Parting is Bittersweet. I am sure that the word is getting out, so, for those of you not in the loop...... I will be landing at Mitchell at 11 am this upcoming Thursday. I can't wait to see everyone!!

G'day friends and family. Sorry for my lack of updates these days, I'm not sure of my reasoning. Perhaps it is because the end of my service here is nearing. Due to upcoming transitions and uncertainties of my future, my descriptions of everyday life are few. No need to worry, soon you'll get those stories live and in person. By the way, don't get excited, remember that everything is relative, what is soon to me may not be soon to you. Those of you who know me, know I am challenged with closure. Shucks, at the end of the school year my colleagues are cheering while I cry.

I fear saying goodbye to this chapter in my life as much as I anticipate being reunited with all of you. I long to be back in the classroom yet fear that I will be unable to find a job during these tough times. I look forward to experiencing a culture I grew up in yet fear culture shock and how strange and confusing that will feel.

Please have patience with me and understand my mind and heart are being tugged at.

The schools are closed during the months of June and July for winter break. Up here in the mountains it's bloody cold so I plan on escaping. Recently, I did a last minute getaway to Capetown. It was beautiful in spite of not making it to notable tourist destinations. Next I plan to escape Lesotho to South Africa's tropical land with stereotypical landscape and wildlife.

Thanks for your interest and support in my journey. May we all find peace wherever we may be on our journeys.

Toni, thanks for the note, I did get it but failed to respond. Ooops, sorry

Before you read my entry, please realize that this should be a two way street here, if you are reading what I have to share, I in turn would like to hear from you. Afterall, sharing is caring. Also, I might be motivated to write more frequently if I had some sort of responses coming in.

Wow, time is really begining to fly here. I can't believe I have been here for nearly a year and a half, yikes. I am begining to become aware of the fact that I will have to begin to prepare myself for leaving the home I've grown to love and appreciate. I know that back home it may seem like a long time away still until I am back, but here I think it is right around the corner. I do believe what I hear about the transition back to the U.S. being more difficult than arrival to Lesotho. Afterall, I have grown to love the way of life here. It is laid back and peaceful, kind and friendly, open and welcoming, and a place where an emphasis is placed on people. It is such a loving society, how will I ever keep my new self in the states?? for I don't want to loose it. I will do my best, for I have left pieces of myself here but have gained new and excited pieces as well. My day to day life continues to be ever changing in atmosphere as well as emotion. For the loss of friends and young ones will always wake you up to the saddness that is around you. But all in all I feel I am making the most out of my moments. I have opened my arms out to this place and I feel the love. I will be going to my first wedding next month. The host family I had upon arrival for 5 weeks, the place where my heart will forever feel warmth from, is having a wedding in the family. My sister will be getting married and all family members wear the same material in the form of traditional dress. So, I just had my measurements taken and design picked out. It should be a fun time. I have been spending more time with them, for I know that I will miss them sooo much. Afterall, when I left their home back in January of last year, I was crying. So, I am making the 7 hour trip down to see them more often. I also will get to have my 13 year old sister come up and visit me during winter break. The other weekend while I was there, aside from getting eaten up by bed bugs, while in bed with my sister and the room next door holding my mom and 4 year old sister, talking back and forth in the wee hours of the morning. Inexplainable but the moment was priceless nonetheless.

My life up at my site in the mountains continues to go well. I have had several workshops lately that have been a huge success. I continue to talk about uncomfortable topics. I have given condom use demonstrations, with both male condoms and female condoms. I have never talked about sex so much in my life. I hope that I am appropriate when I return, for issues surrounding sex including partners and masturbation, etc. are such common topics for me here. Ikes!! let alone other common behaviors such as picking my nose in public, using my bra as a purse, interrupting people and answering my cell phone in the middle of conversations, just to name a few behaviors that might not go over to well in the States.

Anyways, I think that I am begining to ramble on a bit, so I will cut myself off before I tell you more than you can bare. Hope you don't think that I've done this already, but this is my life that I am sharing with you! Remember, the once in a lifetime opportunity that many of you envy. How do you like my experience now???

I love it more and more everyday.

Check out the new pics I finally uploaded!!!!

Well my friends, it seems I haven't updated this in awhile. I'll start with my favorite topic, the babies. Not only is my little one walking (with both arms sticking out in front) but he is well enough to leave us. Last Friday, he went back to live with his grandmother. New babies have arrived that are in bad shape. Each time I set my eyes on a severely malnurished babe, I am overwhelmed with emotions.

