Seeking Support.

As the end of 2010 comes to a close, I am busy planning for 2011. I have so many things I want to try in year two of my Peace Corps service (I am torn between feeling like it will be the longest year of my life and yet the shortest due to everything I want to try to accomplish…) but one of the things that I am really interested in trying is a local girls club. I have a couple of really great prospects (interested groups that are willing to try it with me) at the primary schools in my area with girls in sixth and seventh grades (this is right before they jump to high school which seems to be a really good age).  I have written an outline for about a 4 month trial club that would encompass topics regarding personal leadership, communication, goal setting, sexual health and choices, and of course being a powerful woman! I definitely plan to teach them a bit of yoga throughout the course along with doing fun, educational and empowering activities.
So, that's where you all come in?!  I am seeking a bit of financial support from my family and friends (and, heck, anyone who wants to donate funds really) to get some of the supplies so that I can get the club started…it is entirely voluntarily and please don’t feel obligated. But, if you need a good place to send a donation that will definitely make a difference in the life of a group of girls next year, please send any donation (from $1 to $1 million) to the following address (you can make any checks out to me):

Betty Kingston
18535 E Lawndale Place
Queen Creek, AZ 85142

My wonderful mom will collect your donations and deposit so that I can purchase supplies for the inaugural club. I will keep you updated as to the progress of the club and how your contribution has made a difference!

May you all have a beautiful holiday season among family and friends! I will be celebrating South African style this year but that doesn't mean I won't be thinking of you all and missing you terribly. 

Namaste,

Wendy

Michael Polo.

I feel like I’ve been so…productive?  This is a strange feeling.  It’s been a while. 

Anyway, we had our commencement ceremony for the 2010 Leaders Program last week at a local venue called the River’s Lodge.  It’s an older resort about 45 minutes away from my village on the Olifants River.  It was really a great venue to celebrate the end of the program for our children (the select group of about 35 leaders) at the drop-in centers.  We took them there for the day as an opportunity for an outing/celebration of their hard work.  We reviewed the highlights of the leadership program (talking about what they had learned), handed out certificates, announced the leaders who were selected for the special outing trip (a day trip to Graskop where we will visit some beautiful sites in Blyde River Canyon which I will be sure to tell you all about), and then, the best part, had a braii (the South African equivalent of a barbecue) and let them just play for the afternoon!  

At the resort, there was a big grassy area where the kids could play soccer, a volleyball court (sort of...it was a bit old but we still played), and, yes, a swimming pool.  Unfortunately, no one knows how to swim.  But, this did not stop them from getting in the pool.  They had a great time (while I faked being a lifeguard making sure there were no drownings).  I also tried to teach them how to play, "Marco Polo" which somehow became, "Michael Polo."  Oh, well. they still had fun playing.

And I learned the secret to staying cool.  Just wear wet clothes.  All of the time. 

 Ice Breakers.

Michael Polo.

2010 Phedisang Leaders.

 

Success.

I have posted pictures from the event that we hosted at our local Turkey Clinic in honor of World AIDS Day 2010 yesterday (and I also put up a few pictures from the day before where we baked for almost 8 hours).  I am so proud of my community.  That’s all I can really say.  May the people of South Africa continue to work together to create change...

WAD.

As you know (I’m sure all of you know?), World AIDS Day (WAD) is on Wednesday, December 1. I participated in an art exchange program with my fellow Peace Corps volunteers here in South Africa. For the art exchange, children in all of our various projects created art and then we mailed the art from our project to another volunteer. So then everyone gets art from another project to share in their community – all in attempt to teach/share information about HIV/AIDS. Well, I have been pushing to have an “event” in my little area for the community on World AIDS Day so that I can display the art but also so that we can create our own little awareness/education campaign.
So, I couldn't get anyone to plan anything despite my efforts. But, last week, I ran into one of the nurses at the clinic who I have a good relationship with and she was all over helping me. We met at the clinic the next day and created a program (everything has a program here – complete with who is going to do the opening prayer and closing remarks), made posters, wrote letters…it was great. But, too bad the day is less than a week away. I shouldn’t be surprised though as this is pretty normal.  Which is probably why no one wanted to plan anything "so far ahead" in the first place. 

But you must know that in order to have a successful event, food is imperative. I just can’t get over this expectation at events here. It’s the first thing anyone asks. “Will there be food?” Eish. Anyway, because we were planning this very last minute, we didn’t have any food. Or money for food. So we decided to ask for donations. We have been somewhat successful in getting a few supplies which means that tomorrow I will be spending the afternoon baking with the nurse and praying that we can find cups for the juice that was donated.

I will be sure to take pictures to post of the event. And I’ve already said that next year, we plan ahead.

Thank you.

On the eve of Thanksgiving, I thought that I should reflect upon just a few of those things that I am thankful for in my ever evolving life here in South Africa.

Piet. Piet is my host father here in South Africa and can make a really crappy day turn around quickly. When I come home he is quick to joke around with me and give me a hard time. Piet inspires me in so many ways.

Time. I’ve never had so much time on my hands in my life. To sit and read. Or talk to Piet. Or write in my journal. Or go for a walk. Listen to the kids play next door (or join in). Sleep. Practice yoga.

Fans (the ones that cool you off). It is so hot and I will never, ever take air conditioning or rainy days (snow, for that matter) or any type of coolness for granted again.

Kind, helpful taxi drivers. Speaks for itself.

Water. The lack of water is one of the biggest challenges in my area (and many parts of rural South Africa). When I have access to water, I am grateful.

My friends and family. I have a deep appreciation for my family more so than I have probably in my entire life. Being away has made me recognize the simplicity of being together with the people you love.

I hope that everyone simply appreciates being with their friends and family on Thanksgiving.

Happy Tofurkey Day.

Ants.

This is trivial but true. It seems that rainy season is upon us here in South Africa. Hot, disgusting, balmy, rainy season. This has created a problem for me (I say for me because it doesn’t seem to bother anyone else). On my way to work (or anywhere else for that matter), I encounter thousands upon thousands of ants. Imagine the ground being covered so thickly by ants that it's hard to see dirt. It is awful.

My problem has become getting from one point to another without them literally crawling up my feet and legs as they bite me in a rage. I now have nightmares of trying to get anywhere without trying to dodge these ants. Sometimes I will be walking with someone and I am literally jumping up and down because ants are biting me and the person is just looking at me strangely.  They seem fine?  It's bizarre.  How are they fine?  I’ve asked why these ants doen't bother anyone else and they say, “We’ve gotten used to it. Our skin is strong.” Amazing.

I really hate the ants.  Dare I say more than the heat. 

Picture this (no, really, I finally have pictures uploaded so make sure to look)

Do I really have to go back to work? I’ve been battling this question for the last 24 hours as I reacclimatize to my surroundings. I had my first African vacation and it was truly amazing. Let me explain.


As a Peace Corps volunteer, you arrive in a country and are whisked away to a small village (in the middle of the night in my experience) and this village didn't quite represent the Africa I had in mind because, of course, nothing ever is like you imagine. So this means that, although I have been in Africa, I have not seen any of the places that have lions, giraffes, or elephants. I have been in a village, with no running water, dusty streets, goats, cramped taxis, ants that never die...you get the picture. But last week, I took my first vacation here and saw a part of Africa that was truly amazing.

