I’ve abandoned you a bit, and I realize that at this point, these entries are going to be mostly for myself. Habits are hard to break, and some hard to keep, when going through major transitional adventures in life. I would love to start writing much more- it sure felt good to release the emotions whirled up inside of me before. I felt so much more in control of time then, during my time in Cameroon. Sharing my thoughts and feelings was in fact a PART of my job as a PC Volunteer. It was part of my purpose.
Now, my purpose includes but is not limited to: being the best partner I can be for Casey, the love of my life, working for (and saving) money, being a friend to those few that have stuck it out with me, and fulfilling my duties as the president of Peace Tree Africa. Oh yes, and somehow, keeping Franck on track..which I’m becoming more discouraged with. I mean, how much can I acually do from across the ocean, without internet communication and hardly any phone time with him? Okay, so there seems to be enough to keep me busy.
We can back up to Casey to catch you up. In these past 6 months, I’ve learned so much. I’ve learned that some connections just happen fast, and you truly know it when you feel it. We connected on several different levels at the end of October, and from there it has been nothing but a joy, a more and more strengthened commitment to each other, a partnership. I’ve joined the best team, on the finest road to be on, in a relationship with a tone to it that I’ve never had, that we’ve promised to do whatever it takes to maintain. My lobster! That being said, I don’t blame anyone for being doubtful, weary- WE would be, had our daughter told us after a month of being with a guy that she wanted to move in with him and to be with him for the rest of her life! I feel extraordinarily lucky for every moment, every fight, every discussion, every song we’ve played, every toothbrushing session at night and every morning that I wake up with him, whatever kind of mood or day we have in store.
I now can relate to most Americans who have a partner, want a family, and who love being at home. After a few days at the apartment, I texted Casey, “I think this is what being a homebody feels like.” I never before gave myself the opportunity to settle in any place. I was always looking for the next plane on out to the next destination. But you know what? I’ve never wanted to nest so badly; I’ve never really had an interest for making pot roast, I rarely ever passed up parties for a Saturday night at home, and I certainly have never cared to do the dishes, and on top of that, to do them for anyone else but myself.. but I love that is which home! And home is now a lovely place that I share with the most wonderful man on earth!
Peace Tree Africa is my other love, where I choose to invest the rest of myself. This non-profit has the goal of promoting development in Africa through fair trade and philanthropical endeavors in African communities. I brought back a fair amount of merchandise to sell, to fundraise with, to be able to invest into more merchandise in Cameroon. I will find store owners and merchants who wish to carry the unique art, to sell, to take the profits and re-invest back into the communities of Cameroon. My mind races with projects to help the people, from solar panels at the Bandzuidjong orphanage, to supporting local businesses and funding scholarships for the youth.. but all that starts here. With the incorporation of Peace Tree Africa, the name is officially ours. The bylaws have been written. We are now in the stages of form 1023, which is for the IRS and will earn us our “tax deductible” status. After this, the steps don’t get any smaller. In fact, it feels more like leaps! Out in the world to grant writing, letter writing to Oprah!! And ideas to fund the budget for the big tour we need to really water the tree and help the branches grow!! You will certainly hear more about this journey. It’s more than my own, and deserves to be shared.
www.PeaceTreeAfrica.org
