My Final Post From Samoa

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.

My pastor threw a to'ona'i (Sunday lunch) in my honour and lavished me with gifts

Happy Prize Giving

The map is now the photo taking headquarters

This island girl is a taupo 

Doing the traditional dance for the villagers

Final night with my host fam :( I love and will miss them dearly

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.