Now, I did not do a 5 star luxury tour. I still took public taxis and stayed in backpackers (dorm rooms where you share bathrooms – kind of like being in a college dorm room) but it was being a “tourist” which made it feel different. That, and the amazing places we visited. My fellow Peace Corps Volunteer companions (husband and wife, Chuck and Michelle) were gracious enough to let me tag along with them and we had an amazing adventure. Complete with a few mishaps (and mistakes) along the way but I don’t know that I would change a thing. Okay, except the fact that I did not purchase one single thing?! What?! No souvenirs?

Kruger Park was fantastic. We slept in a tent in the park (in a protected area) but still had a hyena stalking us just outside the fence. We saw 5 leopards (apparently unheard of) and one was stalking an impala while elephants and water buffalo wandered by...giraffes, rhinos, and hippos were also abundant. Amazing. There were a few moments of boredom (because you spend a lot of time waiting to see animals) but we took pictures (as you can see from our photos) and were sufficiently satisfied with our adventure.

Then it was off to Mozambique. We decided to save some money and arrived via public taxi – we walked over the border and were asked if we were “scared” to arrive via public taxi. Huh?! It was a horribly hot day but once we found food and a cold drink all was better (and it even hailed the afternoon we arrived which was quite surprising). Sleeping without mosquito nets proved interesting (poor Chuck) but then I had bigger problems when we arrived at the amazing beach town of Tofo where I was eaten alive by some unknown bugs. But, it was again worth the long bus ride and bug bites because the beach here was amazing. Truly. Miles of clear, blue ocean where diving is superb but running along the beach was even better and relaxing was by far my favorite pastime. We even paddled sea kayaks and rode in a traditional dhow boat.

On the way home (sweating in my taxi packed next to my fellow South Africans) I realized why Africa is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Well, because it is.

One step at a time.

During PST (that’s Peace Corps lingo for “pre-service training”) they talk about this integration period after we first get to our communities that will be taking place during the initial three months we start living at our sites. This is the time when we are learning about our communities, our organizations, our host families, the language, etc. I thought that I, of course, would breeze through this integration thing. I have to say that this has just not happened. Okay, I will be fair. This has not happened…in my experience. Integration has taken much longer than three months (and still continues)...After the first three months at my site, I still felt like I didn’t know anything and didn’t fit in at all.
But, the good news is that after almost 8 months here in beautiful (and hot) Limpopo, I am just starting (notice that I say starting) to feel like I am getting to know my community. Okay, there are little chunks of time if maybe not entire days. For instance, I went to work yesterday and on my walk home, I was joined by a girl who knew me from the drop-in center. It felt comfortable. And the day before that, as I was coming home from my run, and the nurse from the clinic came out and we bantered for a while as she joked about coming on my runs with me (I don’t think she really wants to come with me of course). But, again, it felt good.

I say this because I am reminded of my perfectionist attitude about “getting it right” and that this should be easy. It’s not. This really slow integration process has been hard. But, slowly it’s feeling better. It’s still not easy but, finally, I feel like I am making progress.
Of course, I am leaving out the fact that there was a little girl that cried (okay, screamed) when she saw me today at church because she was still scared of me. Hey, one step at a time.

Gardening and Running.

There is excitement in the air…to create a permagarden! My weekend gardening workshop was fantastic and although I am not an expert (at all), I am very enthusiastic which should count for something, right? I hope that I can take what I’ve learned and put it to good use in my community. The idea behind permagardening is to create a small food garden for a family (or shared community garden). So, first, I plan to help my host father build a garden at his house. We’ll see how that goes and then maybe I will move on as my confidence grows (and I actually get a few things to grow). The first challenge is making compost and then “mapping” out the area that you wish to dig. The composting takes a couple of months so I must get started. I will keep you updated on my progress.

Oh, and my other exciting news? With not much planning and preparation, I ran a half marathon this weekend. It was a bit of an unplanned undertaking but I happened to be in Pretoria and learned at the last minute about the race so just kind of ran it? Surprisingly, it went quite well (I’ve been running in my village quite a bit) and I am excited about this newfound love of running which I thought died along with the first signs of my gray hair several years ago. We’ll see. I may now sign up for this insane event that takes place here in South Africa called the Comrades where you run for many, many hours. Sounds like something to look forward to, yes? I need things to look forward to…not quite as exciting as a shower and a cappuccino but you take what you can get.

I can't stop! Peace Corps Graduation Day SA21

Learning how to make a picture collage.

What If?

It's kind of fun to play the What If game.  You should try it!
• What if it was winter in South Africa right now?
• What if I could understand every word that was spoken in every conversation in my village?
• What if I had all the answers?

• What if I could drink tea all day? Wait. I can!

• What if my skin was black but I was still the same person?

• What if I wasn't a vegetarian?

• What if I did take that random guy who stopped me walking to work this morning back to America with me (he suggested he could live with my family)?

• What if I could get people to put trash in a trash can? Then what?

• What if I changed my clothes more than once a week?

• What if Tia (!) could cook for me every day?

• What if I could learn how to play that game where the kids throw trash and stack rocks?

• What if I could have birthday cake tomorrow?

• What if I could plant grass outside my house to sit on and read my books?

• What if I could go home to America…just on the weekends?

• What if I could take a shower once every 3 months?

• What if the frog at my house jumps on my head while I’m sleeping?

• What if my fingernails continue to rot and fall off?

• What if I couldn’t leave my village? Ever?

• What if I run out of toilet paper tomorrow?

• What if the donkey I saw this morning can’t hear anymore because he was missing an ear?

• What if I can’t find a job when I come home?

• What if I was a Peace Corps volunteer…in Italy?

• What if my name really was Lethabo?

• What if I could drive to Walgreens later?

• What if I had a pet chicken?

• What if my fan breaks and I die because it’s so hot?

• What if I had to eat pap every day at every meal?

• What if my friends and family back home don’t even miss me?!

So I will be heading to Pretoria for the weekend/next week. I am going to a Peace Corps workshop to learn about gardening. Yes, gardening. It is a skill that most of us volunteers do not possess yet find would benefit us here since many of our organizations have space and the need for an additional sustainable food source. I am taking one of the women at my organization. Hopefully I won’t kill any plants. Wish me luck!

Free form.

I'm just going to share a few thoughts/tidbits/pieces of information.  