I have begun to work solely with a privane school where my ideas and energy are now being embraced it is wonderful. I am a very happy girl these days. We have had some playdates, whree all children are welcome to join. It's become a stroy hour with an art project to coincide with the story.

Last weekend I celebrated my one year anniversary here in Lesotho!!!! I had a pizza making party at my place and set a new record for fitting 7 people in my tiny place. I then took an amazing hike the following day with two friends with spectacular views. Aslo collected feathers and geodes.

Well, that is about it from me.

Well, my holidays were amazing!! It was just the break that I was in need of. It was so relaxing to spend time on the beach watching and listening to the waves. I walked and looked in tide pools and found a few shells but just couldn't destroy a life for a souvenier, so my favorite shell needed to be left behind. I had some great food and conversations as well as taking time to just sit and read or do nothing in a hammock. That is the life. I think that we all need to put a hammock in our homes to remind us of this.

Well, Port St. Johns is a part of the wildcoast and I was very fortunate to see a monkey just hangin out on a post. Also I saw a slew of Meerkats. Sorry that it seems as if I don't have much in me on the writing front, but I did upload some photos.

Hello! I have debated as to wether I should leave my last entry on or not, however, I have concluded that it is how I feel. I am happy to report that after a bit of a melt down yesterday, I ran into another volunteer, who was great! The compassionate and understanding ear can never be under appreciated. I then went home and my niece and nephew came running towards me giving me big hugs and reminding me that I'd promised to play jenga with them. After that, I helped my 'Me' out in the garden. Low and behold three friends showed up at my doorstep and we had dinner. I also got phone calls from home from some very special people to me. Amazing that we do get what we need.

Today was so much better! Inspite of someone hoping that I would not find our child's day event location, I had an informant that let me know I was not at the correct location (even though I'd been told that). So, arriving late, the kids were surrounding me and calling out my name, which they do in the cutest possible fashion. I talked to all of the teachers and realized how different this felt from the very firts event. I have become a part of this small people community, and I LOVE IT! They are the reason I am here, the are the reason I'll continue to overcome all obstacles that come my way. I am sooo fortunate to have the love and kindness from those I desire it most from. The babies at the orphanage to not get my arrival until late, near nap time. So my loving arms put three to sleep, my job was done. Oh yeah, I forgot that previously at sports day, a little one fell asleep in my lap as we watched kids do running races, sack races, relays, bean bag race, and tug of war. And I also got to connect with one of my more rural teachers by walking back with just her and I. These things helped remind me of what I've done and what I'll continue to do!

I've seemed to hit a bit of a slump on the workfront. Up until now, I've been happily going off on my own and assissting preschool teachers. As my position on paper denotes that I interact with a counterpart from the department of education, I now struggle to muster up ambition. Our personalities are rather different and have led to much misunderstanding. I'm trying to meet her in the middle but often feel as a wounded dog in her presence due to her unwillingness to budge. I'll play the game, jump thhrough hoops, whatever the metaphor you prefer and will get back to feeling good about what I'm doing. I realize we all encounter times like this and I try to be ever the optimist and see the silver lining. Mom, you were right, I need to toughen up and her seeminly cruelity will be the key to open that door.

On the bright side, things probably aren't as bad as they seem, as all things here are intensified.

Positive Updates:

1. My visits to the orphanage which I saw as a theraputic safe haven, have proven to be beneficial, other than to the babies. I see the caregivers interacting in a more developmentally appropriate way. Afterall, it's when we step into peoples world and just be ourselves that change usually occurs. I'm also excited to start to create a nursery feel to the physical environment, since my friend there has given my artistic expressions a thumbs up.

2. As far as my preschool teacher friends go, I feel they have the roots and I now am standing back to watch them soar, which is a beautiful and rewarding sight to behold. I'm encouraging them to hold demonstrtative workshops which I hope to arrange in the near future. I now want to increase my work circle to include visiting more rural schools.

3. After speaking to our district administrator (aka Mayor) about my goings on in her district, she's been delighted with my passion and success. She has also given me a few areas to set forth on to the "forgotten populations.' She sees a real need to include the young ones in the grieving process, right up my alley. As well as seeking to improve the lives of the special education population, which is all too often seen as a sense of shame and punishment from God.

