After living in Samoa for 26 months, tonight is my final
night.
I’ve heard that Peace Corps is a life changing experience,
and indeed it’s true. Samoa has been quite the ride, full of a roller coaster
of emotions. There were a few occasions where I wanted to quit and go home, but
I’m glad I stuck it out because while I’ve faced many hardships, some of the
hardest times of my life, the Peace Corps and my time in Samoa has been one of
the best experiences I’ll ever have. The biggest lesson I’ve taken from
this experience is: If I can survive two years in a developing country, 5,482 miles (8,822 km) away from home, without privacy and sometimes without basic
amenities, then I can do anything.
Over the past two years I’ve met and formed relationships with
not only fellow Americans, but with Samoans and people from all over the world;
people I can’t imagine never meeting and not having in my life. And for that, I’ll forever be grateful
to this country.
Samoa will always have a special place in my heart. Alofa
atu, Samoa! Toe feiloa’i… Tofa
soifua!
So now I can officially say: Join the Peace Corps and complete
two years of service, check!
What’s next? I’m off to Fiji, Australia, and Thailand to
celebrate this milestone! Expect updates of my travels.
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| My pastor threw a to'ona'i (Sunday lunch) in my honour and lavished me with gifts |
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| Happy Prize Giving |
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| The map is now the photo taking headquarters |
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| This island girl is a taupo |
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| Doing the traditional dance for the villagers |
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| Final night with my host fam :( I love and will miss them dearly |
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| Utulaelae is my village and has been my home since I arrived in Samoa. This is the village where I had Peace Corps training and moved to after I left Savai'i. |
