Mid-Service Blues

I just spent the best ten days of my life with my first visitor to Zambia.  The ten days were like a dream; we spent time jamming with musicians in my village, visited Victoria Falls, saw elephants within an arms-reach crossing the road, and took time to just breathe and reflect.  Now I am back to the village for the second half of my Peace Corps service, and the truth is that it is difficult.  My heart hurts a bit as I miss the people I love in America.  I miss home.  I miss the ease of transport, I miss access to electricity and running water, I miss the anonymity of walking down a street as another American instead of the white muzungu (foreigner).  I miss access to various vegetables, washing machines, and new technology.  I know the second half of my service is filled with exciting happenings, like helping to post the new volunteers to their villages, our mid-service conference, Camp GLOW preparations, a month-long trip home to the states for New Years, a trip to Bali at the end of March, the completion of our clinic's mother's shelter.  And yet, I long to be back in the states.  I know things will pick up, and I also know that when I complete my service, I will miss Zambia.  So I will push through, and I will do everything I can to stay inspired and present in my village.  Sometimes we must do things in the present that are both painful and beautiful at the same time, and this is one of those times in my service.  Sending love and light to all those at home who are supporting me, inspiring me, and loving me as I continue my service in Zambia.