Officially an RPCV...not by choice

As many of you have probably heard or realized by now, I am no longer in Benin. In October I was sent to South Africa for an ongoing medical problem. After staying there for almost a month they decided to medically separate me from the Peace Corps. I begged to go back to Benin to get my things and say goodbye and thank goodness headquarters allowed it. I was there for 4 days, then I flew back to the United States. I saw a specialist in NC and now have a diagnosis. Then I tried to get reinstated to go back, but they denied it due the chronic condition I now have.

Thanks to all of you for your support while I was a volunteer. Currently, I am looking for a job and figuring out what my next step is. The following passage is what I wrote to go into the welcome packet for incoming volunteers.

"Serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer has been a personal goal and dream since I was a high school student, so naturally as the application process moved along I became more anxious. The day I received my welcome packet I first discovered where Benin was on a map, then quickly read through each piece of paper and accepted my invitation soon after. I had no previous experience abroad, so when I say I had no expectations, I truly mean that. Before I knew it I was on my way, without a word of French.

After 9 weeks of training, which included the invaluable and unforgettable experience of living with a host family, I was ready to live in a village by myself. Even now, after I have spent over a year in my home, I am nevertheless learning new things and enjoying every moment. It frequently feels like I arrived just yesterday. I wake up to the sound of roosters in the morning and go to bed under the most breathtaking sky I have ever seen. I usually start off my day with a warm greeting to each of the 10 (sometimes more) members of my family. Then I sweep, tidy up and get ready for my day. I head off to work on my bike and greet everyone in sight on my way.

I have an independent work schedule and job with a NGO. I spend my time doing trainings, planning projects, helping out wherever I can, and just simply talking to anyone who wants to listen. After work I relax, sometimes do laundry, play with the kids, and visit with people, among other activities. I spend most evenings passing time with my family and helping with homework until I go to bed. Then there are the special events, like music, dancing, funerals, births, traditional voodoo ceremonies, religious and non-religious holidays.

The relationships you develop in your community are priceless and although village life is different and can be a struggle, depending on the day, it is worth every moment. Benin may be a small country, but it has a variety of regions with individual landscapes, cultures, languages and people. You can only appreciate its rich and unending diversity through spending time here. When you first get dropped off at your new home for the next 2 years, it is unreal, but you are not alone. Your community will be there to support you through everything if you are willing to accept them and put yourself out there."

Stay in touch...hugs and kisses...Kaili Marie Mumme