4. Just today I've begun to plan a play date for the little ones in the community in conjunction with a friend of mine that runs a school that is on a ranch. So even as I read what I wrote for my blog, things are looking up and I refuse to let pety things bring me down. I'll focus on my love, the kids!!

So, as I spend some time in the "waiting place" I am stirring up thoughts as to how to tackle new endeavors. I look forward to our school break in a week, when I'll be able to befriend the Indian Ocean. I will be meeting up with a dear friend, whom is leaving in Nov., and heading to Durban and down the coast. It will be an amazing time of R & R. As much as I love my mountains here, I know the ocean lies on the other side and I long for the opportunity to meet its acquantence.

I have some pics of the babes that are now all crawling and have just started to stand on their own, no walls needed. I also have a few shots of my mountains as I reconnected with them to gain a peaceful feeling. Bobbi Jo sent me with one of her beloved bears, Blue Crystal, and she was also cativated with the scenery. Love to you all, thanks for being a part of my journey.

Peace Out

I decided that it was really silly of me, not to take a break and get away from life! So I came down to the lowlands for a few days to visit some other Peace Corps folks. It feels like summer down here in Maseru!! I feel totally rejuvinated and ready to attack whatever comes my way.

Update on my little guy!!! Not only did he pull through, but he is now crawling!!!! I was worried that he would fall more behind, so while he was on the oxygen, I was using a beach ball as a therapy ball so he wouldn't regress. There are some new babies and one baby that made it for one week.

I have moved into a teeny tiny rondaval that is more convenient and has a family for me to be a part of. I now have a niece and nephew here!!! The little girl is 7 and the little boy is 5. I showed them Bobbi and Ben and so when the 5 year old comes in, he points to Ben and says, his name and then Bobbi and says his cousins name. My Mom here is fab!! She checks in on me when I am not well and notices when I am down. They have many animals and have already taught me how to milk a cow.

I have forwarned my teachers that they no longer need me so I am going to spread my wings and hike out more. Warm weather helps motivate me too as well as wanting to get rid of some of the extra "luggage" I've accumulated here! It has been a great move for me. I couldn't have gotten a better family. The kids come in and keep me company and I run around and do cartwheels with them. Aside from 'work' I have begun to branch out and get involved with some play dates to take place twice a month as well as doing some networking. Those of you who know me, know that this is not my favorite thing to do, but it is necessary.

I have some new pics of my pad and glimpses at the hard life that is lead here without the use of machinary, check them out!!!

Much Love

This entry must start out on a somber note. I know death is inevitable but often the weight of this fact, is more than I can bare. It hits hard here!!! Today I've left Touching Tiny Lives, sitting vigil over the most photographed little peice of love in my collections. It seems that as a collective entity, "we" are willing to send band AIDS in attempt to help a pandemic . There is no quick fix we must never feel "we" are doing enough. This little survivor has phnemonia and sits with an all too familiar oxygen tube in his nose. This little guy just truned one but must endure the horrific circumstances has was born into, which was preventable!! To have to provide liquids to this guy via a syringe yet see his strength as he smiles and laughs throughout the day is extraordinary. As I was holding him, he clenched the cross of the necklace I've worn for years. (In spite of recommendations to not have visible gold I knew my heart locket and cross ladden with generational faith and hope could not be left behind.) This image will forever be etched in my mind of a little hand on my chest grasping my cross for over an hour. I try now to allow this to provide hope to enter my saddened heart. Many tears and prayers poured out over this little light of hope. WHY? HOW? WHAT? The questions are numerous.

Previous to this visit, I went over to help an underpaid teacher, on school break, create shelves in her tiny school. As I did this I humourously had song lyrics in my head, they go like this: I work hard for no money, so hard for no money, I work hard for no money so you better treat me right. Mind you, these lyrics were not sung in a bitter or self rightous manner, just made me giggle, sometimes humour is unexplainable, what can I say. When we were finished this teacher gave a gracious hug. We talked about my Denni improvisational teaching workshop planned for the next week. She said, "I'll see you at 8" then laughed and said "basotho time". Pre-training forewarned me that punctuality isn't valued here so much. My teachers have not been this stereotype. 'me' said, "you work hard for us, we will keep time". Perfect, adding very much to my laughing lyrics. They do treat me right I must say, and I am oh so lucky.

