Go(eb)ing Into the Bush: Welcoming New Volunteers

Last Monday, four squeaky-clean Americans pulled up to our home in a typical white Peace Corps Land Cruiser, full of brand new gear and fancy Lusaka groceries; the new intake of RED volunteers has arrived. Unlike last year where the RED volunteers and LIFE volunteers flew over together, the REDs have come a full two weeks ahead of the LIFEers in an attempt to have smaller training groups during their pre-service training. Prior to visiting us, they had only been in Zambia for 3 days. The previous week I had been preparing meetings, setting up interviews, and arranging classroom observations for the new Peace Corps Trainees. In order to start their visit off right, Joey and I decided to make grilled cheese sandwiches served with apple slices for lunch (a nice treat for them, but more so for us!). We continued their visit with an afternoon of “hut orientation.” We showed them the bathing shelter, the new kitchen, our main hut, the pit latrine, where we fetch water, etc. The new volunteers reminded me of kindergartners on their first start day of school; excited to be finally starting this new chapter, but nervous about leaving their comfort zone. A feeling I remember well just 12 months ago. As the first day came to an end, we set up tent city in our side yard, and said goodnight. The next couple of days were full of walks around the community, grade 1 and grade 9 classroom observations, meetings with the school staff, washing dishes, cooking, and even attending a TGM (teacher group meeting) where I presented a short program on the importance and extent of the new library. We also met with a village elder, who informed us he had been married to his wife for 58 years. Not bad. The new volunteers seem enthusiastic, motivated, and open-minded. Joey and I truly enjoyed their company, especially during a feisty game of spoons. Thinking back to exactly one year ago when we were visiting a currently serving volunteer, I had no idea what to expect when I got out there on my own. Trying to explain the different emotions and feelings that these new volunteers will go through was impossible. It is honestly a process you can only experience yourself. Even now, thinking about the next year to come, I can only imagine what successes and challenges lay ahead. My hope is that these new volunteers enjoyed their first taste of life in the bush and experienced a few typical days in the life of a Zambian Peace Corps Volunteer. The visit is designed for new volunteers to decide whether or not Zambia is right for them – we know that this crew has the right attitude and desires to thrive here. It is exciting to think that our family in Zambia is growing, and also exciting to know how far Joey and I have come since we were in their shoes.

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