This past week was great. It went by quickly because I was busy FINALLY finishing my World and SA maps, handing out teddy bears to my NGO kids, taking driving lessons in the village, and running errands. Allison will be here soon, so I have been preparing for her arrival.

I finally went back over and touched up the entire World map since weathering had erased most of the markered-in country names and outlines, and also since the little ones like to touch it so often. Then, I put on a layer of clear varnish on that map and a second layer on the SA map. Tomorrow a second layer will go over the World map and I will be completely and utterly finished and I am so elated. It’s taken me forever to get them both done just because it’s so much work and I am a perfectionist so I wanted them to look perfect. I’ll write up a few facts about Africa and SA and then it will be complete.Mother Bear Project in America has volunteers who crochet homemade teddy bears, which they send all around the world to children affected by HIV/AIDS. They are sent for free and I found out about the wonderful organization through the January PC Newsletter, so I emailed the director right away. I have the drop-in center with 80 orphaned and high-risk youth, so I thought this would be a perfect project. And indeed it was. The bears arrived quickly and I only had to pay R50 to pick up two huge boxes of bears. I sorted through them before taking them to the NGO this past week. The kids were so thrilled and thankful. I took lots of photos that I will send back to the Mother Bear organization, but posted are a few of my favorites.Driving lessons were a riot! I can now say, after only an hour of practice and R130 less rich, that I can drive very well and shift gears without incident on the road. My only (major) flaws are not being able to start and stop easily without stalling out. As well, I need a little work on my backing up since I didn’t practice very much. So, as long as the South African Police overlook my U-turns and rolling stops, then I’m good to go (just kidding, Peace Corps Admin, I know you’re reading this)! It was funny because I showed the dude my license (I was hooked up with this driving school through the post office man who I know who owns it.), and he figured that was good enough to bypass the training grounds and put me right out on the shoulder of main tar road in the crossing. No sweat. I drove out to the countryside without a problem and then coming back in, we were headed up to my house to practice driving in and out of the dirt roads and of course I stalled out multiple times at the main 4-way stop. I just flashed my peace sign and smile and continued to sweat the clutch and accelerator as my legs twitched. No worries. Check that off my bucket list: learning stick shift with the added bonus of being able to drive on the left side of the road. BAM!My trusty hot plate that I use daily crapped out on me this past week. I didn’t realize that the electricity box inside my house also controls the family’s house as well. So, here I am flipping all these switches and taking the power out only to find out that my family thought the power company was going berserk. My host dad came over and we realized that every time I plugged in the hot plate, it shorted out. Dang it. I hate spending more money on things like that. My problem was the fact that I was cleaning my room thoroughly last weekend and I unplugged all appliances to clean them. I must’ve done something to the hot plates because immediately after I experienced trouble. Not surprised. I was talking with another PCV here and we were saying how things go wrong with our appliances and electronics all the time here. Do these troubles happen just as much in the States, but since we have cars and money we replace them easily, quickly, and with no sweat? Are things in the States more durable? Is it just that being a poor PCV here exacerbates the problem of broken things so it seems like a mountain instead of a molehill? I’m not sure!This week I found out that my oldest sister, Kasey, and her husband, Russ are having a little baby BOY in August. I am so shocked because our family is made up of all girls, 4 daughters, my mother, and even a female wiener dog (my poor father, I know, although there was a time when I did have 2 male hamsters, but I’m not sure