12/4
Well, what can I say, I am bored. I have really had no significant work
since I have been back from the States. There has been a few beekeeping
things to do, but really that amounts to two or three afternoons. It is
really annoying how little I have accomplished recently. I did have a
farmer field day where my office took the farmer and development agents around
to show them the work they were doing. I wouldn't really call that work
though since I understood none of what they were saying and really just walked
around in the demonstration fields. The other day PC came out here to
figure out if they were going to put another volunteer in the area. They
selected one of my rural kabeles and I think it is going to be nice for the new
volunteer. The farmer training center is well cared for and the
development agent in charge of it is really smart. Finally there was
thanksgiving; I went to Hawassa where they have opened a new office for
us. It was really nice and the internet was great. Just being in
Hawassa made me regret not extending a little. It is a beautiful town
with wildlife everywhere, the people are used to white people so the harassment
isn't too bad, and it is on the lake so just so relaxing. To celebrate
the holiday we had a potluck at the office. There was mashed potatoes,
curry, coleslaw, chicken, desserts, and much more. It was so delicious,
and getting to see so many people I haven't seen in a while was great. I
am really going to miss the friends I have made here. PCVs are just the
best people (myself excluded of course).
COS (Close of service) is coming up, although now that I am so aware of it it
seems time has slowed down. But, I know sooner rather than later it will
come and I will be out of here. I got a taste of what it is going to be
like when I leave the other day; one of my coworkers got a job elsewhere
and there was an office party for him. We got together at a restaurant
for food and drinks, but a good thirty minutes was taken up just with
speeches. I knew Ethiopians like to have their meetings, but apparently
they love giving speeches, everyone talked about how they will miss him, and
gave advice. I even was even asked to say something, but I kept it
"short and sweet." They all told me that I was their brother,
and that when I leave they will be doing the same thing for me. It will
be interesting to see how they deal with the translation issue, I feel like
it is just going to mean a translator so thirty minutes of speech translated
will mean an hour. But, It is nice to know that they will miss me and I
know I will miss the friends I have made in my town as well.
I realize that I only have this month to use my remaining vacation days, so
what to do. I know I should go somewhere new, but I really think I might
just go back to Harar. It was such a good time, and I would love to just
have to time in a place I can wear shorts...yes, planning a vacation has come
down to picking a place specifically to wear "skimpy clothing."
It is almost time to start applying for jobs. I am afraid of what that
even means for me. I feel like I am unqualified for anything that I would
really want to do (also, I really don't know what I want to do), but I also am
totally against going back to school unless I have no alternatives. What
that is going to mean for my future I really have no idea. I am really
hoping that this PC experience will get me farther than I think it will.
Everyone please keep me in mind if you hear about any NGO, conservation, and/or
wildlife related jobs.
But hey, not to fear, I have four and a half months of PC, plus a month
vacation in India before I really have to worry to much about any of that!
