Well, my two years and three months has officially come to an end. Wow, how quickly things pass by and change. I feel so many changes in myself and people around me and the world in general and I keep forgetting that two years IS a long time! I am back in Knoxville with the family and it is wonderful, minus of course the freezing weather that my poor body is not at all used to. Hopefully that wont take TOO long to get used to!
I was able to finish up with all of my stoves in my Improved Stove Project and got to build three ovens in my communities as well! I hope that all that was done will be left behind as a teaching tool for other community members to build upon. I already have seen some of this develop as a few ladies in the Stove Project have reached out to other community members to build them improved stoves as well.
I ended up deciding to redo my world map in my last couple of weeks… not a wise idea. The varnish and rain and cement had just not done well and alot of the paint was not only peeling off but was also being ‘eaten away’ (hard to explain). I got some professional painters to give me advice and I began again. Sadly I wasn’t able to completely finish it. But the important stuff, countries and water are all painted there. My neighboring Peace Corps friend is going to come in late Novemeber to do all the rest of the details for me! You gotta love Peace Corps comraderie!
I loved my two years in Nicaragua, it was an amazing experience and I think everyone should be able to experience something along those lines. It is for all ages too. I not only feel like I have developed as a person but I feel like I was able to build some lasting bridges between people I came in contact with. I fell in love with the people there and I only hope that I can continue visititing them!
Thank you everyone for the support you have given me while I was away, it was a difficult experience as well, but one I would never change for anything! Thank you all and I hope to be able to run into each and everyone of you quite soon!
I can’t believe it’s finished! Crazy. I’m so glad that you had such a positive experience. Do you know what’s next or are you just enjoying relaxing with your family?
By: Nico on November 9, 2010
at 8:14 pm
Welcome home. I know your parents are just thrilled and will have a very special Thanksgiving Day this year.
There is something some Peace Corps folks have written about their experience. The name of which escapes me at this time. I do know that your location has not yet been written. This may be an opprotunity. A friend’s daughter just returned from Micronesia and is writing her article.
Aunt Patt
By: Patt Clark on November 9, 2010
at 8:40 pm
Welcome home!
I’m glad you had a wonderful experience, and have enjoyed the opportunity to read about it in bits.
By: MA on November 9, 2010
at 11:28 pm