#home alone on my pc isolated from everyone and everything forever and i dont know /why/ why why what's wrong??? why do i hate it here so

[therewithinthestars]

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[tzpeace]

Rules of Peace Corps

It can be really hard on all levels transitioning from living in America to living in a developing country. I don't want to speak for all of Peace Corps, even within Tanzania my experience is different from other volunteers . I have learned more here than I had ever expected; not just about Tanzania but about people and, most importantly, myself. Following a “strict” set of rules I have found happiness here and I think most rules (if not all) can apply to life in general.

1. Rule of 6

This is the absolutely most important rule in Peace Corps. You never want to travel with more than 6 people. When there's too many people, even the most independent minded of people (PCVs) turn into sheep (sheeple). Trying to travel with huge groups in a developing country is setting yourself up for failure unless you’re on a Mzungu safari in Mzungu land.

2. Never have expectations.

Sure sometimes you can get away with having low expectations but if you can reach a level of no expectations, then you've won Peace Corps. When traveling, if/when I run into Tanzania delays (bus breaks down/takes forever to leave the standi),  I remind myself that I can't die if the bus isn't moving. People from the west equivalate time with money. Time is valued differently in the developing world. If someone here tells me they'll get back to me “kesho” (tomorrow), I now know that it could mean tomorrow, the day after, next week, next month, basically whenever they want.  This can be extremely frustrating to those who try to get projects done in the village. Things that should only take a month end up taking 5. Don't expect things to get done very quickly (or if ever). People do things on their own time here because where's the rush? Haraka haraka haini baraka- Quickly quickly there is no blessings

3. Don't make plans

You should make vague plans of what you want to do but, with Rule 1 in mind, don't try and plan your trips with everyone and their mother. This can be difficult in Peace Corps due to the large amount of travelers. When going to a neighboring country or new town, it's nice having a vague plan of what you want to do (keeping rule 2 in mind). Some of my most successful trips have been vaguely planned. I decided to go to Malawi the day before I left and it was awesome (beautiful place, highly recommend). When combining rule #2 and #3 we get: “Don't have expectations for plans you didn't set in stone”. You'll never be disappointed ever again.

Rule #4. Be willing to lose anything (and everything).

Ive lost a phone, wallets, shoes, clothes, and various little things forgotten in the many guestis that I've stayed in while traveling. And my service still isn't over! Theres still so many things that can get lost or stolen, especially when traveling. I came to terms with everything that came to TZ might not return which has helped me reach a healthy detachment to my objects, something more people should try to achieve.

Rule #5. Peace Corps incest is real.

It's Game of Thrones status here. The thirst is REAL. When people go for long periods without sex, things get weird. Being surrounded by a different culture is stressful (people need to release it somehow).  Even just having a friend touch your arm or give you a hug feels so nice. PCVs can be surrounded by people all day but yet still feel so alone and isolated in their villages/daily lives. Our culture defines us to an extent and missing that component in your day to day life can be harder than you think.  

Rule #6. PC actually stands for Politically Correct.

I have never, in my life, been surrounded by so many PC people. It can be a little over whelming at times. I'll just quote Macklemore here when he said “It seems like we're more concerned with being called racist. Then we actually are with racism” and direct you to watch South Park Season 18. The whole season surrounds the politically correct social movement and their conclusion (as per usual) hits the nail right on the head by making the argument that PC is a form of gentrification.

Rule #7. Don't. Trust. Anyone.

This is not a bad life motto to have actually. It's not that Tanzanians are liars, its just that PEOPLE are liars. Being a foreigner (especially with an American accent) makes you a target in the developing world. As long as you use PC's RADAR and some common sense everything should be fine. Dont take candy from strangers, even grandmas (thats how one volunteer here got drugged and all of his stuff stolen). When you put your trust in a strangers hands, you might as well just hope that Jesus is at the wheel. By the way, I'm quoting Kristen Wigg from Bridesmaids when I say “You cannot, trust, anybody.” because it's an amazing movie that everyone should watch.

Rule #8. Be Selfish

This is the hardest rule for most volunteers. We put our whole life on hold to come here to try and help the people of Tanzania. But sometimes the best thing you can do for everyone is to be selfish. Volunteers are people too and they need time off work and out of the vil. Don't put other people's happiness before your own.

Rule #9. Be prepared for the Paparazzi.

If you have ever wondered how celebrities must feel like, then Peace Corps is the service for you. If you don't want to do that, then just be white and travel to most developing countries. Everywhere I go people stare. I have caught so many people taking pictures of me without asking (and I always say yes when they do). People can be thrown off by the random white lady on their bus, and probably (like most people) wanna share the moment with their friends and family. My mood dictates how I respond, but I usually pull a celebrity move and hide my face or ask for money.

Last, but not least

Rule #10. You can never have too many buckets.

Buckets are so useful. I never realized how much potential they have until I came here. The first thing I'm going to do when I get back to America (after going to In-n-Out and then Del Taco) is to drive my car to Home Depot and buy some buckets. How else will I catch rain water or wash my clothes?

So I've learned a lot from this experience. It took a while to figure life out here, most things came with time. The struggles were real but they were important. This part of the world is huge and the people are so beautiful. Culture, language, and borders may separate us but we are still human beings. We all have flaws/talents/potential given the opportunity. Peace is what we strive for in life, Love will always conquer hate, and Knowledge will always be the key to liberation.