As I speak of these fine teachers, many of you ask if there is anything that I need. 'Tis the season for cheap school supplies. If you can afford the flat rate shipping that starts at $37, crayons, pencils, glue, fiskars scissors, paints, 3 ring sheet protectors and folders with 3 prongs would be great. If not, no worries I have some super shoppers on the case.

Oh yeah, back at the end of June I spent some time with my Basotho family-check out the pics in my album on this blog page. Winter time is an exceptionally difficult time in Lesotho, yet in spite of this fact we all were able to come together for a wonderful visit!! I love and appreciate them so much and you will all be glad to know that when I get homesick, I can go to them for a quick fix!

Best to you, best to me, best to all of whom we see!!

Oh yeah, special appreciation to those of you that send me emails, they mean sooo much. Sorry that I do not often respond when I am posting on my blog. But you are loved and I am very grateful for your emails!

Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary to Mr. & Mrs. Voiles. I can't even imagine, that sure makes me think that two years of my life in Lesotho is not long at all!!

Also, I have heard that some of you are having issues with leaving me email, you can email directly to flutterbyedenni@gmail.com.

I realize now, how much time has lapsed between my last post, so I'll attempt to fill in the gaps, which frankliy is inconcievable. But.... Yesterday, after washing mind you, I was checking the mirror and noticed dirt in the ear, never again will I think anything of this in others, it happens to the best of us, with limited resources. Thrusday, I was comforting a three year old at TTL and she fell asleep, so comfortable that she urinated all over me in her sleep, when I stood up, it looked as if I had wet myself. (pictures to come) Tuesday, another little one at TTL who smiled the whole way, vomited all over me. They can not afford the dry cleaning bill but have offered their washing machine to me to use. That is the good of the good the bad and the ugly. I've been questioned by some if I am documenting the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. My reply is simply that my need to focus on the positive has really resonated here. Afterall, some stories need to be preserved for my grandkid's ears at the kitchen table. This post will be composed of several lighthearted vignettes, as to be sensitive to the emotions of those here, there, well everywhere! There are many moments of laughter here, which may be of humor only to those of us here, perphaps some day they'll come up in detail during casual conversation, until then, sorry they are all mine.

*I have a new Sesotho word, it's masepa. In addition to learning this new word, I did my part in cultural exchange to teach the English translation, shit. Both my friend and I have spent countless hours using our new vocabulary in as many situations as possible. Yes, very childish, but isn't it fabulous to be able to look at the world through the eyes of a child! Go ahead if you haven't lately and just give it a go. Let it go! ( my new mantra!)

*Bosotho women (aka bo'me') are amazing because...

-they can balance anything on their heads, I mean ANYTHING!

-they can argue over your size and say how fat you are, thinking it is a compliment

-they wash by hand, standing and bending tat the hips (I on the other hand sit with my back supported)

-they make these grass brooms and once again bend at the hips to sweep each day, even tidy the dirt around their house and any place they use to sell various things ranging from delicious fried fat cakes to fruit to clothing on the sides of the streets

-the use everything, I mean EVERYTHING! They eat the stalks of the corn, they even dry masepa and use it as fuel to keep warm and to cook over. ( I saw a woman collecting masepa one morning, and the image will be with me for the rest of my life)

-While treking along, unlike me who can trip in my hiking boots, they maneuver gracefully in high heels, all the time!

-in lieu of music from the radio, get a few bo'me' together and they make harmonious music, doesn't even matter if I can understand it, it's beautiful.

-they know all, I mean ALL! Not only do they ask "where are you going?" and "where are you coming from?" but they retain this info.

Hope you enjoyed the snipetts, I will post pics in a week or so. Take care!!

Love you all,

Paballo (Security)

Oh yeah!! Teaching is still spectacular, my new push has been on literature and getting the teachers to use cardboard to create books!

