Lots of stuff happening in the life of Kristi Marie. . .
Lets start off with the exciting news that I finally graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelors of Science in health studies psychology. . . this new step came with a lot of new emotions. For the first time East Lansing and all of its wonders were starting to look like something of the past for me. Lets just say East Lansing will always have the key to my heart, there are so many great things about that city, and all of the people who have ever been a part of it. So I finally packed up my things and moved home- yippeee (big sarcasm there).
This whole "moved back home" situation wasn't looking so bad since I was about to leave for Morocco or Jordan in September. . . Then big news came. . . About three weeks ago I finally got a letter from the Peace Corps Office. . My program was officially canceled due to budget cuts and I had been reassigned. The new news: Kristi Goes to Malawi, for sure, officially, March 5th, 2012. Well technically I go to Washington DC March 5th and board my flight to Malawi sometime around the 10th.
This news, as great as it sounds has brought about a whole other slew of emotions. . .
1. Malawi has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the world, which is exciting, scary, and difficult to imagine all at the same time. I'm excited to be able to really make a difference. My job title is a Community Health Advisor and I will mainly be dealing with mother baby health and HIV transmission through birth and breast feeding.
2. MARCH FIFTH? I guess this is the big one for me. . . what am I possibly going to do until March 5th?
I feel like I've went through a million options through my mind, including, but not limited to, becoming a nomad, road tripping, moving in with my girlfriends, finding another job, and of course, staying home with mom and dad (no offense) none of these options really seem like they are ideal- I guess we will have to wait and see how this plays out.
3. It's official, I mean I've known for sure this was what I wanted for the last year, but it is really REAL now, I've accepted my position, I've gotten shots, I've filled out tons of paperwork, and I'm really leaving March 5th, it's exciting, I'm less stressed knowing an exact date, but it is real now, and it is starting to catch up with me.
Overall this is an exciting feeling for me, I'm sure it's the right step, I've received a ton of support from friends and family, and I'm ready to move onto this new adventure in my life. Stay tuned for more news, my new Malawi address, and going away party information.
