The time until my departure from the United States to Mozambique Africa is slowly becoming less and less.  I applied to the Peace Corps in 2003, and waited until I had one semester of college left at South Western Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) to actually submit.  An associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, and a master’s degree, plus the support from staff and fellow students at SWOSU, helped prepare me for this life-changing journey. How did I get to this point though? How did I get to a time in my life that I am about to say goodbye to my family and friends for 2 years and 3 months; giving up all the luxuries that I take for granted every day.  A long application process, which included background checks, blood work, physicals, dental work, more blood tests, and about a third of my life savings gone just to pay for all the medical bills (as I did not have insurance) and finally, 9 months later, the day is here that I know where the next stage in my life will be. Mozambique, Africa. 

The first priority is to visit out of state friends, invite in state friends to a going away bbq, and spend as much time soaking up my family as possible.  The second priority on my list is deciding what to pack.  I’m allowed two bags that weigh no more than 40lbs each. Imagining that my possessions while in Africa will consist of a hiking bag and a duffle bag, both packed with all my clothes, shoes, tools, and a few electronics (i-pod or course) is both exciting and a little bit scary.  I decided to serve in the Peace Corps to help the people of the world, to travel and live a life of someone else, and see what growth will come my way from these experiences, so regardless of my nerves, I still will go. 

I will teach about HIV/Aids while in Mozambique.  The average life expectancy for the people there is around 37.5 yrs.  The impact of HIV there is more prevalent than anywhere in Africa.  In the documents I received from Peace Corps, one section is to prepare the volunteers for their experience.  During my experience in Mozambique, Africa I can expect to deal with death.  Friends I make there very well may die before I leave. I may be asked to accompany people to wait for the results of their HIV test, or witness the slow deterioration of the people I am trying to help. At the Close of Service, as I say goodbye to the people that will become my family outside of the USA, the fact that I may never see again will set in. This is something not experienced in the goodbyes I will have with my friends and family in the USA.  It is possible after service that I never return to Mozambique, or if I do, that it is only a few times more throughout my life. Yet, still I will go.

Regardless of the difficulties with learning a new language and culture, giving up the life of ease in the USA, or being away from family and friends for so long, I still choose to serve. I will give my presence, my mind, my empathy, my knowledge, and everything that is found in the person I am as a person to those in need. My service will be 27 months, but the impact it will have on me, and hopefully on the people of Mozambique will be unparalleled.

During my time, I will experience the most beautiful and most painful things that are found in this world. I know it will be trying, but sharing my experiences with the world is one of the most important parts of my service. Through AsWeDoLife, my stories will be available for everyone to follow. I may be halfway around the world, but I will still be in touch. Stay tuned….

Required disclaimer: The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.

Greg
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