• South Africa (particularly the area where I am located in Limpopo) gets really hot.  We are coming into the "spring/summer" (it all seems the same) - from what I have experienced so far, it is kind of like living in Phoenix without any air-conditioning with an intense, burning sun.  
• But, no one will open the window in the taxis even though it is like a sweat box in there.  Too scared of getting the "flu."  This is the termed used to describe basically any ailment here.
• This weather is "boring." Or, that person is "boring."  I hear the term boring a lot and was first very confused.  Now I just use it too.
• I also have adapted other words (which are slang/english) that include:  "eish"(an exclamation like "wow"), too much (it's too hot, too far, too difficult), spoiled (ruined), bhaki (truck). 
• Mosquitos are starting to arrive. 
• Water is a real challenge in many rural areas.  Including the area where I stay.  There is a water tap in the yard of my host father's compound.  Most of the time it doesn't work (I can't really explain why).  There are large water storage containers that families keep water in because of this problem which are called "jojos".  In order to fill your jojo one must take smaller containers to a water source (usually a river) and carry them back (in a wheelbarrow or on their head or, if you are lucky, with a bhaki). 
• Nothing ever starts on time.  SLT.
• I was actually complemented on my language skills the other day (I still am not that good...at all) but I proudly accepted the complement by saying, "ke a leboga!" 
• As I walk through the village, most of the little kids now like to yell out my name (repeatedly until I am out of their range of vision), "Sesi Lethabo! Sesi Lethabo!" It always makes me smile.

I am now goig to go sit in front of my fan and think about snow.  Love to you all! 

My work.

I don’t feel like I have talked about my work much? Probably because it’s so difficult to define. I can remember taking a walk one day in beautiful Colorado with my mom before coming here (ahh, I miss our walks so much, mom!) and sharing one of my concerns about coming here. From the little information I had received, read and heard from other volunteers, there seemed to be no defined “job” as a volunteer. You really create your own role it seemed?

So, having now been a volunteer for a few months, I would probably agree that there is no defined role for the typical volunteer.  Which can be really good because you have a lot of opportunity.  And also one of the many difficulties of life as a volunteer.  Let me explain as much as I can.

There are two programs that a volunteer would be working with here in South Africa – Education (which would mean they would be working as an educator at a primary or secondary school) or one would be part of the CHOP program (the Community Health and Outreach Program). I am a CHOP volunteer (this was determined prior to me coming to South Africa). As CHOP volunteers we work with NGOs (non-profit organizations) which usually fall under one of two categories – home-based care organizations or drop-in centers (there are a few other NGOs that a volunteer might work with but these seem to be the primary two types). These NGOs work as organizations that have formed primarily due the demand and need to provide care and support for individuals and families that have been impacted in some way by the pandemic of HIV/AIDS here in South Africa…but it doesn’t mean these organizations provide direct health care. For example, a drop in center might provide food, support, etc. - the net can be cast wide as an organization helps their own community determine its needs.
The organization that I work with is a group of drop in centers (which mean that we work with children that “drop in” to the center before and after school). Our centers provide food for children ages 6-18 as well as after school activities. The organization has been around for a while but there are many changes that we are dealing with this year (for tons of reasons which I won’t go into right now).

So, what I do. I am trying to help with some of the infrastructure issues so that this organization is a sustainable fixture in each of their communities. Helping with things like training for the volunteers and staff (think basic leadership development, computer skills, financial management, etc). In addition, I’d like to develop some more meaningful activities and programs with the kids. While we have a great start, there is an opportunity to do more.

But, the challenge is sometimes not making it about what I want and making sure it’s what the organization/community wants and will support long after I’m gone. That can be a difficult lesson sometimes. Okay, it can be a difficult lesson quite a bit of the time.

Does that help give you a sense of my work?  Maybe.  Maybe not. 

The Run.

I did participate in the “Mayor’s Tournament” this weekend which I must tell you all about – it was a fabulous day.
The event is a day to celebrate women! It typically takes place every August which is Women’s Month in South Africa and our local municipality holds the event to celebrate the very important (and very difficult) role that women play in their family and culture but it also highlights women's continued struggle for equality. The event is open to women ages 18 to 80 (or older if they want to come!) and there is a run, soccer tournament, netball tournament (not this year though), traditional dancing contest, beauty contest (yes?!) and fashion parade! I had no idea?!

My friend, Lebo, came the night before to tell me that I needed to be on the tar road by 6AM because the local ward councilor would pick me up to take me to the start of the race. Sure enough, she was there to pick me up and we drove to the registration line and start of the run. It was clear that I was an anomaly. There was a bit of “talk” among the racers as to my attendance (why was I there?!) but then they figured out that I was a “local” and it was fine. It was also discovered I was from AMERICA (always an exciting discovery here) and then I became an instant celebrity. We had to wait for a while so I talked to people – asking about where they were from and why they were running. I must share a few information tidbits about the race:

• A free T-shirt can motivate any person, across any culture (there were free T-shirts given to all runners). I almost got mauled when they started passing them out.

• I wish I could have shared a picture of the runners at this race compared to a race that you might be picturing. DO NOT picture an American race. These women were in skirts, jeans, shoeless or not in appropriate running shoes (ie, flip flops, keds, holes in shoes, etc.). I only saw one woman actually wearing running shoes (other than myself). But it didn’t matter. They were so excited to be there.

• The gogos that were at the race were awesome! These are the grandmothers of the villages. They were in their headwraps, skirts, many were toothless, dancing and laughing (often at me trying to dance)! Ready to run (or kindof).

• If you have to use the bathroom while waiting for a couple of hours for the race to start, you just go. In the bush.

• Even though this was called a marathon, the distance was only about 5km. There is no way that these wonderful women could have “run” any further. Maybe a few of them, actually, with a little bit of understanding of pacing. They would sprint and then stop. Sprint and then stop. I tried to get them to slow down but it was sort of a lost concept?

• I did NOT win the race. For many reasons. General confusion about what was happening (and when the thing actually started – I thought we were still just singing and then all of a sudden everyone was running)? But mostly because I “ran” with several girls who wanted to hang with me. And then I encouraged the gogos for a bit. But that’s okay. There’s always next year!? Although, Piet, my host father, was quite disappointed to hear I didn’t win!

Next year, I hope to help the local municipality plan the event (with maybe some donations from my wonderful friends and family back home of running shoes?!). I was lucky enough to meet the mayor and the speaker as well as several of our local ward councilors. It was such an inspiring day.

And, I can’t even begin to describe the soccer playing gogos. This was truly a sight.

Some days are "too difficult."

I must tell you about my day on Saturday. I was supposed to run in an event called the “Mayor’s Marathon.” I thought this event had been planned for quite some time because it seems to be an annual event (my first time competing of course) but it’s been quite challenging to pull information from people about the actual details so who knows? Well, the day before the race I was trying to figure out where I was supposed to go for the start of the race and people started saying that they “heard” it was postponed? I am not exactly sure why…something about a party was being hosted for the mayor and this seemed to be a conflict. I sent a text message to someone I hoped would know and sure enough the race wasn’t happening. Now, I’m not exactly sure how they told all of the other runners but I just try to not ask questions sometimes. The race is now happening next Saturday just so you know (wish me luck that I figure out the details).
Since I wasn’t doing my race, I decided to go to town (I did run anyway since the race does seem to be happening next week now…we’ll see)! After my run and bucket bath (yes, bucket bath every day!), I went to the road to catch my usual taxi. Well, this particular taxi was overloaded meaning they put too many people in the taxi with the assumption that some are getting off sooner rather than later. Too bad for the driver that the traffic cops were out and we were stopped. I found it strange though that the driver was smart enough to recognize they were being stopped and pulled over before the road block to change drivers because he was driving on an expired license (don’t ask) yet he didn’t think about the overloaded taxi so was fined anyway.

