A Gift to Myself

A gift that will keep giving.

A gift that will transform.

A gift that I'll always carry with me.

I'm leaving the Peace Corps and giving myself the gift of YOGA.

I've decided to attend a 200 Hour Yoga Teaching Training Program in Rishikesh, India. The four week program runs from mid-June to mid-July. I will be attending the program with one of my favorite volunteers I served with here in Botswana, and I believe it will also be a great opportunity for us to sift through our emotions of ending our Peace Corps service.

I'll be pushed and challenged, attending classes six days a week and abiding by a strict schedule. I will learn more about yoga, meditation, and human anatomy. I will receive proper training to become a certified teacher. It will be a welcomed change of pace from my life as a volunteer.

I've always dreamed of doing this, and I'm beyond thrilled to take advantage of this opportunity.

This will be my belated 25th birthday present. A celebration of my success as a Peace Corps Volunteer. The chance to live out another one of my dreams.

I'm so incredibly grateful!

Love & Light,

TMV 

100 Days

100 days. 

That's it. 

That's all I have left in my service in Botswana. 

People keep asking whether it feels bittersweet... and quite honestly, I don't quite know how it feels. 
I'm wishing for more time. I'm unsure of what the future holds. I've changed so much since I've arrived in Botswana. I worry that I won't like America anymore. I am afraid of letting my memories of Botswana fade away. 

But mostly, I just can't believe that I only have 100 days left. 

100 days left to keep fighting for my community. 
100 days left to be an advocate. 
100 days left to listen. 
100 days left to spread my love. 
100 days left to tell people I believe in them.
100 days left to squeeze in all the hugs and kisses I possibly can. 
100 days left to read stories to the little ones. 
100 days left to enjoy the African sunrises and sunsets. 
100 days left to sit with my thoughts about my service. 

It may sound like a long time to you, but goodness, I wish time would slow down. 

100 days is not enough. 

Love & Light, 
TMV