My Assignment

So I'm really starting to get excited/nervous... These last few weeks in the states have just been flying by! I leave for Namibia a week from Thursday and have been in a frenzy to spend as much time as possible with my friends, family and fiancé. Last Saturday was my surprise going away party... My whole family and all of my friends were there and it was just awesome!!! There were people I hadn't seen in years, people from all areas of my life and it was almost overwhelming. I could really feel the love and support for me from everybody. As I'm getting ready to depart, I'm realizing how truly blessed I am to have so many people rooting for me, wishing me luck and praying for me. I love all you guys and it meant so much having you all there showing me love!

I decided that after giving a little rundown of the place, I should give all you guys a little idea of what I'm going to be doing in Namibia. The truth is, I don't totally know! A lot has yet to be determined during training. I do know a little bit, however...

My program is called CHHAP... That stands for Community Health and HIV/AIDS. My job title is Health Extension Volunteer. I'll be in training from March 16, 2012 to May 11, 2012 and my tentative dates of service are May 12, 2012 to May 11, 2014. I'll be gone a total of 26 months.

Namibia gained their independence in 1990. That same year they asked the Peace Corps to begin sending volunteers. One of Namibia's most devastating epidemics over the years has been HIV/AIDS. Namibia has one of the highest rates of HIV infection in the world; about 15.3% of the adult population (ages 15 to 49) are HIV positive and 61% of those infected are women, according to the assignment pamphlet the Peace Corps sent me with my invitation. AIDS is one of the leading causes of death in Namibia, crippling the country both in health and economy.

My program, CHHAP, is made of three assignments. There's Community Development, Youth Development, and my assignment, Health Extension. The three assignments take different approaches but work toward the same goal of "working with communities to improve their general health practices and promote HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention" according to my assignment pamphlet.

The details of my assignment have yet to be decided and can vary greatly. I could be the first volunteer to work with a particular organization or may be continuing the work of another volunteer who has recently left, for example. I could be forming HIV/AIDS awareness clubs in schools, working on community health issues like drug and alcohol prevention, nutrition, or dental hygiene, liaising with national level officials to coordinate and implement health activities, among many other things. The specific job I receive will be determined through my training depending on my skills and interests. However it all works out, I'm super excited to begin my training and service... I know it's going to be a great adventure and learning experience.

Two years is a long time to put my life at home on hold, but I know it will be worth it. I'm hoping to learn a little something about the way the world works from another point of view, learn another culture and language, and hopefully get to help people along the way. One of the Peace Corps slogans is "For dreamers who do," and that sums up my feelings about it. This is a life dream for me, and I'm finally putting it into action. Thanks again to all my loved ones for their unconditional support in all of my endeavors, past and present. I love you all and it means everything to me!

Xoxo
Tash

Location:New York State Bicycle Route 17,Endicott,United States