Today we began the 11th and final week of training. The week is filled with various tests- medical, safety and security, and language. It’s also filled with a lot of time for reflection, and very structured reflection. We spent the morning answering “Readiness to Serve” essay questions, one of which instructed us to describe what makes us believe that being a Peace Corps volunteer in Peru is the right job and organization for us to commit to at this time.
Had you asked me that question when I applied, my answer would have been very different than what it is now. When I was on the plane to Peru, my answer was different than when I applied. And, the times that I’ve been frustrated during training or experienced culture shock, I also had different answers. I’m sure in two years when I’m COSing, I’ll have yet another answer.
What I wrote today, somewhat encompasses all of the different conclusions I’ve come to.
“I have a passion for people- inspiring them, empowering them and getting to know them. While I know I could technically do those anywhere, after being here for 10 weeks, I feel a very special connection to Peru. The Peruvian people have been very welcoming and very willing to work with me. Now that I’ve completed training and have a better understanding of the Youth Development project framework and goals, I am confident that I can make a positive impact and work towards achieving those goals with the Peruvian people.”
All volunteers have different reasons for applying and serving in the Peace Corps. Most of us will question those motives at some point during our service. Actually, a few of us Peru 23ers already have.
The first night in Olmos during my site visit, I spent a lot of time thinking about why I’m here, wondering if I had made the right decision to quit my job, leave my family and friends, and move what sometimes feels a million miles away. The next few days though, any doubts I had went away as everything began to click. It clicked while talking to the Police Chief, and discovering he was excited to collaborate on projects involving the prevention of drug and alcohol use and bullying. It clicked when my host niece ran up to me after I had been gone for an hour and gave me a giant hug. It clicked when my host sister and I had a conversation about shoes. It clicked when a neighbor told me she wanted to start running with me. It just all clicked.
And in those times that I’m particularly missing family, friends and breakfast tacos, I’ll remember those moments. It’s those moments that remind me that all of this is worth it, that I belong here.
Brittany McGee 