What an amazing week I've had!! Last week I planned a bit of a spontaneous new teacher training workshop. It was to take place in two wonderful veteren teachers' classroom. I figured they could observe the teachers and then we'd make materials. Monday, I showed up prepared with rubbish I'd accumulated all week so we could make puzzles. To my suprise niether teachers were present. The children, whom were playing outside, excitedly headed for the classroom when they saw me. All the teachers I'd invited, plus a few extra, showed up! So, the teacher in me, threw my plans of discussion with the teachers out the window, and I began to go teach 60 five year olds that did not speak any English. Long story short, the fact that I ROCK was confirmed once again! I taught and reiterated to the teachers why I was doing what I was doing. Of course, I was sweatin' but it actually turned out better than I could've planned. The rest of the week the classroom's teachers were present and it was smooth sailing. Wednesday all the teachers in the district (about 70) were present for a general meeting. I had been making materials and planning on discussing with the teachers how to make and use the materials and then hand them out to the most attentive observer with the biggest smile. It was a huge success, other than them all wanting me to visit their schools. With extra teachers showing up at my workshop the next day, I realized I didn't have enough materials. Time to think on my feet again. Rumor had it that for the first two weeks in March the schools didn't teach, just prepared for Moshoeshoe's Day on March 11. So I sat with the teachers and explained how I sat down and first brainstormed ideas and all took on responsibilities to come the next day with our ideas more formalized. They were amazing, they all came back with their homework. We created a book, poem, and songs to reinforce literacy. I am on cloud nine, the only thing grounding me (just a bit) is yet another case of the bed bugs. Mom, I think this is your fault for all the times you said good night sleep tight don't let the bed bugs bite. Self-fulfilling prophecy, no doubt!! Love and Peace to you all, thanks for your support and prayers.

Not sure when this will get posted, but I'm in a rather goofy mood and so much is lost in translation, at least I assume that's why I'm not getting any laughs. Since it's Valentines Day I figured I'd have a candle lit dinner, oh shucks, that's right I do that every night. But seriously, I am going to bake myself some brownies for a treat, although I know they won't come close to your brownies Nancy, thanks again! Side Note: Just the other week, we up in Mokhotlong, had special visitors. Many thanks to the US Ambassador, Robert Nolen, Nancy and entire crew for your visit. Not only did they take the time to give their support and encouragement but Nancy came with treats in hand, they were the best I've ever had! (sorry Mom, you make great goodies too!)

My job update continues to be all silver lining. I've visited other teachers that are very receptive to receiving ideas from my experiences. This was evident when I saw Toota Too(a popular kindergarten dance in the states), can you believe Dr. Jean's music made it all the way to Africa? Of course, thanks to a previous volunteer. That really has me thinking extremely positively on the impact that I have the potential of making. Just imagine all of the fun and crazy teacher traits I can instill upon them.

I also saw the impact I could make when I was in "therapy" at an orphanage. Previous volunteers began this NGO, initially out of their home, where they went out into the community seeking out the most vulnerable of children. They bring in children whom are malnurished and HIV positive. They love, feed, and care for them and after visitations and support, the hope is they'll return to their families. The NGO is called Touching Tiny Lives. It was great to give out some of my love to these little ones, for we didn't have much of a language barrier. Of course, they gave me so much back as well. I will be headed their after this post.

I am very inspired for both Lesotho and my own personal growth! I guess my goofy mood has disapated-that happens here, moods are much like the weather as they change quickly. I'll leave on a funny note of my experience with people speaking English to me and I can't understand my own native tongue.

When nothing makes sense, the world tends to make more sense! Does that make sense???

