This was my life. On the camping trips that I've taken with my family, I'm used to sites with running showers, colorful brochures, and hot plates attached to our motorhome, so we could cook a nice meal.
I wasn't expecting a camping trip that never seemed to end; bathing with a bucket of water, relieving myself in a hole in the ground, and cooking over a charcoal brazier every night.
I'm getting used to the inconveniences, though. I'm learning to cook, because there are no restaurants or packaged processed foods available. I'm learning to accept taking cold baths by pouring cups of water over my head, because the best sunsets are seen while bathing in my outdoor shower. And I'm even learning to accept all the roaches, lizards, spiders, and critters that come with living in a mud hut.
In addition to coming to terms with the nuisances of this new lifestyle, I've learned a new language, Kii Kaonde. It's a tribal language based in the northwest province of Zambia. I struggle every day with correct pronunciations and vocabulary. But, at the same time, I know my 74 eighth-grade students struggle with the English that I teach them. I'm glad that we're learning and struggling together. I've been a Rural Education Volunteer in Mumena, located in the Solwezi district in the northwest province of Zambia for eight months now.
I'm excited for the next 19 months of service and I'm thankful for my friends and family back home for all the support. I'm especially thankful for Valaree Olivas, my Relay for Life chair and counterpart when I worked at the American Cancer Society, and the Lovelock Correctional Center for all the letters and care and supply packages. This generosity means a lot to the Mumena village and my service here.
Gracie Geremia is a Peace Corps volunteer and past Lovelock Relay for Life community coordinator for the American Cancer Society. She is now on a 27-month assignment in Zambia, Africa. The Lovelock Correctional Center sends occasional care packages to Geremia. To be part of this package program, contact Lt. Olivas at 273-4279 or donations can be dropped at the LCC gatehouse. The Lovelock Review-Miner will publish periodic updates of her adventures in Africa.
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