So it is official...I am no longer a PCV but a RPCV! Turned in all of the paperwork, got all of the correct signatures, and I am once again just another U.S. citizen instead of a government employee living in Ecuador...although still having the government passport is rather nice :)
Unfortunately, the office has decided not to send a PCV to replace me at my site as they have decided that my site has too many challenges and issues for anyone in this new Omnibus group to handle. I guess that says something about myself and being able to be successful in my site over the past two years, but it also makes me really sad because the PC development program is supposed to be over 6 years split between three volunteers. I was just the first volunteer which makes me sad for my youth who won't be getting a replacement...but there isn't anything I can do about it so as Forrest Gump would say...that's all I have to say about that.
Otherwise I think I have gone into a sort of numb stage where I can't decide whether I am excited, nervous, scared, sad, happy, or anything at all really! I think this is just because you really feel all of it at once which is such a contradiction for the most part. Overall, I would have to say this is probably the most bipolar I have felt in all of my service with wanting to leave and at the same time not really feeling ready to leave as my life is here at the moment! All apart of the experience I guess.
So tonight I am headed back to my site on my last twelve hour bus ride!!! Can't say that I am going to miss those...but it is bitter sweet to be in Quito one last time.
Once back to site I am going to have about six days to pack all of my stuff up, sell the things I am selling, and give away all of the rest. It will be a fun and exciting time I am sure as emotional at the same time. But I definitely feel ready to get back to my site and start the packing.
This weekend I have my despedida, going away party, with my friends in Machala on Saturday. Then next week Monday I have my despedida with the school where I am currently teaching at and Tuesday and Wednesday I will be at my local school saying goodbye to everyone there. I am sure it will be emotional and there will be a lot of "no te vayas" (don't go), which I have already heard a lot of over this past month, but they will have a lot more meaning this next week I think.
It has been an incredible past two years in so many ways. Another chapter in my book of life as one might say. And I can honestly say that I have learned so much with this experience and I know that I will carry that information and knowledge with me for the rest of my life.
Life is all about change and everything that you do in life will have a lasting effect on who you are. Peace Corps is just another chapter in my life which is, has, and will shape who I am today. Learning to look at life from a different cultures view point is truly amazing and something I will carry with me forever.
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