Well, I have no idea where to start, so I guess I will start with right now and head backwards. Yesterday, I had to take a bus from Mokhotlong to come back down to Maseru for an Early Childhood weeklong planning meeting. The bus ride is long and exhausing. I left my place at 6 am and walked an hour to get to the bus and hour before departure, as to avoid standing on the bus ride for 7 1/2 hours. I got a window seat, where I could control the window. The Basotho are always cold and never want the windows open. The first bit of the trip is rough, which is why there is always vomiting going on, another reason to get the window seat. I will stop at the descriptions now, you get the picture and it isn't pretty! This last week I began working. It was amazing!! I spent much of my time making materials, as their was a new school opening. These schools involve a rondaval, maybe a window and chairs for at least 20 children ranging from 1 1/2 - 5 years of age. The teachers have no educational background. I got great vibes from this particular teacher, so I was motivated to spend a substantial amount of my free time preparing manipulative materials for the classroom. I then showed up early to the schools and began hanging them up with poster puty. The classroom looked phenomenal!! She came in to her suprise and was ecstatic. The next day I returned with a schedule and lesson plan outline that I created for her. I then sat on the floor and coached her along the day. It was phenomenal!! She kept thanking me for my help, stating that she wanted to work hard to be a good teacher. I told her that she was already good and I wanted to work with her to make her the best in the district. It was my best week here so far. Especially with all of the horror stories that we are told about teachers not being receptive to help. I have 10 other schools to seek out, but I figure that if I find one or two more teachers that will be as willing as this, then perhaps I will be able to do big things. That is my constant battle here, wanting to be able to do more than I am. Oh, shucks. I guess that is something that all of battle most of the time. As I have said to many, things here are very similar, only intensified due to lack of distractions. Everything that is felt, is felt fully. Which I fear NOT! Before my wonderful work week I spent the days walking my hour walk to town and being in the office for a bit then walking back. I have really enjoyed books and decorating my home. I have sewn curtains and added butterflies galore of course. I also have the luxury of having three other PCVs not too far away. So I have had dinner at one of their places and I am fortunate to have a hiking buddy. That actually started my week off, as after being so high, I remained that high. The mountains has away of doing that to me. I told Ben that I need to get out in the mountains on a weekly basis for my own peace of mind. I realize that I am leaving out many of the tidbits that are the meat of my presence here, but what will I have to talk about when I get back if I reveal everything now. I should write down a post when I am away from amenities, as once I get here I can't seem to think of what to write, perhaps I will give that a go next time. Until then, happy trails to you all. Oh yeah, I have spent most of my computer time uploading new photos, so check them out. I look forward to hearing some comments to your posts, perhaps I would then be inspired to do some better writing if I was certain of my audience and their wishes. (hint, hint!)

Scroll Down To Picassa Photo Albums,

I Finally Have Pics

Have I mentioned that the stars here are phenomenal! I have visited my future home in Mokhotlong and find myself, once again, overwhelmed with abundant emotions. It has really struck me, this is real. My site is absolutely gorgeous. I'm up at around 8,000 feet with large, now lush mountains surrounding my rondaval (Circular stone home, with triangular thatched roof. Another highlight of my site, is that I reside on the Chief's preperty. He happens to be the uncle of the current King. What a huge honor. It looks as if I may meet the King. I feel exceptionally fortunate, imagine the safety. The Chief has teh most pleasant disposition and upon introductions, I had a lovely chat with him. I look forward to future introductions and conversations with surrounding community members. I must not forget to mention that the counterpart I've been assigned to work with appears to be a perfect fit. We will indeed by a dynamic duo. I can't wait to begin. We are currently brewing ideas galore. I soon will depart from Maseru for a 6 hour drive with the rest of my things to create my next. For the next three months we are green light at our sites with the restriction of being unable to leave our district for teh next three months as to fully immerse ourselves into our living situations. Good time to get some mail as I imaginerough times will occur. My address is on my previous post.

There has been a slight change to Denni's new address. Here is the correct version (note the 500 added after Mokhotlong...

Denni Klisch, Peace Corps Volunteer

PO Box 156

Mokhotlong 500

Lesotho

Southern Africa

Chow people.

Hip Hip Horay! Denni passed her test today! On Wednsday she will be on her way! To her final destination I say...Mokhotlong. YEAH!!

New Adress:

Denni Klisch, Peace Corps Volunteer

PO Box 156

Mokhotlong

Lesotho

Southern Africa

This will be the address to send correspondence to. I will be heading up to the mountains very soon and do not know how often I will make it down here to Maseru, as I believe that it is an 8 hour taxi ride.

Cheers,

Denni

Three weeks in my village have been such a delight!! I only wigh there was more day and less night. The sun and I awake around 5 every morning and by 8 or 9, I think of making my candlelight go away. For it's rainy season here in Lesotho whcih brings about the most peaceful and soothing frog symphony. I don't have much choice at this point byt to succumb to the lull and bid good night. As I awaken I begin to boil water for coffee and bathing, sweep my one room place and make tidy for the day. After my bucket bath, I scrub the previous days clothes then discard water and move on to breakfast and then dishes. If I catch my 'M'e (mom) as she tackles the day inb a similar more complex way, a great conversation will begin my day. The other day/night at about 630 I heard a huke ruckus outside my window. I went to the porch to see what it was all about. I met my sisters there, as the 11 year old joined the running crowd. It turns out that I was not hearing an upraising but many in the village, chasing a dog that was chasing a rabbit. We were all excited and proceeded to have a porch full of children dancing and doing gymnastic tricks, jsut what the doctor ordered. The people of the village make everything bearable, for it gets tough with all of the rules and regulations and schedules that we are demanded to follow. There are times when I wish those in charge could take a step back and see thinks in different light for their current view is not always right. But then again, that is true of all of us, isn't it? Ha Ho Mtata!! (No Worries) I will be going to my permanent village, which I just hours ago found out to be.......Thabang(literal translation mountains) I will be in Mokhotlong, check it out on the map, it is exactly up in the mountains where I dreamt of being. On New Year's Day I will get to go out to the village and come back to Maseru for my swearing in on the 10th. Please think of me on New Year's Eve as I take my oral Sesotho langauge exam. Salang Hantle!! (Go Well)

