I’ve been in Malawi a little over a month now and I must admit that it feels like it’s been longer than that. PST is grueling at times and the days run together. I often forget what day it is and dates are rarely ever realized. I have come to terms with the fact that I am bound to miss birthdays. For that, I apologize.

When I arrived in Malawi, I had no expectations about where my site would be. I didn’t know a lot about the different regions. I knew that I wanted to be in the least bug-infested area as possible. I know it’s silly because… Africa. However, still a true prayer of mine.

After being here and getting acquainted with the area and with my host family, I realized that I had fallen in love with Kasungu. I had fallen in love with Njombwa. I had fallen in love with it all. I also realized that the central region needed to be my home. I voiced these feelings even though I knew that they would have little weight because it was late in the planning of where our sites would be. Nevertheless, I hoped and prayed.

When the day of the big reveal came I was so nervous. Sick to my stomach. They blindfolded us and brought us to a big field. They guided us to our sites that were positioned on a large outline of Malawi in the middle of a soccer field. I remember being led away from others. It was quiet near me. That gave me hope. I knew that not many people were being placed in the central region. The biggest need is in the north and south.

When I took off my blindfold, I was ecstatic. I was standing next to a sign that read “Kasungu” and I was thrilled.

My site is called Mphomwa. It is around an hour north of my training village. I will be close to my family for the entire two years that I will be living in Malawi. I feel incredibly fortunate. I got placed exactly where I wanted to be.