Then, coming back from town, I was accosted by one very drunk man who said he loved me and would in fact marry me (he even gave me a pair of earrings as a sign of his devotion). I have received this kind of attention before but it was a bit excessive. Luckily, I had the help of a few kind women on the taxi and they helped rid me of my potential future husband.

Upon returning to the village, I was greeted by my friend at the local shop telling me I am looking very “fat.” While I thanked her for her kind words (she also told me I’m looking quite wrinkly and red and need to wear a hat), I explained that this would be considered rude in my culture (she didn’t care). She said it means I am happy in the village – that I have an open heart. So I reciprocated and said she also looks very “fat.” 

Ugh. Some days are "too difficult."  This phrase (too difficult) can be said to most people here and they understand the meaning so I say it a lot. 

Disgustingly inspired.

The Roedean Girls

Wow. It’s been an amazing week. I feel so…inspired (thus the title of this blog). We just finished hosting a group of high school girls from Johannesburg (Grade 11) at my organization. They came to the village to stay for five days to help with projects at our centres but more than that it was about learning and growing. Seeing what life in rural South Africa is like because, although they live in the same country, it’s a different world out here where water is scarce, poverty is rampant and life can be really difficult.


I have to say I was terribly impressed. They were a great group of 15 dynamic girls who really wanted to be here and learn. They jumped right in and were great with the kids…making fast friends and easy connections despite the language barrier. I was deeply inspired and it renewed my energy. And, I got to teach them a little bit of yoga! 

We set up a blog where the girls recorded their thoughts during the week which I will put a link"(see my links to the right) to if you are interested in reading about their journey (plus, I am going to put up all of the pictures there so you can see how much fun we had)!

Oh, and I told them all about you – my wonderful friends and family back home.

I love and miss you all.

When you can't beat 'em...

Next week we have a group of girls from a private school in Johannesburg visiting the project where I work. For the past couple of years, my organization has hosted 15-20 girls from this school.  The girls spend 5 days doing a community service project in the villages. This is my first year helping/planning/preparing. It’s been quite...interesting. I am dealing with a very “western” thinking school from Johannesburg and the planning has been done using spreadsheets and lists and I am totally into it (because I haven’t had this much structure since leaving my job).

But then I bring these spreadsheets and schedules back to the volunteers and staff at my organization and, honestly, there isn't much interest in using them. At all.  Everything is somehow, magically done without writing anything down. Although there are a couple that seem interested so I must take baby steps. And deep breaths. 

Anyway, today I decided instead to not sweat it and sang songs with the kids. We sang the “right arm, left arm” song and then the “I love you, you love me” one? I felt a lot better after that. Who cares about spreadsheets and schedules anyway, right?


I’m kidding. I’ll get back to planning later.

Coming home.

I have been away from my site for the past couple of weeks (thus the reason for my lack of blog posts - my deepest apologies all you thousands of followers). But this weekend I came home. It feels strange to say that I was making my way "back home" since most of the time I still feel like a visitor here but maybe I am making more headway than I think because I actually got hugs (yes, actual embraces) from people after being gone - they seemed to miss me!? And I was really happy to see everyone. In fact, I didn’t even mind my bucket bath this morning. And, you know, walking to the pit latrine in the morning does allow you to greet your neighbors which is a perk that you don’t get when you have a bathroom in your actual house?

Doing some math.

I find that the times that I am most content/fulfilled/happy come when I am just hanging out with the kids. I have developed a little following of “students” that like when I give them math problems – you know, basic addition, subtraction, multiplication stuff. At first I started just writing them on a piece of scrap paper but then I got them interested in using the computer where there is a math game that we can play (and they find the robot that says “Good Job!” or “Well done!” quite amusing). So then our math games evolved into me making up short “tests” which consist of me giving them a few questions such as “What color is the sky?” and “Who is the President of South Africa?” After the test, I check their answers. It's quite fun and they seem to enjoy it. Plus, it gives me a chance to practice some language while also helping the kids with their English.
So if anyone has any math flash cards or also word/picture flash cards (with basic English words on one side with a picture of the item on the other to donate), please send them my way.  And, yes, I am wearing one of the terrible skirts that I seem to wear all the time now. 

Success.

Life is difficult here. And for the children that visit our drop-in centers it can be extremely tough. Many not only live in poverty but they don’t always have the constitent support of family (which is why they come to the center because they usually live with only one parent or have lost both parents and live with a foster carer). When you don’t have someone cheering you on to get an education or work hard it’s tough to be motivated (unless you just are driven of course which is difficult when there are so many obstacles). Many of the kids have to help take care of other siblings and just getting basic needs met is the first order of the day. So, at the centers we try to help with education (in addition to the basic needs) as much as we can – we have over 550 kids that visit the seven centers that I am helping (across 7 different villages) so it’s a challenge. For many of these kids, just passing the 12th grade is huge accomplishment (many drop out of school before the 12th grade or just don’t pass).
One of the children who attended our centers as she was growing up (a great success story) is now attending a private University in Johannesburg with some wonderful support. She has been back in the village during the World Cup school break helping at the centers and it’s been such a motivation for me to get to know her. She’s only 18 but is quite well-spoken and is extremely motivated. On Friday, there was a journalist who visited that will be writing an article about her (and the University that she now attends). Hopefully, I will be able to share when it comes out. 

On a side note, I took some great pictures with the kids but my camera is on the fritz these will have to wait.  Hopefully I can recover them.  Luckily, there was also a photographer here so he promised to send some along. 


 

Courage.

Sometimes it’s strange to look ahead to the weekend and know that you don’t really have a lot going on?  I had a group of about 10 American volunteers come to visit my site last Friday. They are in South Africa for a short volunteer program. I would call their volunteering like a mini “vacation.” They are living in one of the most beautiful towns in South Africa. In a house. With running water. And flush toilets. Where everyone speaks English. And, most importantly, they have each other. But, I do admire their courageous spirit to come to another country to do volunteer work. It’s all good. Anyway, they wanted to visit my village as some of them are contemplating joining the Peace Corps. It was great to have them come and see my organization and visit my little house. Hopefully I gave them some helpful advice/insight. I really enjoyed talking to them and was impressed with their knowledge after such a short time in the country.  But, as they were asking questions it helped to remind me how courageous all Peace Corps volunteers are…myself included. It also reminded me how little I had to do that weekend as they drove away in their car.  And I stayed in my village. :)

It is HERE.

I imagine you have all heard that the World Cup is in South Africa. Yes, FEEL IT.  IT IS HERE (this is said all of the time). I admit that I didn’t really watch soccer that much prior to coming here but I have watched more soccer in this last month than probably in my entire lifetime. Well, that’s not true. I have listened to a lot of soccer (thanks to my reliable radio) and watched a little bit (thanks to a fabulous host this weekend). Including, yes, attending a game. I couldn’t go back to the states having been here during this monumental occasion and not attend a game? Are you crazy? It has been quite fun being part of all of the discussions (some in Sotho) and excitement even through the sadness of Bafana, Bafana getting eliminated. Have you heard about this thing called a vuvuzela (in one of my pictures below at the match that I attended).  Oh, and it was freezing.  Yes, it's cold in South Africa right now. 

