***The following blog post is a reflection of my personal
beliefs or at least what I have been able to ascertain while living in Paraguay
and in no way reflects the views of the U.S. Peace Corps or the United State
Government. Cheers!***
I bought my ticket home yesterday and it feels surreal. I have just twenty-four days left in Paraguay. I have spent a good chuck of time here at this point and I will miss this country and the friends I have made here so dearly. This experience has humbled me and given me a lot to think about. A lot more than I could ever share here. I'll just attempt to scratch the surface and offer a bit of advice for those of you about to start the application process, those mid-way though, those excepted, or those on their way soon.
Don't chicken out!
I went back and forth when it was time to hit the road and nearly backed out to take a job in the wood shop that my neighbor operates. Nothing against wood, but that would have been a HUGE mistake. I have learned more about myself, other humans, and how we bump into each other than I ever would have working in the shop. Having said that...
The job won't save you.
What I mean is that you're not going to come away from this with all the answers. Maybe a few, but in all likelihood, you'll probably just be asking better questions. You may have even more questions! However, you will know what kind of person you are. Your strengths, weakness, and become keenly self-aware, which can be hard at first but will, overall, make you a healthier person and better human being. This information will also help you become a progressively better volunteer, community member, and friend. Which leads me to my next tip/point/jont.
Do something EVERYDAY.
This may seem basic, but the will to put yourself out in the community can be hard to summon up some days. Here, in Paraguay, people use the rain as an excuse to call off school, work, or any other activity and chill super hard. While it is tempting to use a cultural norm like this as an excuse for a reprieve, it is important to set a good example to other people and make yourself seen or go visit someone and chill hard with them. Then you can lay down that night in your little bed and sleep well knowing that "you're doing it, baby!"
I could go on but I think those are good ones so I'll leave it for now. If anything else comes to mind I'll update this for sure. Feel free to leave a question in the comments or whathaveyou.
