I was just looking at my last travel blog- June 27, 2011- and thinking how so much has changed since then...Two days after I wrote those words I lost my father, Three months later I moved to Philadelphia to spend a year living with my college room mate and serving as an AmeriCorps Volunteer, A year later I moved to Portland Oregon (partially following fellow RPCVS partially needing a complete change of scenery to maintain sanity) and began pursuing a Masters in Applied Anthropology, Three years later I moved back to the Farm in WV to complete my thesis. I have changed so much from all of these things, I have learned the weight of grief - I have driven across the US twice and seen more of my country than ever before - and I achieved a masters degree which has opened my understanding of good community development. Five years in total have elapsed since I left Malawi, I have changed a lot, and yet it feels like I never left. Once again I am here, alone on a weekend, with little to do besides roaming around and evaluating the number of hobbies I have which can be applied to the down time. This time around will be different, however, I am working in the third largest city in Malawi (small on a US standard, but there is a grocery store and small ex-pat community). My office has WiFi internet which allows me to stay in touch with the States on a regular basis (no streaming videos, but email and messaging are easily used). I have a clear goal - I will be working with a small non-profit and supporting their staff in data collection, program evaluation, creating project systems which allows for strong reports and case studies, leadership and group dynamics support ... Also, this time I am not completely alone. George will be joining in a couple of weeks- a thought which makes this temporary solo adventure more bearable. I've spent most of life proving my independence, showing myself that I could travel alone. I am done with that and am counting the days till my travel companion joins me. I will work on reviving this new blog over the next year, allowing friends and family back home to keep up with my life here. For now, I am off to the market to sort out a local cell phone and to see how much has changed since I was last here. Stay tuned...
3 Comments
Katie Dyer
6/5/2016 02:02:24 am
Hi Bonnie!
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Luke christie
6/5/2016 03:01:25 am
Thank u for the update. It certainly keeps us closer to u. Miss u and love u. Uncle Luke , Bridget, and Emma
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Sarah Garnitz
6/5/2016 04:33:06 am
Wonderful blog posts, Bons! I love reading about your world there and thinking of all the adventures you'll have and substantial impact you'll make over the next year. Keep them coming. We miss you but are so proud and impressed by your spirit and your drive.
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Bonnie HarveyCurrently working in northern Malawi as Programs and Evaluations Coordinator for Temwa Archives
June 2019
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