We also had a wonderful event at my organization for the children. We hosted a “World Cup” Soccer Tournament to coincide with the start of the World Cup. The tournament was open to the children who visit our drop-in centers.  We had a tournament (with prizes!), provided lunch and had an awards ceremony...it was really a great day. In an effort to build awareness, interest and understanding about how the World Cup works, we have also been sharing information with the children at the centers during the World Cup school closures.  Here are a couple of pictures from the tournament day.  I need to post more as I have some really great pictures of the day!

The World Cup has been a once in a lifetime opportunity for South Africans. Whether you like soccer or not, it has brought together a country of soccer fans.  I wonder who will win?

Just a Hike.

I went on an amazing hike. In Africa. Like no other hike I have been on before.  My village sits at the Northern end of the Drakensburg mountains. It is really beautiful and I have been saying for quite some time that I want to go hiking in the mountains that sit behind my village. Well, most people don’t “hike” around here. They walk for a purpose.  But, I think my excitement (or maybe persistance?) rubbed off because I talked some women from my organization into taking me up onto the mountain for a hike. It will be a day I won't forget.

Understand that there aren’t really hiking trails. There are cow paths that most of the people know around here because the farmers in the area use them to herd their cattle and get up and down from the mountain. My unlikely hiking crew set off at 6:30AM one morning (okay, it was actually more like 7:00AM – please refer back to SLT if you need to know about being on time here) and it was extremely cold…for Africa. The women had several layers of pants and skirts and dukus (head wraps) as well as their large, dull knife (to be explained later) and lots of food. I wasn’t sure what to expect so I hadn’t brought much so they all gave me a hard time (they don’t think I eat enough) and said if I helped carry things, they might share.

We started off on our journey. It was a real hike (I really wasn’t sure what to expect - like maybe we would walk up the road and call it good)! But, no, we were heading into the hills!  The views were spectacular and I was saying to myself, “It feels just like any other hike?” But then…some changes began to take shape. Which is what made the day really spectacular. Let me point out just a few of the highlights:

• Picked field grass for making small brooms (it’s a special kind of grass that apparently only grows on the mountain – well, the best kind anyway)
• Visited a rural (very rural) African farming family where we were served sweet potatoes, avocado, and sugar cane while one of the older farmers told us stories
• Ended up at another very rural farmer’s place where we were given bananas (and also saw a baboon – although it was dead because the farmer had killed it when he found it eating his crops but I was interested to learn that baboons live in the mountains)
• Stopped for a picnic of pap, chicken, atchar, and gravy
• Learned how I could carry wood down the mountain on my head next time (all of the women actually did carry wood on their head down the mountain but I opted out for fear of stumbling and killing myself) - oh, and the knife was used to cut the wood

I can’t tell you how wonderful this day was for me. The next day I asked if we could do it again. They all looked at me like I was crazy. I don’t think this is something they do very often? Take a look at some of the pictures though. You, too, can come to Africa and experience this hike with me. Maybe I can talk them into it again if I have visitors?

On a Lighter Note.

So the taxi system. I obviously don’t have a car for transport here (although it is often debated because I am an American so of course I would have a car and know Oprah, right)?  Anyway, most of the people in my village don’t have a car. We all rely on the public taxi system that isn’t like you are used to (or I was used to anyway). You don’t hail a cab and then tell the driver your destination. The taxis here are vans…think minibus like, maybe a bit VWish? You can fit about 15 passengers in one of these vans (occasionally, more are crammed into one).

You stand on the side of the road and point your finger in the air indicating that you want to go to town (or point it down if you are just riding local). And the taxi picks you up (most of the time). There is a system that everyone knows and sometimes I seem to get passed by but it seems like there is a reason and maybe I’m just not keen to every nuance yet but I'm still in the learning stages. Anyway, everyone knows the taxi change points and ranks and typically what times of day you can and can’t get taxis…of course, I didn’t know this a couple of months ago but you start to figure it out as you go (at least in the local area you travel…it’s always a fresh start when you go somewhere new). The other customs that you start to figure out include where to sit in the taxi. You don’t want to sit in the front with the driver because then you have to be the money collector (there can also be some flirting as the driver “wants to be your friend” which is a bit annoying). The first row is the best but you want to sit by the window because then you can control if it’s open or not. Most people here don’t want the window open. Ever. Even if it is a million degrees. And smelly. The back row is a bit miserable because you are usually squished in and bounced around. Oh, and squished in is just part of the most every taxi ride.

So I took a taxi to town this morning to do errands for our upcoming soccer tournament. I did my finger pointing (not that kind) and my taxi finally arrived. And taxis arrive when they arrive. There is no schedule. You take what you get. Some of these taxis have seen better days. If you are lucky you get what is called a Quantum. These are the newer, nicer taxis. It’s like a luxury ride (okay, not really but they are pretty nice in comparison). Or you get what I got this morning. There were windows in working order (most were like gone), the engine sounded like it was going to die at any moment (there was some serious liquid leaking from somewhere) and the door (usually a sliding door that you pull open and closed when you board) was missing the cover and handle. So when the driver stopped and I tried to open the door it wouldn’t budge. So the driver turned off the taxi, got out, and opened the side door window to pull the door off the hinges (yes, it actually came off) to let me inside. Then he closed the door (after 5 or 6 tries reattaching) and walked back around the taxi. He then tried to turn over the engine, it sputtered and with a push from a few people on the side of the road off we went.

The amusing part was that for EVERY person that got on and off the taxi this same procedure was repeated. And, we stopped like, oh, 50 times. Oh, what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day.

My Yoga Mat.

I feel like sometimes I am going crazy. Let me explain.


My days can be filled with so much drama. And I’m not talking about external, loud drama. I go through this roller coaster of highs and lows. Good day, bad day. Productive, non-productive. Happy, sad. I’ve written letters to a few of you about this (sorry if it sounded so dramatic - I really am fine!) but in an effort to explain I may have sounded a bit crazy. Luckily, I talked to another volunteer who is experiencing these same things so either we are both going crazy or at least I’m not going crazy alone.

Sometimes it’s even within a single day that I experience this sense of high and low. For example, I went to the primary school this week. I’ve been going to the school one day each week to get to know the children and teachers (understand that there are almost 700 children at this school so it's going to take a while...). It’s been good for networking in the community as well as to give me an idea of the type of education the children in the community are getting (I am also hoping that I can help with a project here at some point). It’s been really…interesting. But I really love going. Anyway, I went to Grade 1 and I was practicing Sepedi words with the learners (this is what they call the students) – they were actually engaged and listening. It was wonderful. HIGH!

Later that day, I went to Grade 2…and experienced another spectrum at the school. The class was overcrowded, the teacher wasn’t engaged, many of the children didn’t have supplies, didn't understand the lesson at all…LOW.

This is just a small example but it’s indicative of being thrust into a community, culture, place where what you experience is so…much. And, I know that I’ve had these same highs and lows in my life. I’m sure I did back home (or maybe I am crazy)! But I think the difference is not being able to process what you feel or hear or see.

