Diversity is a term that is difficult to define in an American context and nearly impossible in regards to American volunteers living in Malawi. The meanings we are all accustomed to simply don’t apply here. As Peace Corps volunteers we are all diverse in the villages we serve. American diversity in Malawi is a term used to help define the ambiguous experiences of the individual in his or her community. This area of the site is a way to bring to light some, although certainly not all, of the varied volunteer experiences. - The Diversity Committe

I had been in-country for almost a year when my boyfriend decided to join me in the Peace Corps experience. It all happened at just the right time because the long distance was getting tough, but I felt like I had accomplished something by surviving the first year on my own. My community knew that I had a fiancé at home and had met him when he came for a two-week visit six months before. He had met my close PCV friends in that same visit, so it seemed there would be a smooth transition of him into my life here in Malawi. We knew that it would be foolish to assume a blissful life in such drastically different circumstances. With me one year into my experience, I had developed a level of patience for Malawians and the way things move here. Also, I had the Peace Corps training which was invaluable to in helping me through the adjustment period and beyond.

In order for his stay here to be both comfortable and successful, it was essential for him to be accepted in both the Peace Corps community and the Malawian community. The Malawian community was a bit more conditional. I live in a very Christian community and teach at a mission school, thus we were expected and avidly persuaded to get married. Fortunately, we were already moving in that direction and had discussed the possibility before he came. Now that we are seen as a married couple, there are assumed gender roles. No one believes or understands how my husband can cook dinner and do house work and people will greet him and ignore me etc. Like anything else, a good sense of humor has been critical. It’s also a good opportunity for cultural exchange. Gender equality is a hot new topic in Malawi and to see a man cooking while the woman has a daily job helps them to see examples of it in action.