I met Cathy in the Peace Corps. We were in the same volunteer group, Bots-5. At first, Cathy was quite and reserved like me. We bonded a bit during our training, because we were both from Seattle. During the two years in Botswana I got to know Cathy well. We had many lengthy discussions about life, dreams, religion, faith and love. We were both at a cross road in our lives trying to figure out paths that we shall choose to realize our lives' dreams. Cathy had many dreams. She wanted to travel and see the world, she wanted to learn other languages, she wanted to help people in need and she wanted to fall in love.
Cathy was a good listener and she was very understanding. She knew how to lift my spirits and she was very generous. We went to Mozambique together during our holiday. I always wanted to swim in the ocean, but was very scared to do so. Cathy took me by my hand into the beautiful Indian Ocean and held my hand until I was no longer afraid to be in the ocean on my own. I had my first sun burn during the same holiday and didn't know what to do. Cathy gave me tips what to do take care of my sun burns. She used to sneak behind me and give me very warm hugs. I always loved her spontaneity and loving friendship. Cathy always tried to see the best in people. She was so polite and showed people that she cared.
I remember her being blissfully happy during our final good bye in Botswana. She found the love of her life and a great position with an International NGO. Her future looked so bright and her heart was filled with joy. I will never forget Cathy and all her love, friendship and teachings will be part of me forever.
Chami Arachchi
Peace Corps Volunteer-Botswana
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