my dad felt entirely supported even then). Even Kasey’s 3-year old, Alaina, is a girl. It was quite a shock and joy to find out. I told her, I’m not sure how to buy for little boys and I don’t think hankies and ties will really do for him. (My dad always welcomed the same gift every birthday, Christmas, and Father’s Day. You’re a real champ, pops! And the one time I tried to spice it up and give him a toilet bank for Christmas when I was in 4th grade, he hated it, so I went straight back to the traditional ties and hankies. My mom and I thought that “flushing” your change was so cute and clever, but I guess he didn’t share the same sentiment. So much for originality. Oh and I think one Christmas my sisters and I got him a Michael Jordan action figure from the movie, Space Jam, which still resides on the top shelf of his closet, never touched or opened. And I now wonder why he just let us play the safe card with the hankies and ties or didn’t want gifts at all! Ha!!! I’m cracking up now just thinking about that.)The school break is coming up and that is when Allison will be coming to visit. I am so so excited! It feels like months and months ago when she first told me she was coming and now the day is upon us! Last year’s school break was spent at the LongTom Marathon and then hiking the Sani Pass Trail down by Lesotho. I laugh looking back at how sore we all were after the marathon and then how strenuous the multiple days of hiking were. I could never do that again unless I get into Lance Armstrong-shape. I barely made it last year. It was a great bonding trip filled with challenges, tears, and laughs, but I have to say that I am glad that Allison and I will be taking it easy this break.I’ve been having the best conversations with people at school recently, mainly my principal. He is so insightful, progressive, inquisitive, and very open with me. We exchange stories of our growing up all the time and the direction in which we see this country going and where we, personally, are both going. It’s so refreshing to be able to talk with a man like this in this society, because most of the time men are either gawking at, hollering at, or avoiding women altogether here. The 2 school “clerks” love me and we get along swimmingly. They are always telling jokes and they get my humor, which really makes me happy. (American humor is always lost on people here.) I can already tell how much I will miss most of the people I work and live with when I return home.I just applied to Edison Community College in my hometown, so that I can sign up for nursing pre-reqs when I return. I have 5 classes to take: Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, Human Nutrition, and Pharmacology, in order to get into Ohio State’s Graduate Entry Nursing Program for people with a Bachelor’s in an unrelated field (i.e. Mass Communications). I’m hoping to get into OSU’s program for Fall 2011, so this fall I will try to take Microbiology, Anatomy, and Physiology, and then in Spring 2011, I will have to go to Sinclair CC to take the Pharmacology and Nutrition courses since Edison doesn’t offer them. It’s a pain, but duty calls. I feel like every month I am weighing options between the two big options of law school and nursing school and at this point, I feel called to nursing (next month, I may be trying to formulate my own dual major of law and nursing-ha!), so I am taking the steps towards that goal. I have been communicating with great people at OSU (The best response and most respect from an advisor ever! Major props to them!), Edison, and Sinclair. I ruled out Wright State simply because the head of the accelerated nursing program there was too condescending, rude, and discouraging and I certainly don’t want to be under her miserable rule during my schooling. So, that’s an update on my future goals, in case those of you at home are trying to keep up. Perhaps by May, I’ll want to be the next Jane Goodall, I just never know! J In closing, it has been really hot this past week but cooled down this weekend. I can feel fall filtering in and I couldn’t be happier. Two weeks ago I had a really bad case of strep that I thought was mono, so the heat made things even more miserable. I realize now that comfortable, or really, tolerable weather is such a blessing when you don’t have the convenience of climate control!