Now I know why we are asked, during all of those Peace Corps interviews prior to leaving home, what we do to cope with stress. It’s not like I can get a massage (ahh!), take a bubble bath, go to a movie, get in my car and take a drive, eat chocolate (unless I have planned accordingly several weeks in advance)…you get the picture. Someone asked me in a letter recently about my yoga mat – if it was a good decision to pack and bring on my journey. The answer is yes. Definitely yes.

The Adventures of Flat Carter (written for my nephew, Carter)!

Flat Carter began his long journey from Crested Butte, Colorado, to visit Aunt Wendy in South Africa early one morning. It was cold when he left Colorado but he knew it would be HOT in Africa.  His journey was only supposed to take a few weeks but instead it took many long months. Flying over the Atlantic Ocean took a LONG time! But, Flat Carter finally arrived safe and sound in South Africa and he was ready for his big adventure.

But first he had to get clean (he smelled pretty bad after that long flight)? So, Aunt Wendy gave him a bucket bath of course. She filled her big blue bucket with water and poured it over Flat Carter to get him squeaky clean.

Aunt Wendy and Flat Carter then walked down the long dirt road to visit the children at the center and greeted people along the way. “Dumelang!” Flat Carter learned to say (this means “Hello”). When they arrived at the center they played all day.  On the walk home they saw a donkey along the road.

Flat Carter wanted to ride on the donkey but Aunt Wendy didn’t think this was a good idea. They saw goats, chickens, and many cows, When they got back to Aunt Wendy’s house it was time to eat pap (everyone eats pap here -  I can't believe you don't know what it is)? Flat Carter loved eating pap because you get to use your hands. It’s been a busy day and it’s time for Flat Carter to go to sleep. But don’t forget to get under the mosquito net, Flat Carter! Tomorrow more adventures await you in beautiful South Africa. O robala gabotse, Flat Carter!

Slow Living Time.

So my wonderful mom (hi mom!) asked me a question about what I do every day when I go in to the office. Well, let me provide a bit of perspective about life in rural Africa because I think that it is important. There is a term here called “African Time” that I have come to call, “Slow Living Time.” This means that while work gets done it gets done when it gets done – you know in SLT (Slow Living Time). I thought that much of my general lack of understanding about SLT was because I didn’t understand the language. No. It’s just the general way of life for most everyone (yes, exceptions do exist I will admit). But, for example, I was told to meet at the “tar road” (this is the main paved road in my village) at 8AM to go to town this morning. We didn’t leave until after 9AM. I don’t really know why. There was a lot of standing around and greeting and talking while we waited for transport to arrive. And in SLT, we left for town and things got done eventually (there was more SLT throughout the day, yes). But this happens often – mostly every day.

The life of a volunteer can’t really be measured by what happens at the “office.” Much of the work we as volunteers do happens in SLT that I can’t even begin to compare to what you all know there in our American lifestyle…I sure didn’t and it has taken me some time to adapt (and I still struggle I have to admit). 

Sometimes, you just wait for the cows to cross the road and enjoy the day. I took this picture on my way to the “office” this morning.

One Big Extended Family.

During our 2 months of training, we were divided into small language groups. As I mentioned, I was learning Xitsonga along with 5 other Peace Corps trainees. We were assigned to a LCF (Language and Cultural Facilitator) who was our teacher during these two months. Our teacher was a young woman named Ntombi (Ntombifuthi is her full name I have since learned). She was beautiful, very kind and a bit shy at first but she tried to get our unruly group to settle down and learn. We came to form a strange and interesting crew – everyone with a different story - one big extended family of sorts. We were sad to say goodbye to our teacher after training ended. A few of the volunteers in our group actually ended up at sites near Ntombi and she has ushered them into the community and made them feel welcome.

I am telling you this because we learned that Ntombi’s father passed away last week. She invited us all to the funeral and this past weekend our entire language group made the journey to attend his service. Her father was a magistrate and was well known throughout the community. The funeral was packed with family and friends. We all showed up early in the morning (the funeral started at 6AM and didn’t end until after 1PM – and then there was continued socializing into the afternoon…) and it was a beautiful tribute to what seemed like a great man who unfortunately I didn’t get to meet but he certainly raised a wonderful daughter. And even though we kept telling Ntombi not to worry about us she wanted to make sure we were all taken care of and looked after - introducing us to family and friends.

It just really made me appreciate not only the kindness I have been shown by people that I have met on this journey so far (and it’s only just the beginning) but also the wonderful beauty of family and community that are just a way of life here. At first I didn’t understand it and I’m not sure I could completely explain it either but once you start to simply live in it for a bit, it just kind of makes sense.

Here is a picture of our language group. One big, extended family.

Yes, it's a mole.

So I forgot to mention that I went to church a couple of weekends ago. In an effort to get to know a few of my community members, I reached out to the family that lives in the village nearby and had hosted the previous PC volunteer. They were nice enough to invite me to church and, innocently, I said that of course I would attend. Well, on Sunday morning I walked to their house (this took half an hour) and we all loaded into their large work truck (their father is a carpenter). When we arrived at the “church” I learned that it is in the process of being built and because there isn’t enough money, it’s not completely finished. There were walls and a roof but the rest was in a bit of disarray. It was at this time that I also discovered that their mom would be conducting the church service. So, being the first family to arrive, we swept the church out and arranged the chairs. I actually wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of a service (I am still not really sure what kind of church it is?) but the oldest daughter had promised to interpret in English for me so at least I would be able to understand. There were a few children that arrived for “Sunday School” which consisted of dancing and singing. A little girl, Blessing, took to me during Sunday School and wouldn’t get out of my lap. She liked playing with my watch – taking it on and off. As people started coming in at about 11AM then the service started, I think. We danced and sang…of course the little girl, Blessing, was on my lap the entire time which quite fine but at one point she started pointing and then trying to pull the mole off my chin. I tried to explain that it was attached in my limited “Sepedi for children” but finally one of the adults had to come and take her away because it was getting a bit unmanageable. The service continued with dancing and singing. Finally at about 1PM there was a sermon (translated for me in English) and then more dancing and singing. We finished at about 2ish. It was actually quite nice although a bit long) because afterward everyone was so happy I had come and wanted to know if I would be coming back.


I will make sure to plan for a long day when I do…

Christmas in South Africa?!

