Wednesday, April 08, 2009

A Sort of Homecoming

And you hunger for the time...
Time to heal, desire, time....
And your earth moves beneath your own dream landscape...
Oh don't sorrow, no don't weep...
For tonight, at last I am coming home...I am coming home.

-A Sort of Homecoming, The Unforgettable Fire


On Saturday, April 4, I left my village, my home, for the past two years. Leading up to my departure, I had a month and a half of overwhelming emotions, frustrations, ups and downs, joys, and annoyances. Overall, though, I expected the worst and hoped for the best. I learned to be flexible and make the most of the moment. These 'mantras' helped me leave my host family and villagers after two years without too many tears and a feeling of contentment. I accomplished something, not necessarily anything large scale or even noteworthy to scrutinizers, but I achieved a lot in the sense of self-discovery and self-awareness. I am still the same 'Steph' that left the U.S. 26 months ago. I am the same merely because my traits that brought me to The Gambia, fundamentally, have not changed. I am still curious, compassionate, hardworking, and dedicated, but I am more assertive than I once was. I have the ability to speak up for myself and others. I am a bit more realistic, yet still remain optimistic. And maybe I'm just a little bit bolder and dare I say, brighter...

Leaving site was like, for lack of a better term, tearing off a Band-Aid. It was quick and painful for a mere second, and in hindsight, somewhat uneventful. It was better that way. I had no party, no program. I wanted to slip away, quietly. I told those that were close to me when I was leaving and made sure we said our goodbyes earlier in the week. I spent time with people, took pictures (check out the links), and just enjoyed people's company for one last time. Goodbyes are terrible in America, but they're worse here...either dramatic or emotionless.

Due to last minute medical clearances and prioritizing time with PC friends before my final departure from The Gambia (and a quick vacation to Spain), I'm now completing this blog post after being home for a little over a week. I am very glad to be back in America, but admittedly, I miss my Peace Corps friends and the kids from my host family. Readjustment will take some time, but I'm determined to enjoy all those 'things' I've missed for two years, while I try to figure out what's in store for the future...

Thank you, everyone, for your support and your interest these past years. Both have made a world of difference to me as I've walked through this journey.