Guess this is kinda the calm after the holiday storm. I wouldn't call it a letdown, but its definitely feeling different now that its 2009 and the xmas/new years preparations and celebrations have come and gone. Those of you who know me know that i am not too great at holding still and or staying in one area. Sometimes I feel a bit trapped in the village. I have also noticed that having a dog doesn't make it easy to leave town. I don't yet feel comfortable leaving moses with anyone in my village. Its a very different mindset about dogs here, and witholding all value statements, its a very different one than mine when it comes with how to raise a puppy. Hmm.
So i have spent the past week or so getting things done around my house, building shelves, cleaning the yard and building a bench. Now remember, jacob has no woodworking experience whatsoever, but surprisingly enough the bench turned out really well! Hopefully this will be the precursor to my landlord finishing the work that was promised to be done before i moved in 1.5 mos ago! Its simple stuff too...fix a gate, supply the materials for building a porch, help me get at least one of my sinks to stop leaking...you know, the basics!
I know that i have a tendency to look towards the future, to find things that i want to change.(usually these are out of my control though) I think this year i want to look inwards. Both into myself and into my community. I am a professional escape artist, after a while i just get out. Carmelita and Peace Corps Belize will be an opportunity to work on this instinct. Its awful tough to get away, there will be no moving to another community, no hopping in the car and going on some adventure etc. I want to hike in the woods? Look out your back door jacob, you can do this.
2 comments:
Jake - this blog sounds very true to the Jake I've known for years... :o)
I'm right there with you being stuck in one place, brotha. An unstable economy and overbearing work load have forbidden me from escaping back to the mountains, either temporarily or permanently.
I vote yes on looking inward. I plan to spend some time this year understanding what keeps me from staying put. Reinventing happiness, if you will. We can share stories about our progress (or frustration). I have a feeling you're going to end up doing very well...as you still sound quite happy there.
We both managed at least three straight years in one place in college! This should be easy for us, no? Good luck to you in this new year.
Keep the updates coming. :o)
I totally understand the sort of letdown...we feel that here, too, but it can feel really slow in a village when you're not exactly sure what you're supposed to be doing (and it's so damn hot).
I definitely used my PC time for reflection and getting in touch with things like the moon cycles that most of us (not necessarily my nature- loving brother) ignore. You will be amazed at how much you will grow and learn about yourself. I'm so proud of you. You have lots of visits to look forward to! love you, Bridget
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