How do you measure a year?

I'm more than half done with my service. 13 months out of 27 left. You know the song from Rent? "How do you measure, measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets In midnights, in cups of coffee In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife In five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes How do you measure, a year in the life?" How can I possibly measure my first year of service? In changes I've helped with in my community? In ways my community has changed me? In friends made? Laughs shared? Tears shed? It all adds up to one unique experience. I've learned much more about the world and myself than I ever thought I needed to. I've learned life isn't so idealistic and problems aren't easily solved. I'm stronger than I knew, and weaker than I expected. I came into Zambia in favor of aid, and I now am a supporter of investment. I see in many more shades of grey than I ever knew existed. My hopes for this upcoming year are: that I work with my community on projects they value and are committed to, I continue to challenge myself and grow, and overall to make the best of this once in a lifetime experience. I accept my limitations but also want to feel proud of my work, and that this is two years well spent. I tend to have a habit of digging in and not wanting to leave when the time gets close, and so I'm trying to dig in now. To become super committed and invested now, while I still have a year left. So when the time comes to leave I will feel ready, without digging in and without any regrets or feelings of time wasted. A photo from my community members performing a skit about using mosquito nets to prevent malaria.