One year. It's been one year since I first landed in Botswana, grumpy and jet-lagged after a 48 hour journey of flight delays and cancellations. One year since I left my much loved apartment and traded up to a riverside mansion. One year...
I would've blogged about my one year anniversary sooner but D'Kar hasn't had internet for a good three weeks, and when it did return, there were more pressing things to do, such as find out the Stanley Cup playoff match-ups and figure out the candidates in my riding in the upcoming Canadian Federal Election.
But I think it's important to take some time to reflect on the last year. It hasn't been easy. As I've indicated in this blog a few times and in numerous emails home, I've struggled adapting to Botswana culture and to the impact of the immense expat community. I've also questioned my career choice more than once and wondered whether communications is truly what I want to be doing with my life. I've been angered by the seemingly nonchalant attitude of many people toward the HIV and AIDS crisis in this country and frightened by the statistics that show new infections are on the rise. It is hard to work day in and day out in the HIV sector when it seems like all our efforts lead to nothing.
Despite all these challenges, I still managed to have a wonderful year. I met amazing people and have made some great friends (special shout-out to Sharon!). I've discovered that I really enjoy working with kids and teens despite my lifelong disgust with children. I've enjoyed wonderful trips to Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, Tsodilo Hills, Namibia and Dog Camp with some great people. I fell in love. I ran 10 km for the second time in my life...and kept doing it almost daily. I've learned that I do not pick up new languages easily especially when "clicks" are involved.
I took part in the world's biggest sporting event and watched eventual World Cup champs, Spain, beat Paraguay in the quarter-finals. I lived with pets for the first time in my life. I survived without water. Not happily, but I survived.
Botswana has challenged, frustrated and angered me, but it's also inspired and amused me. I can't wait to find out what year two has in store for me.
I'm off to Canada in a few days for my little brother's wedding but come May, I'll be back in Bots, hopefully blogging a bit more than year one.
Emilie
