Finding a balance

field journal

Language review after Kaedi was encouraging, showed us how far we have come in just two weeks. That I can articulate entire ideas more or less coherently is a miracle; I never expected such success. It is especially triumphant for me: I love learning languages but my brain does not. French was hard won as is Hassaniye now, making the victories that much sweeter.

Feeling off… health-wise I mean. I wonder if it is simply fatigue from the busy weekend. As part of a conscious effort to tone down my enthusiasm, I am allowing myself to be sick instead of ploughing through it with a forced smile. I think my sitemates are relieved to see that I am indeed human, that I occasionally fall ill.

Perhaps “invincible Ellen” was both unsustainable and unwise as an integration approach with other trainees. Everything in moderation, right, including enthusiasm.