The Real World?!

I don't know what peoples' perception of peace corps is, but let me tell you: it doesn't get more real than this. So, no, i'm not working at a job that I need in order to pay my bills or put food on the table. But my life is extremely real, difficult, challenging. I am being challenged in ways that most of you will NEVER have to face. Is the significance mitigated because I signed up for this? You decide, I don't care. Living in a village where you are expected to know everything because of your background is very trying. Living amongst people that your were raised to believe you share a kinship with who constantly challenge your identity and heritage is no walk in the park or ideal. Aside from standing on the side of the road with my hand out, my only means of transportation usually includes cars filled with men who, more times than not, are intoxicated, is that not real? I'm at the point where I prefer to stay in the house or not put on make up to try to avoid as much attention as possible when I'm in town. There's always someone cat callin, grabbing, or making their best effort in some way. I rarely feel safe. I'm always paranoid or afraid. Its almost impossible to have female friends, and all my male friends have gotten the wrong idea, so I have no Namibian friends. There's not one single person in this country that understands me, where I come from, or why I am who I am. I came across the world to create sustainable change, especially in education, yet i'm combating a series of contradictory policy that makes said task virtually impossible. The last 17 months of my life have been the most emotional ever. I have had my highest highs and lowest lows. I never understood what depression was until now, since I've been here. Mentally and emotionally, I'm tired, but I can't go to sleep. I'm not done, there's so much to do. For them and for me. Through all these experiences I've grown so much. I KNOW I'm a better person than when I left. I'm still learning myself. I'm still teaching myself. I still have a ways to go but i've made great leaps. I could've given up. Gotten out. Said "enough". But I didn't. And I won't. This is MY REAL WORLD.