Trying New Things

I think it is good for me to try new things. Today I participated in my first Zumba class. It was so much fun but incredibly difficult! I'm grateful I had Jess there with me to laugh it off with. i also opened an etsy shop and I'm trying to sell jewelry. I wish I could travel for free and not have to worry about pedestrian stresses, but if that was the case, I probably wouldn't be who I am or care about that which matters most to me. 

This is about two weeks old, but I'd like to share my St. Patty's day. My sister, mom, and I hiked Mt. Tamalpais in San Rafael, CA. It was a beautiful sunny day and the view was gorgeous. My dog, Sophia came along too and did great on the hike, walking through mud and streams, and reaching all the smells she could. Standing in my mom's living room I have looked at Mt. Tam more times than I could ever count, but I have only stood at the top once. 

After we quickly descended and returned home, we cooked a great dinner of corned beef and cabbage. I spent the night with my cousin Steph and we had a great night staying up chatting & watching tv. {I miss nights like this already <3} It was a great holiday and I'm grateful to have spent it with family. Although I always miss my brother +Aaron Ezgar on St. Patty's! 

I've started reading Dead Aid by Dambisa Moyo. I like this book for many reasons even though I've only read the preface.

1. The author is a woman from Lusaka, Zambia, who received a masters from Harvard in government, and a PhD in economics from Oxford. 
2. It is about empower Zambia and lifting restrictions placed by aid offering nations
3. It was written in 2009! {A good history/economics} book I just finished was published in 1986. 

I'm sure I'll have more thoughts about this book as I actually read it, but it's already off to a great start.

About a week ago I got a great deal at REI for a PURPLE camelback, which I have wanted for yearsss! I figure if I'm going to be biking 12 miles a day, it was worth it. I also had a coupon I used to get hiking bots today. They cover my ankle which I like & they're in girls size so hey another price break! The other library book I have right now but haven't started reading is called, "Living Poor, A Peace Corps Chronicle," so I guess my bargaining experience may come in useful.

One of the aspects of the Peace Corps that draws me in most, is learning new things. New language, culture, faces, traditions, and what I am capable of in a new situation. Before 9 this morning I had no idea if I could Zumba. Now I know I can, and need a lot of practice. 

I'm free to sell all I am, move where I can, and be as happy as I can be...

"I'm free to sell all I am, move where I can, and be as happy as I can be. If I was a diamond in the sun I would shine onto everyone to be free."  Diamond in the Sun by Sean Hayes

This is a trial run, no guarantees I'll be an avid blogger.

exactly eleven weeks until I'll be in DC for a day and then Zambia for 27 months.

I'm feeling excited, nervous, ready, and optimistic. I focus my energy on visualizing positive experiences & outcomes. Underneath the optimism and excitement, sneaks fear. I've changed nearly every aspect of my life in the last 4 months, and I miss so many people and my cat & dog. I'm looking forward to the future and the unknown. Mostly I fear losing people in my life that I deeply care about and wish I could spend days with. But I feel it's important for me to take risks and see as much of the world as possible. I cannot wait to meet the people of Zambia and create friendships with people half-way around the world from where I've started. I hope to learn & grow and practice community building and empowerment, and health education.

I read online today that Bill Gates offered $100,000 with a follow up million to someone who came up with a new condom that would actually increase sensations. Considering the condom design is over 100 years old, I  can't help but love Bill Gates and see him as a genius. The impact of people worldwide actually using condoms would be monumental. Birth rates, HIV, STD's, and HPV, which causes cervical cancer in women, and men show no symptoms.

I am in the process of collecting items to take with me. I want to feel the dirt under my feet, and learn to carry water on my head. To soak in the sun, water, wind, dirt, people, air, and energy of Zambia and the Peace Corps.

I miss my loved ones in Washington. I get used to it but it never gets easier. Sometimes even the good times are sad to think about because I miss them so much. I feel guilty sometimes for leaving but I know the people who mean the most will still be part of my life. But I still feel the emptiness, and sometimes no positive thought can make a difference. I try to focus on the big picture and trust my instincts.

Its been great spending time with my family. I had an awesome time with hanging out with my Cousin Stephanie, and at the Oakland Zoo with my Aunt Lynn, Uncle Richard, and four little first cousins. I had such a blast! We even saw a mock East African hut. We walked in and my Uncle (who was in the Peace Corps in the 1960's) said to me, "Welcome home." It was funny and probably not to far off. It was renewing to spend time with my family. Although I already miss my dog Sophia an incredible amount.

 As a kid about 11-15 I was inseparable from Jessica and it is amazing to hang out with her & her super adorable son & nice friends & husband. Years have passed but she is still one of my favorite people, genuine, and tons of fun. It nourishes an unfamiliar part of my personality to hang out with someone who knew me as a kid. Of course I hope these next two years strengthen my all relationships. It gives me hope that I will still be friends with Patrick, Gerald, Jenna Wes & Holis, Izzy, Naomi, Zz, Craig, Carolann, Marcia, Jaz, Peri, and anyone else I may have left out.

I used to idealize a world where privileged people would do service in other countries as a mandatory part of all education. I realize now that although I will have a life-changing, and amazing experience in Africa, it is beyond formidable to say goodbye to all the people I love, even if it is only temporary. Two years goes by fast, but a lot can, and will, change. I am awakened and passionate about my upcoming journey, and if it wasn't new and intimidating, it wouldn't be the outside my comfort zone, or cause me to grow and learn.