I just got back from Pretoria and picking up Lindi at Garrett’s place, since he looked after her for the few days I was gone. Supposedly he has now taught her how to roll over but I have yet to see a full version of it. He’s already taught her how to sit, shake, and lay down, so she’s almost ready for the circus. I am tired and hot and came back with no voice and no money--typical Pretoria experience. I was so thankful to eat great Indian, Italian, Chinese, pizza, and McDonalds. Meals are a bit cheaper here than in the States, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to afford such a variety of foods. I took about two showers a day and was able to shave my whole leg, not just up to my knee, as that is a smidge hard to do with limited water supply in the village; razor burn bites. Luxurious. But of course, after traveling back to the village, I am down to my last R10 and a bag of Doritos for dinner. I’ll never get used to the 1st World/ 3rd World dynamics here. I now realize that I am a person who needs consistency and at least a little adherence to timeframes and structure (none of that happens here). I facilitated the Diversity Committee fishbowl on Friday for the new SA21 group who recently came into country and it went pretty well. Each PCV has a unique back-story and are going through very different experiences here in the Peace Corps; so they talked about those and how they cope. We had Volunteers (who have been in country for a while) represent the following categories: Age (Older PCV), Race (Black American and Multiracial PCVs), Sexuality (Gay PCV), Religion/ Non-Christian (Buddhist PCV because “Christianity” is so overwhelmingly present here, the committee wants a different viewpoint), Married (Male PCV), and Socio-Economic (PCV on a budget, living strictly off our monthly stipend and not living off a supplemented US income from a previous job or parents). It was a very interesting hour of PCV sharing and then another hour of Q&A from the PCTs (Peace Corps Trainees). It helps to give the PCTs a sense of the diversity within PC and how to be better allies and friends to those with underrepresented voices within our community. For instance, just because one PCV in my group is my parents’ age does not mean that she will treat me like a parent or not want to hang out. As a matter of fact, I love hanging out with her, getting dinner and drinks, and talking about topics from A-Z. This panel provides awareness like that. Then on Saturday, Diversity Committee paid for the PCTs to take a trip to the Apartheid Museum in Joburg. They had 3 hours to tour the museum and then we had an informal debriefing discussion afterwards. The last group we brought was in their 2nd to last week of training before swearing-in as PCVs, but this group has only been in South Africa for 3 weeks, so their context and knowledge of SA and its history is still developing. I scared them through it a bit because there is so much text to read throughout the entire museum, so I prompted them on doing the skim down and trying to get through everything—maybe I overdid it because most were done before time was up and that’s unheard of. Whoops! They were all pretty pumped to go to a mall afterwards for some good food and brief shopping and phone calls back to home. I remember feeling that same excitement at the time. Long time ago. SA21 is a rad group with diverse personalities and a cool cohesion. I appreciated their humor, stories, insight, and optimism. Good luck to them as they begin their journey here in SA. I’m so glad to have Lindi back, even just after a few days. I miss the little pointy-eared thing. I’m definitely bringing her back to the States. She’s too cute to leave and no one here would treat her as well as I do. I’m pretty disappointed that I’m missing Apolo Ohno in the Winter Olympics. Last Winter Olympics I also missed him as I was in Australia. I hope he stays in for the 2014 Olympics because I’m resolving to be home for them next time!Back to school and work tomorrow. Computer lessons, girls club, life skills, painting, library books, and other various tasks await me.

