When I first learned that I would be relocating to Nkhotakota, my excitement was quickly overshadowed by a wave of fear. The thought of living away from my relatives was daunting. I have always found comfort in the close-knit support of my family, and the idea of being far from them felt like stepping into uncharted territory.
One of my biggest fears was the long process of making new friends. Building new relationships is never easy, and the idea of starting over in a new place where I knew no one filled me with anxiety. Questions like “Would I find people with similar interests?” and “Would they accept me?” played on a loop in my mind. Getting used to the new community was another source of concern. Every community has its own unique culture, traditions, and way of life. Adapting to a new environment requires time, patience, and an open mind. I worried about whether I would fit in, understand the local customs, and build meaningful connections with the people of Nkhotakota. Moreover, working with local leaders who are often associated with superstition added an extra layer of fear. Superstitions can sometimes create barriers and misunderstandings, making collaboration challenging. The thought of navigating these cultural nuances and establishing trust with local leaders seemed overwhelming.
When I arrived at my site, escorted by one of the officers, the farewell felt like being abandoned in an unfamiliar world. I felt so uneasy that even my favorite food tasted sour. It took me a full two months to accept that I was in a new community. When I was dropped off at my site, one of the community members was there welcoming me. Since it was night, I didn’t realize who he was, and I didn’t even have the desire to ask about him. Morning came, and the same person came to greet me to see how I slept. It was at this moment that I developed an interest to know him more. He would take me on walks and sometimes to community activities, and it was during these walks that he took me to the lake. This was the turning point for my anxieties. I started getting to know the community, understanding their culture, and building relationships with people. Eventually, people even started calling me “a Kajaka” due to a building activity I introduced. My energy to build more relationships grew, and all my former fears disappeared.
My CorpsAfrica service has been inspiring, and I love the person I am becoming—a person with a growth mindset. Becoming a CorpsAfrica Volunteer may be challenging, but it is undoubtedly transformative. I have developed resilience, forged meaningful connections, embraced the opportunity, and discovered strengths and potentials I never knew I had.
