Well here it is folks... I ended my service as a PCV on December 8, 2015. I never thought I would write those words but I have been home for about thirteen days now and I am really happy with the decision I made to end my service early. I had just hit my 19 month in Uganda and the thought of trying to make it another eight months well lets face it, it would not have been healthy for me mentally and physically to stay there. I was really unhappy, all I wanted to do was stay in my house and read instead of doing my job and dealing with the outside world and people in my community. I am stubborn and I was like "I am going to get that RPCV status no matter what - I am not going to leave!" I didn't want to let myself down for leaving early...well I started to experience panic attacks and was dealing with PTSD symptoms following some events that took place. There are also a bunch of other things involving my org, people in my community, and events that happened which also played into my decision to leave but they are boring and I really don't want to bore you with the details.
When my mother came and visited, I broke down and finally admitted to myself that I really wanted to go home (Mother's are good like that). I finally realized I was tired of being unhappy, stressed out all the time, frustrated, and I was starting to hate Uganda (which is something I never wanted to do). After much tears and talking to a wonderful friend back in the US, I realized it was time for me to head home. Sometimes a simple sentence can change the path in ones life. Once I made that decision to end or Early Terminate as PC calls it - I felt like the world had lifted off my shoulders, I could breath again, the panic attacks went away, I started eating again, and the fog was lifted from my very frazzled brain. When it comes to ETing - it is never easy and by far it was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make thus far in my life but Life Happens and we all have to do what is right for each of us. I am so happy that I had the chance to serve with the Peace Corps and work in Uganda. I really loved my time in Uganda and the experiences will be with me the rest of my life. Below is the post from my FB account that I feel sums up how I feel about my time in Uganda.
So far the transition back to life in America has gone really well - I did ask the cashier at Noodles and Company if they had soda the other day and I find myself wanting to thank everyone in the local language or ask them a question in Rutorro, I find how big the cell phones have gotten a little ridiculous. I do wake up sometimes in the middle of the night going "holy shit! I am not going back to Uganda and I am not longer a PCV!" but I am okay with that and looking forward to what the future brings. I will say it is too cold for me in Minnesota - I do miss the 70 degree weather and sunshine. Since I have been back we have had one day of sunshine ugh.
Since this may be my last blog post - I wanted to say thank you to all you wonderful readers for taking the time to read/comment on my blog over the past 19 months. I really do appreciate it. For all you "possible soon to be PCVs" - Peace Corps in the ride of a lifetime and it is so worth it!
Katelyn - Abooki :)
When my mother came and visited, I broke down and finally admitted to myself that I really wanted to go home (Mother's are good like that). I finally realized I was tired of being unhappy, stressed out all the time, frustrated, and I was starting to hate Uganda (which is something I never wanted to do). After much tears and talking to a wonderful friend back in the US, I realized it was time for me to head home. Sometimes a simple sentence can change the path in ones life. Once I made that decision to end or Early Terminate as PC calls it - I felt like the world had lifted off my shoulders, I could breath again, the panic attacks went away, I started eating again, and the fog was lifted from my very frazzled brain. When it comes to ETing - it is never easy and by far it was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make thus far in my life but Life Happens and we all have to do what is right for each of us. I am so happy that I had the chance to serve with the Peace Corps and work in Uganda. I really loved my time in Uganda and the experiences will be with me the rest of my life. Below is the post from my FB account that I feel sums up how I feel about my time in Uganda.
With a heart filled with so much love, gratitude, and many wonderful
memories and experiences, I leave this beautiful country of Uganda. I
have met so many amazing people, stepped way outside my comfort zone,
learned a lot about myself and this country, witnessed some things most
will never see, and loved another country with my whole heart. These
past 18 months have changed my life in so many different ways and for
the better and I am so very grateful for the opportunity to serve with
The United states Peace Corps and with the people of Uganda. I look
forward to what the future brings and also the moment when I can again
step on this beautiful red earth. Thank you so very much Uganda, Thank
you!
So far the transition back to life in America has gone really well - I did ask the cashier at Noodles and Company if they had soda the other day and I find myself wanting to thank everyone in the local language or ask them a question in Rutorro, I find how big the cell phones have gotten a little ridiculous. I do wake up sometimes in the middle of the night going "holy shit! I am not going back to Uganda and I am not longer a PCV!" but I am okay with that and looking forward to what the future brings. I will say it is too cold for me in Minnesota - I do miss the 70 degree weather and sunshine. Since I have been back we have had one day of sunshine ugh.
Since this may be my last blog post - I wanted to say thank you to all you wonderful readers for taking the time to read/comment on my blog over the past 19 months. I really do appreciate it. For all you "possible soon to be PCVs" - Peace Corps in the ride of a lifetime and it is so worth it!
Katelyn - Abooki :)
