Observation of an EPCV

Many people are asking what it’s like to be back, so I thought I’d share some of the initial thoughts and observations I’ve had over the last 3 weeks in Denver.

EPCV- Evacuated Peace Corps Volunteer. When you return from service you are considered a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV), since many of us don’t feel like we truly finished our service, we are calling ourselves EPCVs instead.

1. Refrigerators are freezing, and why do you need ice if you have a refrigerator? I feel like I have to let my food warm up to room temperature before I can eat it.

2. Washing machines and dishwashers are amazing, but overly complicated to actually turn on, also they waste a ton of water.

3. Not having to think about which water will make you sick is a nice change, but again sinks waste so much water!

4. It is absolutely amazing to be able to order anything to be delivered to my door.

5. And I can have any type of food delivered at anytime!

6. Being able to reach for any tool needed in the kitchen is such a luxury, but also why do we need all of these things?

7. Why do we need any of the 1,000,000 things in our houses?!?

8. My skirts and dresses are so short! I can’t believe I wore these in public!

9. It is so nice to be able to wear leggings and tank tops all day and not worry about who sees me.

10. I also have way too many clothes, and most of my belongs are still in storage in Spokane (Why did I think I needed all of it?).

11. My body does not like this snow we’ve been having!

12. Running on the concrete is way easier than dirt roads.

13. But running without my running buddies and an entire community cheering me on every morning sucks!

14. I don’t know what I’d do without technology and being able to talk and see pictures of my community everyday.

15. Also, Americans are complete idiots.

16. Oh and dogs truly are the best things to have around at anytime!