Oh yeah, how could I forget that to be sick is awful, to be sick without any immenities is horrible. After being one of the last ones to get a flu with a high fever, I awoke to bites all over my body. Oh yeah, I now understand the phrase, sleep tight don't let the bed bugs bite. Fun, Fun Fun stuff here in Africa.

WARNING! WARNING! CHRISTIAN BELIEFS BELOW! PROCEED WITH CAUTION, HANDLE WITH CARE!!!!

This season I will fing a christmas unlike any other kind. For this I feel blessed to take a step back and rewind. This simplicities of life, no worries of being out done. The lights that are within.

The presence of mind is at its best for it isn't caught up in the commotion of the rest. This is the present we should give each other, as we aspire to be a gift to one another. The light creates glints of light to the onlooker. Christmas is not about sparkle, glamour or gifts. The most important givt of all was Christ being born. This gives hope to all that call. Let's rejoisce and be glad for our gift is attainable every minute of the year. May ytou not get too "wrapped" up that you're unable to remember Chrit's presence is the only present we need to unwrap.

Wow, I have so much to write about but don't know where to begin. I'll take you all back to Thanksgiving, dinner with the Ambassador was superb!! A good old fashioned Thanksgiving dinner and great times were had by all. Now on to what I have to say about trudging along on my journey from afar!! I have been on a sight visit to a current volunteer's rondaval and it was great! I embraced the pee bucket, no pun intended, and realized that I will be fine with whatever I end up doing, I too will adapt and perservere. This past week I have been out with a family in a village to begin my community based training which will last for 5 weeks. The lulls and the lows that are unavoidable have been swept away the the laughs of each new day. My Bosotho family is wonderful, I think that I have the best family in the village, we laugh and sing and dance. When we arrived at the village last Saturday we were greeted with song and dance in front of the chief's place it was amazing! The children were dressed in traditional skirts as they sang and danced for us. It was a huge reception that was amazing and viewed with tears of joy. After the dance, we were introduced to our 'Me, (mother for the next 5 weeks) I have 2 sisters, Ausi Lerato (love) and ausie Kuena (crocodile tears) as well as a brother, Aubuti Mokhasa that all live in the home that my room is attached to. My brother walks me out and around to my room each night and makes sure that I am locked up and secure. The culture here in Lesotho is very different from America. We have so much to learn from this culture that values human relationships above all else. If you are walking along the road and having a conversation with someone and you pass someone else, it is considered very rude if you don't stop your discussion to greet the other person and engage in small talk. This bit of the language I have down, when all else fails with my language gaps, I either smile and laugh or say 'ehhhh' (yes). Now I'm sure that this is not a shocker to anyone, but as soon as I step out the door, I am swarmed with children of all ages. On a side note, in order for you to understand what I am about to say, I must add that my family has given me a Sesotho name, which is Ausi (Ms) Paballo (secruity) Lisanyane (the family name). Any time that I am out walking the village I can hear "Ausi Paballo, Ausi Paballo" in fact at night as I lay my head down, I still hear their sweet voices. If I dance, they dance, if I run, they run, climb a mountain, well, you get the picture. All of the interacting can be really exhausting, which brings me to my next point, with no electricity I find myself to sleep by 10 and up by 5am to clean and bathe. I also am in new circumstances where at 32 I find myself asking 'Me if I may go out. This is an advantage when young men come bye for a visit and my 'Me goes out and tells them that it is too late. That Rocks!! Last night I taught my family how to play cribbage, which was awesome!! We laugh together about them knowing all that I have done and said, as it is a small village and everbody knows everything. 'Me will ask me what I have done or what I'm going to do and I just crack up and tell her to tell me, she then begins laughing. We laugh over funny things I and others have said and we simply enjoy each other very much. She is in her 40s and has five children and does all the work, as her husband needs to be 8 hours away in South Africa to earn an income. She is a phenomenal woman!! My fam is teaching me so so much, they are great! Well, I could write on forever and ever but I fear that my thoughts will begin to race away from me in several different directions, so I will stop for now. I think it will be as couple weeks until I get to town to write, but rest assured I will bring my journal along next time to be sure you get to hear more of the good stuff!!!

