No it is not an old British coin.
No it is not an exotic island in the Pacific named Papua New Guinea.
No it is not Equatorial Guinea.
Not it is not Guinea-Bissau. (but it's close.)
Guinea is, well, Guinea. A former French colony in West Africa and the future home to me. I can't tell you much other than what I've read online or in books, but I know that it's a place I will probably fall in love with over the next 2.5 years. If you're curious where I'm moving, I'd encourage you to check out Wikipedia; there's not much I can tell you that isn't already on that page. But, what I can give insight on is why I'm going.
I've finally boiled down my response to 'why?' to a nice succinct answer, but believe me, it's more than what I'm going to say...
I'm moving to Guinea with the United States Peace Corps because of my passion to learn new cultures, meet new people, explore the great beyond and work with communities to identify and address their problems. I have no idea what to expect -- or even what I'll be doing -- but I'm certain my life will be transformed over the next couple years. This is something that I've given much thought, prayer and reflection. I don't have a doubt that this is the direction my life is supposed to take and I'm embracing it to the fullest!
From the limited information I've been given thus far, I can tell you I'll be a Public Health Educator, most likely working with a health post and doing community health outreach programs. Fortunately, I get to work with my Guinean counterpart to determine what our individual projects are, so we truly get to assess the needs of our community before offering a program. The Ministry of Health has determined that they would like us to focus on 5 main areas: nutrition and food security, childhood immunizations, HIV/AIDS and reproductive health, malarial prevention, and water, sanitation and food-borne illness (diarrhea).
It's my hope to share with you some of the experiences I have in Guinea through this blog. Feel free to share the link with anyone interested. For now, let's play a game. Which one doesn't belong?
Some of the things I'm most excited for:
Some of the things I'm most excited for:
- struggling to learn French and my village's language
- being in a foreign country and knowing no one (at first)
- sleeping with lions, and monkeys and bugs
- eating rice and 'sauce' for every meal, every day, for 27 months
- working with my village to address public health challenges
Do big things Shane. We're all proud of you.
ReplyDelete-Michael
Oh heyyyy. I see I'm famous.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading all about your adventures shay. Miss you already
Shane You make me proud to have a son who puts other peoples lives before your own. You have a heart as big as they come. Reach for the sky and touch as many lives you can. I will pray daily for your safety and safe return. I will miss you and plan to visit sometime next year. I LOVE YOU ! Dad
ReplyDeleteI second what Mike said. Prayers will be heading your way while you're over there. Let me know if you ever want anything specific and I'll send it your way.
ReplyDelete-Willie
Wow! I can't believe that we are only three days away from your departure. This is definitely a bitter sweet time for all of us. I have never been so proud of you and what you are committing to do for the next 2.5 years. Your life will be transformed in oh so many positive ways as will those that you are going to touch while living in Guinea. I am already looking forward to visiting you while you are there. Our prayers, blessings, and love will be with you each and every day. The countdown will begin the day you leave as we anticipate your return to America. (I thank GOD for technology) We love you and wish you the very BEST!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
MOM
I know you want be able to get up with TAR HEEL Basketball while in Africa. But thought I would let you know that they lost by ten the night before you left to UNLV. Safe travels
ReplyDeleteHey this his Ryann...i forgot my password so had to blog under adam!
ReplyDeleteAs i am sitting here writing this to you i can not help but know how amazing you are! I am thinking about how i am going to decorate for christmas and you have given the next two and a half years of your life to help others. I admire you and I know this holiday season i will think of you. Not just think of you because i miss you but think of you because you embody what the spirit of christmas is...selflessness! Have a safe flight! You will be getting some mail soon!
Baby Shay I miss you tons already!! I can't believe it's time for you to leave so soon. Best of lucky in your first few months there and good luck trying to find a stand in Ray Ray! Love you!!
ReplyDelete