I completed two “Friday Gratitude” posts for two different topics this week, but in the end, I trashed both of them. Both felt false to me.
Of course, I have plenty to be grateful for. There are moments, hours, days when I love being in Kosovo. There are moments, hours, days when I don’t. This week I have been struggling with restlessness, of a general sense of discomfort. The other trainees are feeling similarly. As someone said yesterday, “I have malaise.”
My aim with this blog is to remain positive while also being truthful. That can be a fine line to walk. No one wants to listen to a privileged person whine.
I am struggling with the loss of autonomy and control over my life. Training is structured and rigid, which contributes to the feeling. We aren’t allowed to travel or really do much of anything on our own. It can be frustrating.
Another factor is that I am still adjusting to Kosovar culture. A group of us planned to meet up with a Kosovar man we know for something Peace Corps related. But when everyone except me canceled at the last minute, he declined to meet with me alone because of how our meeting could be perceived. And I get that. I understand. But it makes me miss being in Chicago, of being able to go anywhere with anyone at all hours of the day or night, and not having anyone take notice or care.
I miss being able to jump in my car and run to the store. As much as I hate grocery shopping and cooking, I miss having control over what I eat.
I am usually a bad sleeper and my sleep has been especially bad this week. I’m awake all hours of the night, restless and wanting a distraction.
We officially swear in as Peace Corps volunteers on August 19. After that, we move to our permanent sites. I am hoping this will afford me some freedom again. Everyone keeps assuring us that training is the hardest part of being in the Peace Corps.
What I am most grateful for this week is my fellow Peace Corps trainees. As much as we are all feeling bored and restless, everyone is still trying to remain positive. It makes a difference.
I know that I have to try to stay positive too, we can do it together! I am so Proud of you! Here’s a positive thing that I am grateful for this Friday. We had a 50/50 raffle at the office to support a woman walking in the 3 day breast cancer walk. Her mom lost her battle in April, 5 days after my dad passed. I won the money and was so excited to give it back to her! I have been waiting my whole life to do that! Totally turned my whole perspective around!! Thanks for the truthful post. I can relate, as I am also struggling a little anxiety and depression (maybe menopausal?) and , still some grieving process after losing my parents. I also have a case of the end of the summer blues, which I seem to get every year about this time. Its weird but I feel sad that Summer is ending. Maybe its from the days of the summer vacation, and having to go back to school? And no kidding about “No one wants to listen to a privileged person whine” .
Love you AhPreeeel!
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I love you, too. I’m sorry you’re feeling blue. Thanks for sharing your story — what an awesome opportunity to give back! That’s part of what makes you so amazing. Xoxo
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Good for you for acknowledging this, it will help you move through it — and I hope you get a good night sleep soon. That will help alot. Day by day you will get closer to more autonomy. Keep moving forward!!
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Thanks, Katie. I appreciate the encouragement.
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Totally know how you feel with loss of freedom and control being in a new place! Hang in there!
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It to shall pass
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