my zambian journey

insights into the world of a peace corps volunteer in africa. ***"THE CONTENTS OF THIS WEBSITE ARE MINE PERSONALLY AND DO NOT REFLECT ANY POSITION OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT OR THE PEACE CORPS."***

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Location: raymond palko, p.o. box 160073 mwinilunga, northwest province, Zambia

i'm a fun loving guy who is trying to find my place in the universe. hopefully i can do this while using my knowledge and education to do a little good in this world.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

the toughest job you'll ever love

peace corps old slogan just about sums it up. the new one 'life is calling, how far will you go' is pretty good too, but the old one takes the cake.

now that im creeping up to the one year in zambia mark i feel like ive seen and done a lot more than i could have expected. the tough parts are many, incliding homesickness, getting ripped off b/c i have white skin, forgetting to pack my cellphone in a dry bag and almost destroying it while cycling in a huge rainstorm, and probably the worst, goodbyes. goodbyes come in many forms here. sadly my main government counterpart passed away on new years day. he was a nice man, though he was difficult to work with. in retrospect thats probably beacause he was very ill. never take the medical care you get in the staes for granted. then there are goodbyes to fellow volunteers who are completing their service. these are so difficult b/c you are so happy and excited for them yet can't help being a bit selfish in wanting them to stay. last week i said my first goodbye to my friend erich and later this week will be my final time to see the five volunteers leaving my province: nic, amanda, collen, bob and kim, five great volunteers. the flip side of this is that we are now welcoming six new volunteers into the province which is very exciting.

enough with the tough parts and on to what i love. zambia is a beautiful country. when prepared for the rain the storms are amazing. my scant language skills provide hours of laughter and excitment for the locals. my family here is really generous and sweet. i'm in the best shape ive been in since high school-i know this may be unrealistic but if you ditch your car amazing things happen to your body. the chance to relax within nature. amazing new friends, zambian and american, who make me laugh, cry, grow, and challenge me to be a better person. and i think best of all is that i'm more comfortable in my own skin now than i've ever bee.

a big thanks to everyone whose been writing/sending packages. there have been a few inquiries as to what i may need, so heres a shameless wish list:

cliff bars/lara bars (top priority for my upcoming 225km bike ride to solwezi in late may. sorry to be picky but please no powerbars)
green tea
magazines/books (spirituality, vegetarian nutrition, liberal politics, exercise, yoga)
yoga deck
bear naked granola/kashi granola bars
dried fruit/nuts
anything from trader joes
t-shirts/long sleeve tees from american apparel http://store.americanapparel.net/
thats all i can think of for now...

well i hope that satisfys your thirst for info about my life here for now. and again, if youre really interested, the best way to learn more is by visiting me! btw next saturday (3/17) i'll have cell service all day, so if youd like give a ring.

take care.

3 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...

Hey Ray!
Hapy belated St. Patty's Day!Just wanted to send you a quick hello! What an amazing experience your having! Take Care and Good Luck!
AEKDB,
Dimakos

7:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

5:17 PM  
Blogger ray said...

one letter recieved and responded...

6:09 AM  

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