It took months, the better part of a year, to adjust to my life in Mali. But I saw it as an investment: work hard to live in such a strange and uncomfortable setting, so I could get to know people from a totally different way of life as my own. I wanted to get to know them on a level that could only be achieved through two years of total immersion. I wanted to make lifelong friends, and even, possibly help them improve their lives.
I was really looking forward to that second year. It was all set up to be one of the best of my life. I was just beginning to have an amazing time, and getting the ball rolling on some big projects. I guess I didn't get as big a return on my investment in Mali as I was expecting. But I still got a lot. I met some amazing people, learned Bambara, and fell in love with West Africa. And even if I didn't get the full Peace Corps experience, I got enough to be certain that I'll be back.
And as disappointing as it was for me to leave early, my troubles are nothing compared to what the people of Mali have had to endure: an ethnic revolt, islamofascists, civil war, a coup d'état, an embargo for a landlocked country, destruction of ancient religious shrines, a drought, withdrawal of much of the Western aid Mali has become dependent on. And no clear resolution in sight...
Ala k'a nogoya
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