Mysterious ways.

So the past few months have been...oh, you know. I have had some really wonderful days and some really tough days. Coming back home was an amazing gift.  An opportunity to spend time resting, relaxing (way too much time probably), traveling, and contemplating my future.


But, to be honest, I'm not sure if I was ready to come back.  I don’t know if I mentioned this but I had contemplated staying for a third year in South Africa (it’s an option for volunteers if circumstances line up). I had gone so far as to apply for a post and was really excited about the opportunity. But it didn’t work out for various reasons and even though I was disappointed, I thought, at the time, that it just wasn’t meant to be for me to stay in Africa. I figured I was supposed to come back home and decide what would come next for me. But as time has passed over these last few months, things haven’t lined up for whatever reason. Yes, I’ve applied for jobs but I haven’t found “the one” and I have increasingly found myself in a funk.

But then it happened. It’s kind of strange how things happen “in mysterious ways” as they say. Anyway, I found an opportunity that would take me back to Africa.  And for whatever reason, I have been given my third year in Africa.  So at the end of the month, I will be leaving again. And although I won’t be going back to South Africa, it feels like this is what I am supposed to be doing right now. And as for after that? I guess I’ll figure it out...later.

So, my wonderful friends and family, I will be leaving yet again to a new home away from home. I’ll be living and working somewhere in Zambia (as soon as I find out I'll let you know but it looks like I will be in one of two provinces – either in Mongu in the Western Province or Kasama in the Northern Province), as a Public Health Officer working with an amazing organization called JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc. (you can check out their website on my links section to the right). I am greedily learning all that I can about my newly adopted African country and welcome you to do the same. Did you know that Zambia is home to almost 12 million people and is just slightly larger than the state of Texas? And of course you can also visit the glorious Victoria Falls (among many superior game parks). So if you are interested in getting away next year, come on over for a quick visit and I will happily be your host.

So, while I am sad to be leaving, I am happy to finally be moving forward again.