Dear Readers, sorry to be so inconsistent with these blog posts. I will not promise to be more consistent...because I doubt it's one I can keep, but I will try!
The beginning of IST marked the end of the so called 3 month community integration period, affectionately known to PCVs as lockdown. And at the end of this period, I took some stock and realized that I have integrated. I wouldn't be able to tell you why or how or when, but somehow Bundu became my home and the people there accept me as their own.
I didn't realize how much I had integrated until I had the good fortune to have a couple of visitors. Four of my fellow SA 25's came to visit their old host families who live in my village. I went with three of them to visit one of their host families. While that family greeted their hos daughter and the other americans with hugs and exclamations, I was greeted with a "oh hey Lilly". Other americans visiting them was a huge deal. My visit was nothing out of the ordinary.
I had another friend who was not part of my training class and had never been to Bundu, visit. When he visited, he was struck by how busy and crowded my shopping town was and how he was constantly being gawked at. My response was "oh, I didn't notice". And it was true. My shopping town is busy and crowded and I probably get gawked at a decent amount...but I truly barely even notice it anymore.
On Thursday SA 25 hits its 6th month in country. It has definitely been a crazy roller coaster ride. But now, I truly feel like I belong
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