Peace And Smiles
My adventures as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Thailand:The Land of Smiles
8/7/2017 3 Comments ConnectionThis word has been on my mind a lot lately. As a human, I need it; as an extrovert, I actively seek it; as a PCV, I miss it. These are truths I realize more and more each day. The first 22 years of my life were spent learning how to make connections and build relationships through open communication and shared interest. So what do you do when one of those is taken away, making the other much harder to discover? Some will call it loneliness, yet I am not alone; in fact, I am constantly surrounded by and working with people. But, with these people, something is missing. More often than loneliness, I feel longing- for a deeper connection to these people, for a person who knows me the way my best friends back home do, for a friend to speak freely with, in a language we both feel comfortable speaking. Right now, these are not entirely possible, and I am working to accept that. At a training a few weeks ago my friend, Libby, did a tarot card reading for me. We discussed connection: my current lack of it, my desire for it, how I could find it. My second to last card, or what is needed to resolve the situation, was Courage. My final card, what will come if I find Courage, was Intensity. Since then, I’ve become more intentional, more aware, more proactive. At site, I am not able to connect with people in a way I’ve grown comfortable with so how can I find it elsewhere? I’ve tried to reveal more of my personality, a challenge when tiptoeing around cultural norms and a language barrier. And I’m not claiming success yet but I did find a second grader who laughed at my sarcasm, and then proceeded to joke with me. I’ve tried to be bolder and ask “Why?” more often, because how I can connect with people if I don’t understand their lifestyle? And I remind myself that I have other volunteers. Maybe we’ve known each other less than a year but with every conversation and shared moment, I feel more confident about sharing more, reaching for that deeper connection. And I have people back home, and we have internet and data plans. So I have all the tools, I am working on refining my methods, and I don’t know if I will ever be perfect at connecting but, for now, I’m okay with just being better.
3 Comments
Mon
8/7/2017 03:20:33 pm
I really do love your blogs you are so in siteful
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Uncle John
8/7/2017 04:55:05 pm
Kayla. Another consideration is persistence. I am reminded by your post of the seven degrees of separation. If you talk to someone long enough, you will discover a common connection that you have. It has been reinforced for me over and over again. Your Aunt Colleen does it better than anyone I know. So, I am confident with persistence you will achieve your goal. Wishing you continued success in your mission! Uncle John
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Aunt Loyola
8/7/2017 06:46:34 pm
Kayla The way you interpret and understand the world directly affects your beliefs and the way you live your life.Everything is temporary, so make the MOST of ALL of it!. So when you're up, enjoy it, bask in it, and be grateful for it. And when you're down, know you will get through it. Remember this is your journey not a destination. I Love you and I am so proud of the courage and strength you have found within yourself! - Aunt Loyola and Uncle Rich
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