Landing

Landing,

I’ve taken to visualizing certain things throughout my life. If I am starting a new challenge, I see it completed. Applications range from seeing myself completing a lift in the gym, to seeing myself in good conversation when I begin learning a new language. My reasoning is that if you’ve seen your task completed, your body and mind must follow. Several months ago, after trying to understand the Peace Corps mission in Nepal, Nepali culture and language, and acquiring items that I’d bring along with me, I still wasn’t ready for my service. So I began visualizing myself in the vacuum of space, slowly being pulled into a massive, mysterious, and raw world: Nepal. As days passed, I saw myself closer and closer, gravity taking effect. Just days ago, following a few days of travel, I found myself descending upon Kathmandu. I closed my eyes, and felt the landing.

 Arriving in Kathmandu, we met the U.S. Ambassador, who greeted us and presented us with ceremonial Nepali scarves. The Ambassador’s words fell on me like armor, reviving me after my travels and fortifying my spirit for the mission ahead. What I, what we were doing in Nepal was important, and appreciated. We have been in Maharajgunj, Nepal for 4 days of training since arrival; the change from “I have been” to “We have been” since my last entry signifies the membership that I have gained through the thirty volunteers with me. There is much to share about this time, days where you can see your roots thickening as the branches above you climb and reach.  But for now, know that you could see the amazement in my eyes realizing what I have gotten myself into with the Peace Corps. The organization is impressive and extensive, recruiting Nepali experts in the field of safety and security, health, and development. To work with these people is an honor, but humbling when they make it clear, they are here because of you.