Monday, January 24, 2011

Farewell, Niger!

And one day
I woke to find
The future had no place
for me
I was unwanted in a world
that with my hands I helped build
Where once was honesty and pride
I now stand broken and alone
Just a shadow
of what I was meant to be
They say that Time will heal
The truth shall set us free
Well that depends
on what it is
that you choose to believe

- Holding On (lyrics), VNV Nation

Well, ladies and gentlemen, it's over. Thanks to "security issues" (please read more here), all Peace Corps Volunteers serving in Niger had to be evacuated. In a whirlwind of confusion and tears, I left Sambera, and my kitten, behind. After only six months, Niger had become my home. I don't regret a single thing, and I will never forget the kindnesses shown to me there by friends, neighbors, and the PC/Niger Staff.

Tondi, Valerie, Ousmane, Mani, and all the LCFs/Hamdy staff - Ay sabu aran se gumo. Mi yetti. Merci.

But while this Act is over, the Show must go on. My time with Peace Corps will not end here! Once I re-enroll, I hope to be off on a new adventure somewhere else in the world, making new friends and starting new projects. Stay tuned for the next installment in this crazy tale!

As Tondi put it, this isn't Goodbye; it's just "kala tonton."

See you all soon!
~Mich