Culture Shock

Living in the middle of the bush can feel remote at times, but I didn't truly realize how 'out there' I was until January 15th. As I was on my way into town (and coming into cell phone range) for a Peace Corps conference, I received a flood of text messages telling me that my sister-in-law, Jillian was trapped in her collapsed mission house and that my brother, Frank, was frantically trying to dig her out.

I was completely unaware of any natural disaster, let alone one in Port-au-Prince. I immediately called home, hearing about the news. Never did I think I would be coming back to America during my Peace Corps service in Zambia, but if Zambians have taught me anything it's that you're nothing without your family. Maybe this was supposed to bring our family together? Maybe...maybe...maybe...So many things run through your mind when you realize that life is precious-and every second counts.

So I flew home! To cold weather, choices at the grocery store, TOILETS, HDtv, cereal, cars, Avatar in 3D...you name it. I knew it was going to be difficult when I had a layover in Johannesburg and had to take deep breaths from crying...due to variety, and that's still Africa!

Being with family is always nice when things like this happen. We laughed, we cried, we flew play helicopters, we ATE, we sat in DC traffic, we went to the DMV, we went bowling, we ate pizza while drinking Bud Light. It was most definitely 'American,' if you will. We even had time to grow these:

So being completely busy with family and friends, my 8 days in America flew by so quickly that it seems like just a glimpse--and of course, what's a good trip State-side in mid-January without frozen vapor falling from the sky?

Disclaimer: East Carolina University is better than West Virginia University.

So I leave for Zambia this afternoon, and I promise to try to update my blog more due to massive amounts of complaints (mom). Stay warm America!!!!

If you are interested in reading about Frank and Jillian's story, check out http://www.haitianheros.org/

-b