(summernicole: After reading your comment on my blog last week, Yes! I will send Erin a shout-out from her sister. :) She's in for a great experience here in South Africa. Call her, send her cards and emails as much as you can and the occasional care package is always appreciated. She will love you even more. :) Best of luck to her and you as you support her in this journey.)

To the blog....

Happy Valentine's Day! (When I first published this post, I had forgotten to even mention it. The holiday is certainly not marketed as crazily here as it is in the States, so it slipped my mind.) Hope all singles and takens are enjoying a relaxing day without too much hype or pressure.

The heat has been unbearably hot, sticky, suffocating, and all around miserable for the past week, really accentuating itself over the weekend. This, in turn, has made me a miserable person. My attitude has not been in the best shape, trying to reckon with the 90-100+degree heat. My physical body has been a constant display of oceanic sweat by day, the evening air drying my body into a salt lick by night. There is no refuge from the summer spike in heat, especially when I’m out of water (per usual) and the electricity is shoddy at best, leaving me without a fan to at least blow around a little hot air. Without the access to water, I feel like I’m sleeping in my own grime every night. No need to salt my food, I’ll just lick my arm.

I remember going on a mission trip to Mexico with my sister when I was still in junior high. This was also during the peak of summer at the time and the bus we were traveling in with other Ohio churchgoers had AC, but broke halfway through our trip. It was so sweltering on that bus, and I had to go to the bathroom so badly that I remember thinking, when I got up to finally go into a police station restroom, “This is the hottest I have ever been and will ever be. I can’t ever imagine feeling this hot again in my life.” I was wrong. I even remember when I got up to go to the restroom, looking down to see a puddle of sweat that had collected in my bus seat. Now, that’s hot. But, I can safely say, it’s hotter here. I’ve been talking with my host family for the past 4 months, letting them know that there is a leakage in the pipe that goes from my JoJo (big teal water tank) into my house because the water runs out quickly every time it’s filled. My host father thought he fixed it last week, but I knew he didn’t because his improvement was to the external pipe, not to the pipe underground. It was just filled on Friday, and should last at least a few weeks, but lasted a day. Great. Makes my mood even better. I’ve been trying to be really positive during the whole debacle, but when I’m depending on getting 1 bucket of water from my host family only every few days (to wash, clean, drink, cook, and bathe), it sours my patience. I’ve been thinking about contacting my principal to hook me up with a barrel of water, but I’m afraid that would send the wrong message to my family. Regardless, I’m praying for more rain tonight so I can at least rinse my underwear that have been sitting in water and detergent for 3 days now. The Books for Peace books were collected from Nelspruit this past week and were to be delivered directly to our school. For some odd reason, the man was called to Ermelo, which is in a completely opposite direction, so we still haven’t gotten them. I am hoping this week puts a close to this ordeal that’s been more of a headache than necessary. I taught the kids at the NGO how to play Phase 10 so now they are more fanatical than ever. I believe I created a monster there as well. I’ve been waiting for a month for one of the NGO guys to fix the DVD player so we can continue with our HIV/AIDS Africa-specific life skills DVDs, but to no avail. Computer classes at school with the educators are going very well. Since I told them how much we could potentially cover (in terms of lessons on Word, Power Point, Excel etc) before I leave, we are now covering 2,3, or 4 lessons at a time now instead of slowly working through 1-1.5. I made a colorful attendance display on the board and mark them down and give them stickers and they love it. A meal at Barcelos (local Portuguese chicken joint) is the ultimate prize for the best attendance, which is what I awarded at the end of the school year last year. When I leave, I will be making participation awards and I’m debating on going to Nelspruit to get little trophies made as well. They love trophies and certificates here! A real sign of accomplishment! But really, who doesn’t love trophies? I remember hauling my 2nd grade PYBSA purple t-ball trophy around for my dad to see for a straight month. He was very gracious about my annoying parades, but I was obsessed. Thanks for humoring me, Dad! The Lovely Ladies Girls’ Club hasn’t really gotten started back up because there is always an interruption. Currently, it’s been school “athletics” which is our version of track and field that the whole school has been partaking in for the past few weeks. I have girls keep coming up and asking to join and when it’s going to start so I’m hoping that after I return from Pretoria, we’ll really be able to get revved and running! I spent 3 hours waiting in the local clinic last week to talk with somebody about volunteering at the clinic or taking part in a homebase healthcare group around the area. I’ve been passed around through many groups but nothing has been stable and I really enjoy homebase healthcare work. No one approached me and the line for the free clinic was so long and the clinic was about to close, so I resolved to come back later. My best friend, Ashley sent me yet another great package that feeds into my 13-year-old inner self. It came complete with a New Moon 2010 calendar, Edward Cullen (main vampire from Twilight/New Moon series) 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle, CD, magazine, and wiener dog card. All perfect. She is the best gift giver I’ve ever known. Love it. I leave for Pretoria this week and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t ecstatic. I can’t wait for the consistently available hot showers, electricity, and good food. I’m hoping it’s a little cooler in Pretoria than my hotbox of a village right now. I actually prayed last night that it would remain cool after 7:30am this morning so that I could sleep in a little. My prayer was answered and I really haven’t left my room all day! A first in I don’t know how long, since my room is usually so stuffy and hot that I sweat just walking into it. Hallelujah! I can't think I will ever miss the intensity of this African heat and will, in turn, be throwing the grandest sledding party I can upon my return to Little Turtle Lane.

