Noni out...

I was talking to my friend Amy, another volunteer, about how I was worried about my clothes smelling like mold if I pack them too soon before leaving for my trip. Amy looked at me laughing at my concern and reminded me, “Shannon, you’re going to a place where you can wash, dry, and wear your clothes in an hour! Don’t worry if they smell or not when you get there.” HA! And she’s right!
This will be my last entry before my epic journey back to the homeland. I may or may not write while I’m there, we’ll see, but for now I’d like to share some final thoughts as I prepare to leave. When I first decided to join Peace Corps, and then found out I was actually going somewhere, I pretty much decided I would not come back to America for the 27 months of service. That’s obviously changed, and I’m glad it has for a few reasons.
As days, weeks, and months go by I realize that I miss my family and friends beyond what I ever have before, and I have never been more thrilled to see them than I am at this moment. It’s been a year and a half, and probably the longest amount of time that I’ve spent away from these treasured people. I believe now, that I won’t likely let so much time pass again.
With that being said, I love living abroad, for a long time I thought I would, and I do. I’m not always satisfied with my circumstances in Tonga, but many are outside of my control and I’ve gotten better at accepting that, because while I’m a volunteer that’s how it will be. I wish I had done something like this a long time ago, but better late than never, and maybe I was meant to wait, maybe this would have been harder to do 3 or 4 years ago. So, what after this? What’s happening after Peace Corps? Well I could probably give different thoughts and options, but the end is still a ways away, and those of you who know me best, know that even if I did explain a detailed plan of what I’m going to do when I finish my service, know that it will likely be completely different 7 months from now. Who am I kidding, if I wrote something right now explaining future plans I would likely change my mind before clicking the ‘Post Blog’ option, so I won’t fool myself, or you, by writing one.
So I’m not sure about a lot of things, but I believe this trip is good for a few reasons: 1) I need to see family and friends. 2) I want to know how it feels to be back in familiar places, and then have the luxury of reflection time when I come back to Tonga. 3) I want to do some ‘Shannon’ stuff. I’ll explain…
In Tonga, Noni (me): takes bucket baths. In America, Shannon (again, me): will be taking hot showers every single day, plus submerge herself in bubble baths until properly pruned. Noni: gathers 2-5 buckets of water from her neighbors’ house every day. Shannon: whatever…not likely. Noni: makes her own bread. Shannon: feels that making bread is great, and she likes to do it, but would also like to go to a grocery, pick out one of 30 options of wheat and whole grain already sliced for your convenience bread, and make a sliced turkey sandwich with non-expired cheese, spinach, and bacon for good measure. Noni: loves to dance to Akon and Chris Brown. Shannon: pleads the 5th. Noni: Does not eat at McDonald’s. Shannon: will not eat at McDonald’s…but Subway sounds good.
I’m making note of all the people who have extended their invitations for getting together while I’m visiting, I’ll have my old cell phone that I’ve unfortunately forgotten the number to at this point…I think it’s 336-429…something, something, with an 8, and something else…all are details that can be sorted later. My Mom, Aunt, and Grandmother are taking time off of work, and the generations are going to rock NC, ha. I’m going to my old high school to talk to a couple of classes about Peace Corps and Tonga. I’m used to being in front of large classes now, but not used to the kids being able to fully understand what I’m saying, so the pressure’s on to know my stuff now, ha. I’m pretty much starting my trip with a wedding in Indiana and ending it with one in North Carolina, and many of my Tongan neighbors are convinced that I’m going to get married while I’m away.
My goal is to not have excess idle time; I want to make the most of this trip because you never know the future, never know who you’ll see again, or when, so I say let’s grab a pizza, a beer, a coffee, a movie. I’ve got a month to do whatever I can, and if you’re down with being a part of that experience, then get on board the train. I’m leaving Tonga at 9pm Tuesday the 24th (tomorrow here) and get to Indianapolis at 1am Wednesday morning. Wish me luck, I look forward to seeing all who I’m meant to see, and those of you who I won’t get to see, maybe it’ll work out another time.
Once again, I would like to thank every single person who has helped me make this trip possible, and I hope to thank you in person soon.