Cheeers!

Ausi Paballo (pa bal o)

Hello Friends!!!

Today we were welcomed into the country by the US Ambassador. We were able to go and have lunch with him. It was pretty cool!! We will also have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the embassy next Thursday. Turns out that our new country director and him went to college together. The other volunteers are very jealous of our group. It is pretty exciting. All of the luxuries and amenities that I now have will be lost very shortly, I can't wait!!! With all of the spoiling comes many restrictions. Tit for tat I suppose. We have all gone and shopped for our community based training, buying plates and cups as well as a pee bucket and bathing tub. I know that you all wish that you were in my shoes! Once I get to my rondaval (the one room hut), then and only then will it feel like Africa. Currently, I stay on a compound with American counterparts. I am not complaining, just stating that I have to remind myself at times that I am here in Africa. I do not think this fact has set in yet, don't know when it will. I spend my days in class and studying during my free time. The peace corps training center is equipped with some marvelous cooks who have long hours preparing delicious foods for us to eat. Too good actually. Perhaps when i start to cook for myself in my one room home, I will eat less. It is very exciting for this time to be soon approaching. I want to get out there, away from the noise and the electricity. That is my story and I am sticking to it folks!!!! I will figure out how to get some pics on here soon, I really have not taken many pictures, as we've not seen much to capture. This visit coming up will provide ample opportunity for the photographer in my to surface. From there I will work on putting my pics on a disk to get on my Picasa album. I guess that if you put your camera to the computer directly, that it can catch a virus. So i have some kinks to smooth out. In due time. Speaking of time......my time here in the Internet cafe is nearly up. We'll walk back to the training center and do some studying, have dinner and finish off with an evening session. Tomorrow we have technical training and on Saturday we will be free.

Lumelang!!!

(Sesotho for Hello)

It has been forever, or so it seems, since I left the States. As crazy as it seems to me, I have only been in country for one week. We have jumped right into learning the language as well as many health, policy and technical information. Talk about information overload!!! The amount of books and manuals that I have to peruse at my leisure (yeah right) is insane! My confidence in my skills is just begining to reappear, it was playing hide and seek with me. It definately forgot that I enjoy finding lost things. I'll do just swell here!!! No worries!!! Tomorrow we go on a field trip to a school where we will end up doing some teacher training during our community based training. We will visit with current volunteers on Sunday and return to Maseru mid week. After that we, 4 other resource teachers, language teacher, and I) will venture out into a village to be immersed in the language. I imagine this is where most of my acquisition will come.

I was telling some of you that due to the fact that we are still trainees, the peace corps will pick up the tax on our incoming packages, so feel free to check in with my mum on getting me some goodies. Apparently a flat rate box can be shipped with no weight limit, for $37. Things I forgot to mention to mum include: beef jerky, deoderant, Tom's Natural Toothpase, multi-vitamins, and calcium.

Sale Hantle!!

Good Bye

Love

Denni Lynn

1,2,3,4,5,.......Ready or not, here I come!!!!!

I have so many thoughts racing about that it is hard to capture them with the written word. One thing I do know for sure, is that dreams come true if you wish them to. The reality of my upcoming adventure to serve in the Peace Corps has not yet completely set in. Afterall, it was a bit over a year ago that I began the application process.

The more that I read about Lesotho, Africa, the more that I am intrigued and excited. It sounds like an amazing, undiscovered jewel. This tiny country often goes by unnoticed, as it is landlocked within South Africa. Two mountain ranges call this lovely country home and I anticipate that I will happily call it home as well.

How does one prepare, you may ask. I am not sure how one does, I do know that I have always loved Hide and Seek and find this works as my analogy. Afterall, I work with five year olds and often find myself lucky enough to embrace the mindset of the population I surround myself with. I feel that I am ready to say goodbye to the modern conveniences so that I do not conveniently pass on the many rich experiences that my future family will possess.

I look forward to many moments with my friends and family that will last throughout the next couple of years. It is with this thought that I leave my cheers to you.