20 Things That I'll Miss About Mozambique

With less than two weeks left in Mozambique, I'm left ruminating over the things that I'll miss about this country.  Since I left the States in September 2012, I salivate every time I think about bean burritos stuffed with crunchy veggies and guacamole.  I've been daydreaming about living in an apartment by myself where I don't have to explain to my neighbors why after work I only want to watch TV shows.  How great will it be to go to only one store, such as Target, and buy most of what I need for a month? But here, I have to travel two-hours away just to buy grapes, pears, and soy sauce.

However, I know once I'm back in the U.S., I'm going to miss a lot about Mozambique.  Here are the top 20 things that I predict that I'll miss about Mozambique.

1. Traveling to different sites in Mozambique and other African countries.  Who doesn't like exploring different cultures, food, languages, beaches, and cities?

2.  Even though I don't make a lot of money as a volunteer, I've learned how to survive on less than $250/month. Moreover, I don't have to worry about paying rent or other bills. I'm going to miss not having to pay bills. Ahhh!

3. I enjoy hearing cheerful songs on the radio almost everyday or the ones that my community members sing in their local language.  Also, it's fun to randomly dance with friends in the neighborhood. 

4. I can buy a plastic bag full of mangoes that were picked from the tree that day for a dollar or three coconuts for the same price.

5.Maybe I'm a complete nerd but I love learning new languages.  I'm a fluent Portuguese speaker now because I talk to students, teachers, community members every day.  I'm going to miss the constant exposure to the language, but I plan to continue practicing it in the States.

6. My schedule got busy during the school year.  Having someone help hand-wash clothes, clean the dishes and the bathroom helps to alleviate stress. I'll definitely miss having some extra help around the house.

7. I'll miss how many of my activities took place outdoors. It was nice to cook my meals outside, take afternoon naps on a mat, or even feeling the cool breeze as I Skyped with my mom underneath the stars.

8. I've been able to travel to many provinces in this massive country.  It's been great meeting new people on the way to the beautiful beaches and mountain sites.

9. If you've been away from your home for at least two years in a country that may have intermittent internet, electric power, and water, then you know how challenging it can be for many Peace Corps volunteers.  At the same time, the cultural differences and language barriers forces us to adapt in ways we never imagined. I'm grateful for how much personal growth I've accomplished in just two years.

Ilha de Mocambique

10. I enjoy reading in my free time.  My first year in the Peace Corps, I had plenty of down time to read a lot of books.  Some of the books I've read this year and the previous one, have been pivotal in shaping my world view and growing experience here.

11. Overall, I have had little stress here. I don't really have deadlines or a boss emailing me to remind me to turn in a proposal.  Contrarily, I usually leave my site once a month and I visit the beach often enough. 

12. The 8th graders loved to learn new songs in English while I played the ukulele. Most of my students are motivated to learn English because they know how important it is to know the language.  I'll definitely miss their enthusiasm! 

Blessing and Me

13.  It's going to be hard to say goodbye to some of the people I've met in Mozambique such as, Mana Sonia, Blessing, Peace Corps friends, and the faculty at the secondary school. 

14. Hearing new Afro-House music.  Although it's annoying listening to it blasting at 4 AM, I'm going to miss the fusion of African drums and upbeat house music.

15. I'm going to miss the wide selection of capulanas (the African-designed cloth comes in countless colors and patterns, aka dashiki) and seeing people wearing pants, dresses, shorts, and skirts made out of the material.

16. The food here is influenced by Indian recipes and ingredients.  Even though I'll miss the coconut curry dishes, I'll be bringing some of the recipes back to the States.

Boabab Tree in Malawi

17. The beautiful landscape.  When I ride on a bus, I can't believe how green and breath-taking the never-ending hills are when I look out the window.  Also, I'm going to miss the Baobab trees.

18.Getting my hair braided is really cheap here in Mozambique.  There's a huge difference between paying $2 USD and $100 USD for braids. Will I ever pay to get my hair braided again in the States?  We'll see about that!

8th grade basketball team 2013

19. Sitting out on the veranda (porch) reading a book or cooking lunch with little to no stress.

20.  Remember how in the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy turns to the scarecrow and says, "I think I'm going to miss you the most"? Well, this is how I feel about my girls basketball team.  I'll miss them the most.

 I don't know when I'll see you again, but you'll always be in my heart, Mozambique.