Could it be Christmas already? It sure felt like it! On Friday I made the long journey to the post office. I have to take a taxi and then walk about 20-30 minutes to get to the post office (I think I’ve mentioned this?) so the anticipation of actually having mail is intense. This was my first time going alone. I had been escorted before to make sure I could find it but now I was on my own. Well, I was so excited to go that I set off early. I figured that the post office would be open by 8AM, right? And by the time I got there it was 8:30AM so of course it would be open. But as I approached I was worried. It looked closed. The actual post boxes are outside so I could at least get the mail but if I needed to pick up a package I was out of luck. I opened the box and what did I find? Lots of slips telling me there were packages to pick up – at least that’s what I assumed. They were all different and random (like handwriting on torn slips – nothing official looking) but what else would they be? But now I would have to wait. How long? What were the hours? I was walking around looking for something that would provide a clue when a woman came out the side door and started sweeping the patio. She greeted me and asked me where I stayed (yes, in Sepedi). I got through that question okay but then she asked me another one that I couldn’t quite understand (and, by the way, my lessons are going well - I really like my teacher but it's a process, okay)? We laughed and smiled (when in doubt just laugh and smile). I pointed to my slips of paper and gestured to the closed post door. Well, she seemed to understand (and take pity on me) because she opened the door and invited me inside where we found another post office worker who was willing to help me. Interestingly, once the door opened it seemed like people started coming in – the hours just must be when the door opens? Who knows. Anyway, I had so many packages (thank you my wonderful family who I love SO MUCH) it was like Christmas! But then there seemed to be a glitch. She needed me to sign the slips and I didn’t know my ID number (I don’t travel with my passport number)? I panicked. Was I going to have to walk back to the road, take a taxi to my house and come back all over again just to bring my ID number? She looked at my face (panic, sadness, confusion…you get the picture) and said we could just have someone else that she knows sign for the packages. Can you do that? Well, we did (the nice gogo behind me) and I got my packages. Next time I guess I will bring my ID with me.


And it really was like Christmas opening the packages. Coffee (thank you, grandmother!), soap, trail mix (I love you, mom and dad)…it was so exciting! It was only spoiled when I went to put some of the stuff away and realized that there were roaches now also invading my wardrobe. But, not to fear, in one of the packages my wonderful parents sent me there was some roach killer. Ahh, to be spoiled by my family from so far away! Thank you!  Thank you!  But I might need more...and maybe some ant killer.

And send more trail mix and red vines too!  :)

Ke rata go sepela!

So yesterday I went on a nice walk…with a group of people that I don't know who joined me along the way. I set out on my own to enjoy the day and some “jima” (which means exercise) on my day off after doing bucket fulls of laundry. After only 5 minutes I was joined by Maria. She wanted to know my name, tell me about her young dreams of playing soccer in the US, and asking for my number to call me so I could watch her. I listened while she walked with me and then gave her my number (this is always a gamble but I decided she was harmless) and she said farewell. Off I went on my own again. I stopped on the way to say hello to the previous volunteer’s host family. Of course the kids had to walk with me for a bit while they told me about the happenings of school and life in general. Then they turned around to go home. On my way again. But then a young girl who knew me from the center ran out to meet me on the road and we chatted (my broken Sepedi lasts only so long) and then she just walked with me. I asked if she was going home but she said that she was going to walk with me. So we walked and were then joined by another group. Two girls and a young boy. They all joined our crowd in what appeared to be general curiousity (most people don't just walk for exercise around here). So we kept walking. I mentioned that I wasn’t walking back to their villages (again, broken Sepedi) and was now going home. Did they want to keep coming with me? Yes, was the answer. So, we made it all the way back to my village with my small entourage but not without a taxi stopping asking if I wanted a South African boyfriend.  I went back home for a little down time after my nice, relaxing walk.  Ke rata go sepela.


The general commotion that I cause when I walk around is a bit overwhelming I have to admit. I wonder if it will get easier or change in any way? I’ll let you know in a couple of years.

Bell the Protector.

I love Weet-Bix – which is not even that good. Weet-Bix is a sort of dry cereal type bar (South Africa’s #1 cereal is the claim...) that you are supposed to eat with milk but I just like eating dry. I think I am eating too much though. Can you have too much fiber in your diet?

Anyway, I am finding that life is getting better. At least this week it is better. Maybe every week just changes. I have relaxed about the language and actually find this makes it easier. I don’t know what made me so crazy last week (I really was a crazy lady). I was bound and determined that I was going to learn Sepedi in a couple of weeks…it ain’t happening. Plus, to report to you about my tutor situation. My young tutor did show up on Monday and Wednesday (although she didn’t come on Friday) and although she isn’t really a teacher she at least helps me practice plus I feel like it helps her practice her English. In addition, I randomly met a young high school teacher as I was walking home from the taxi and she said she would absolutely help me (after I butchered a few sentences). Her English is really good (as is her Sepedi) and she said that by the end of the year (thus my more realistic time frame) I will be speaking perfectly! And, in return, she wants me to teach her A.) to learn how to swim or B.) to learn how to drive. But, unfortunately, she is terrified of the water as well as cars (and I really don’t have access to either to be able to teach these skills). So, we will see how this all turns out. I’m just happy to be meeting people in my community!

Oh, one other highlight of my week was witnessing an impromptu HIV/AIDS discussion at one of our centers this week. I don’t really know if I have explained what the organization that I am working for does – it is an OVC Center (Orphans and Vulnerable Children) which means that we provide support for children who have lost one (or oftentimes both) of their parents usually as a result of HIV/AIDS. There are seven centers that my project is supporting and we feed children every day from ages 5-18 and then provide various activities they can do after school such as playing with toys, teaching games, singing, help with homework, etc. Thus, these kids are able to get a meal as well as some social support at the centers. Many of these children need more than food – when you think about the parenting that they are missing out on many of the kids look to our small staff to help teach them.  So, anyway, at one of the centers, some kids had some questions about HIV. Well, the staff then decided to sit everyone down and have a really honest discussion about the risks and consequences of being sexually active. Remember, these are children many of which have little to no support structure at home let alone talking to them about sex and HIV? It was amazing. I was really impressed with the exchange of information. It made me proud to be part of this organization and the work that we are doing.

I know that my time here is just starting…two years is a long time. I know that there will be ups and downs. This week has been a good week. 

Oh, and here is a picture of Bell, the friendly dog that I have somewhat adopted.  She rests outside my door and protects me (notice the burglar bars that also keep me protected).

Oh Sunday, Sunday.

Today is Sunday. I did my laundry. In lots of buckets. And while waiting for these items to dry while they blow in the smoke (I now realize that my clothes are drying on the line that is right beside where my host family is cooking outside today on the fire so my clothes will now smell like a campfire the next time I wear them - ahh, this is the life), I thought I would jot down a few of my deepest thoughts.


I am still on the verge of pulling my eyeballs out because I don’t understand 99% of the conversations that happen around me. Occasionally I can pick out words, “Bolela, tsebe, kereke, lapile, etc.” but the context and tone has me all confused with the many “aowa’s” and “ee’s” which just mean no and yes but sometimes bleed into other words. And then there are the “what what’s” which are thrown into conversation which just basically seem to be English slang words that are included as part of the common language/vocabulary. I have so much to learn. But, the good news. After a long and very difficult search (I literally started asking everyone that I would come into contact with that was remotely interested in my plea because I was so desperate to find someone to help me) I think I have found a language tutor. My host father’s niece introduced me to a recently graduated high school student that is going to come twice a week to help tutor me (cross your fingers she doesn’t back out)! It seems that teaching an American the language of Sepedi is not a fun job and therefore finding a tutor has been a difficult task. But, I have faith that my learning will progress quickly with my young teacher. And, if not, I will just give up.  Aowa!

