AMERICA

Since leaving for the Peace Corps nearly 1 1/2 years ago, I've heard countless warnings on the idealization of the country I left behind. I've read accounts of volunteers who have headed home for vacation or after their service is complete and found themselves embittered and frustrated with our American ways, struggling with reverse culture shock, and feeling completely out of place. The striking juxtaposition of our modern, Westernized haven with the developing world may lure some volunteers into expecting to be overjoyed at the sight of American soil, only to be disappointed upon realizing that America is exactly the same as they left it, and really not all that great. America, they claim, is not as wonderful or magical as you imagine it in your head.

Well...whoever said that is severely mistaken.

America is amazing.

If it sounds like I'm attempting to belittle Senegal in any way or gloss over the impact that living the life of a Peace Corps volunteer here has had on me, I'm not. There are countless ways that this experience has changed me, but now is not the time to go there. Although one month in America is not enough time to unravel all of my feelings and thoughts surrounding this subject, the ultimate truth is that my service in Peace Corps has made me realize that I love my country, flaws and all (and there are flaws).

I will say say that my vacation in the Motherland was exactly what I needed. No more, no less. I made pit stops in New York City, Washington, Louisiana, Mississippi, Illinois, and Wisconsin in the span of 30 days, saw countless loved ones, got hardly any sleep, and ate my heart out along the way. Downtown Manhattan was overwhelming, Target was bigger and brighter than I remember it, and driving a car again was a bit surreal. Perhaps a month-long whirlwind tour spent hop-scotching around the country isn't enough time to really get past the magic and the wonder and sink into the reality of reconnecting with America. But it sure felt magical at the time.

I won't bore you the details of my cross-country trip, because after all, this blog is entitled "Jackie's Adventures in Senegal." And you (unless you're one of my fellow PC friends) probably live in America anyways! I don't need to describe how wonderful Chipotle burritos and Guinness are; you already know that.

For now it's back to Real World: Senegal. When that plane landed at the Dakar International Airport I just had to take a deep breath, close my eyes, and think "alright, let's do this." 17 months down, less than 7 to go. Now I'm back in Pout attempting to adjust to a normal sleep schedule and reconnecting with the family. I came home to a big hug from the Mom who immediately showed me to my house which she had spent all day sweeping and scrubbing in preparation for my arrival. It sounds dumb, but I actually almost cried I was so touched. After handing out the various presents I had brought back for my family, I promptly headed for my bed which I will be spending lots of time in, at least for the next couple days. Soon I'll (hopefully) be back to work and back in the thick of things.

In the meantime, I'll be sending the most happy of thoughts to my friends and family back in the states. You all made my trip spectacular and I miss you all dearly already. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Ba beneen yoon