In other news, I have somewhat adopted a dog. It is actually my neighbor’s dog but in a quest to make a new friend (I am the only one that doesn’t scare the dog or chase it away – they don’t really relate to the concept of keeping a dog as a pet here), I have landed myself a new pet. The dog now sleeps outside my door and lets me pet her (after quite a bit of coaxing). I wanted to name her “Bell” but after the request to translate the word bell into Sepedi (which was my original request to my host family) there has been some perplexion. They don’t know the Sepedi word for bell or maybe they just don’t know what I am asking which could definitely be the case (why would I want to have the dog as a pet and give it a name)? So, I may have to rethink her name or just keep calling her mpsa (which is dog).

At my organization I am learning about the work that is done on a day to day basis and although I feel that I am still in the observation stage (I won’t take on any projects for a while), it will be somewhere that I can contribute. I got to meet an great group of kids on Friday that was started by the previous voluteer (excellent work, Nick). He put together a program that helps teach them leadership skills. I am really excited about working more with this group.

Oh, and I also (accidentally) watched a chicken get slaughtered. It was the strangest thing. I was sitting outside my organization this week with the women (not understanding much that was being said but sitting there anyway as we were having a tea break) and all of a sudden one of the cooks grabs something from a large bucket and before I can look away I realize what is happening.  She has grabbed a chicken from the bucket and is taking her large knife and off comes the head in one swift maneuver. It was awful and fascinating at the same time. And then she just started working away and I couldn’t stop watching (well, I had to turn my head occasionally like I was watching a scary movie) but it was quite amazing.  This is a skill that I don't think I will master during my time here in South Africa.  But, wow. 

I am looking forward to getting the mail you will all be sending me soon so that when I head back to the post office (I have to take a taxi part of the way there and then walk not “too far but a little far” is the way to describe it here in South Africa) I have something to retrieve!  It is very disappointing to open an empty mailbox (that is my guilt trip to get you all to write)...much love to everyone.

Next post I will put up more pictures!

One week.

I survived my first week on my own, at my new volunteer “job,” in a new home. It wasn’t that easy I must admit and not for the reasons that you might initially think. No, I don’t have running water in my house/room. No running water also means I don’t have a toilet and walk outside to my pit latrine (which is missing a door) to use the bathroom. Plus, it’s terribly hot right now (and apparently for most of the year) in Limpopo. The bugs can be a bit overwhelming at times whether it’s a cockroach or the ants or a giant mosquito (or a visiting toad) all swarming and crawling around in unnecessary places. Washing clothes means they are done by hand in buckets (actually washing anything is by hand in buckets – clothes, dishes, me). Lots of buckets and filling and dumping of water.

But this was all quite tolerable compared to the challenge of making connections. It’s really hard to be not only the new person in town who can’t yet speak Sepedi (and of course I am the only white person which causes me to stand out). It’s difficult to not hear what is being said to or about me and I was really frustrated all week with the language barrier. It’s so hard for me to hear words in the context of conversations when everyone is speaking so darn fast (plus all I can really say is hello, my name is Lethabo, and that I slept well). I just hope that what my few friends in the village are telling me is true which is that I will eventually start to hear the language (and they promise to help me learn). I hope I can start to hear it soon or else I really might go crazy. Being left out of one more conversation is far worse than any bucket bath. But, just so you can see, here are a few pictures of my new home.  Ga ke tla bolele Sepedi mara ke ithuta (I don’t speak Sepedi but I will learn).  If it kills me and takes the entire 2 years.

Wherever you go, there you are...welcome to my new home in South Africa!

There's No Place Like Home

So I am finally an official Peace Corps Volunteer!  I have moved into my new home and am very happy to report that all is well (although I miss my host family very much and plan on visiting them as often as I can).  My organization is great and will keep me very busy and my "house" is a small "four square" that will suit me just fine.  I am still figuring out how to "decorate" but am very pleased.  I have so much to learn...the new language will be the most important.  But, for now, here I am in beautiful South Africa.

Oh, and please use my new address (it's posted on the right)!  It's ready to accept lots of mail from you!

Changes are happening!

I am again at an internet store checking email and thought I would say hello (Thobela)!  Since my last quick post there are changes potentially happening with my site placement so until further notice please hold off on sending me letters, candy, pictures, coffee, cookies, books, art supplies (you get the picture that I want goodies!) until further notice.  There are a couple of changes in the works so I may or may not have the same name/address.  I will let you know soon (I know you hang on my every word).
This will be my last week at our training/host site with my small community of Peace Corps "family" and my wonderful host family (pictures to come soon) and I will officially be sworn in as a volunteer (of course if I pass the tests that we will be taking on Monday and Tuesday).  Then, I will be taken away to my new community where I will be officially on my own.  Scary but true.  I will start making a home for myself meeting my co-workers, family and community.  I will let everyone know where I will be staying shortly and look forward to having more frequent internet access (I hope).

Oh, for anyone who is getting ready or thinking about joining the Peace Corps...it's an amazing opportunity but nothing I or anyone else can tell you will prepare you for this journey.  You just have to take it. 

Avuxeni (hello)!

I am alive and send my love!  I am happily matched with MAMA MONICCA and sister (her granddaughter) TUMI.  They are so loving!  MAMA only speaks Sotho but TUMI speaks English (she's 17) and they are great.  The village is called Machipe.  I am being taught Xitsonga because after I am with my host family for 2 months I will be going to a community that speaks Xitsonga (I think it will be north of here).  Love, Wendy (LETHABO). [posted for Wendy by Christine Blackmore]

So close...but yet so far.

It feels like I'm getting closer.  A couple of shots and a 17+ hour plane ride.  We will be there in no time.  I am in Washington, DC, with my fellow volunteers.  It feels good.  We have all started talking about why we made this decision and done a bit of bonding about luggage.  I think it's going well.  I don't know that I have learned anything more about our South African post (mostly we just discussed our commitment to the Peace Corps and then the logistics about making our way to South Africa) but all in good time.  When we land and start our PST (that's pre-service training) it sounds like we start cramming for finals.

I am excited, nervous, scared...I can't sleep.  Just like a little kid on Christmas night.   

A Yoga Mat?

Here I go.  So I have packed, repacked, weighed and made the final decisions about what to take and leave.  Everyone has an opinion and I'm sure I will want things that I decided to leave.  But, I decided that a yoga mat was something that was important enough to bring on this journey (and it really didn't take up that much room)?  So, I'll let you know about all of my good (and bad decisions) when I get there.  You'll know when I start asking you to send me things.  Or not. 

I love you all and will miss you.

Seize a Banana.

"I don't want to come to the end of my life and find that I have just lived the length of it.  I want to have lived the width of it as well." - Diane Ackerman

We all have dreams, hopes, aspirations - you know, stuff we want to do.  But most of us wait.  We wait until the perfect moment.  There is a part of us all that is waiting to take that trip, chance, or reach out to the people we love.  Everyone gets to decide how to spend their time.  But don't wait too long.

Which brings me to saying thank you and I love you to my wonderful Carnelian friends for spending time with me today...and, as always, making me laugh (and cry just a little).  And as we learned how to say together, "Seize a banana!" 

I didn't take these pictures.

But here are some pictures that were taken of our soon to be training site by a volunteer who was at our training site this week scooping things out (thank you ultra helpful volunteer for providing lots of great information)!  The only piece of information that wasn't so "cool" was the part about lots of mosquitoes.  Oh well.  Let the adventures almost begin.