I just returned today after spending my Saturday with a few other volunteers; a married couple, around my age, who live about 25 minutes away from my site and then another close by volunteer whom I meet in the crossing more often for lunches and mail pick-up, things of that sort. It was so nice to get away even for a night because, 1. Their site is about 10 degrees cooler than mine and it’s been extraordinarily SCORCHING here recently. 2. They have just recently built their own homemade fireplace in a room of their 2-bedroom house, which is pretty fantastical and looks professionally built. 3. I had spent over a month at site so I was getting cabin feverish. 4. We walked around and toured their schools to see the projects they are both working on, including a huge garden to a puppet show project to a World Map painting. And 5. We all enjoyed spicy lentil stew, NPR, cards, Betty Crocker cookies (from Sherry’s care package…thanks again!), and a lot of laughs and good conversation. I’ve known for a long while that other PCVs are invaluable for my sanity! A great time had by all. This past week was spent organizing transportation for this next week to get my Books 4 Peace books from Nelspruit to my primary school after much runaround within the country, resulting from miscommunication between the PCVs heading this project, some of the participating PCVs, and the Mpumalanga Department of Education. This project has been a year in the making, but we originally signed on and raised the R1900 last Feb-March, expecting the books to arrive from the US sometime in August 2009 in Pretoria, so that by September 2009 we could pick them up for our schools to start our libraries or add to the collections. But as we’ve (unfortunately) grown accustomed to here in South Africa, plans and timelines usually take a lot longer than originally planned. Much frustration, apprehension, confusion, and tension with the Department of Education was ever-present in this project. There have to be easier methods of obtaining books. Just glad they are finally coming to our school this week. Whew. After this coming week, I’ll be headed to Pretoria for a Diversity meeting as well as facilitating the Diversity Committee “fishbowl” and trip to the Apartheid Museum. The fishbowl will include 6-7 PCVs that represent various backgrounds (married, African American, gay, older, etc) who are able to share their different PC experiences, reactions, and coping mechanisms with the incoming Americans who will be embarking on their 2-year journey within a couple months. The new group will then be taking a trip to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg to get a deeper feel of the history here. I went with the previous group, SA20, and it was a powerful experience. I remember one of the rooms that displayed a multitude of nooses hanging from the ceiling and pictures and stories of the deceased advocates and victims of the Apartheid era. Poignant stuff. I look towards the return trip to absorb and take note of the exhibits and aspects that I didn’t have time to read about previously. I recommend this museum to anyone and everyone living in, visiting, touring, backpacking, vacationing, and exploring South Africa.I am part of SA18 (the 18th Peace Corps group to enter South Africa). This new Peace Corps group is SA21. Already 3 groups have come in after my July 2008 landing and subsequent training here. Time seems fast when I consider that fact. There is only one group left to come in (SA22 in July) before I wrap up my service and time here in South Africa with the Peace Corps and people in my community.

This past week was uneventful because I came down with a bout of bad stomach flu. My host family thinks it was from the water. Quite a few people around here were supposedly sick like me from the water. I could hardly move for 3 days without intense pains, bathroom trips, fever, and overall discomfort. It wasn’t nearly as bad as the “gastroenteritis” (which I still think was cholera) I had back in April or May. That was bad. I was so dehydrated, I remember having to tell myself not to cry just to save my bodily water supply. Yikes. I never learned my lesson. I need to boil my water, the Brita just isn't cutting it!

I’ve taught the neighbor kids how to play the American card game, Phase 10, so they are over here as much as possible now. I rained on their parades this past week when I barely moved out of my bed and the hallway to the bathroom. Each day after school I hear them come a’knockin’ on my door, quietly chanting “Thandekaaaaa…” (Thandeka is my South African name, which is Zulu/siSwati for “lovely." Hardly anyone around here knows me as “Kristy.”) The kids are such little crap talkers when we play even if they’re way behind. One good move and they get up to do their own Jika Majika dance (It’s an awesome teen dancing show here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUdHx8ej98k ), or they imitate their favorite pro-wrestler’s shtick. The regulars come by to perfect their skills and one day “show Thandeka who’s boss!” I love it. Who knew a card game could be my gateway to getting these kids to open up to me? Well, and giving them “chappies” (gum) doesn’t hurt either.

Siyabonga, the only neighbor kid who isn't afraid of Lindi. He loves on her just as much as I do, which is incredibly rare here. Most children and adults here are very wary of animals, especially dogs.

Playing Phase 10 in my room during a strident thunderstorm. No electricity, hence the candles and headlamp.I went to the post office on Saturday to check mail, and I was alerted to a package. For me! Yay! It was one of the BEST care packages I’ve gotten here! The goodies were from a PCV who left here in 2008 and got her current company in Kentucky to sponsor the PCVs in our group who wanted a Christmas package. I’m so glad I signed up! Not only were there goodies like chocolate, Swedish Fish (My favorite!!!), and drink packets, but she also threw in Burt’s Bees and Aveeno products, 2 DVDs, taco seasoning and pasta mix, parmesan cheese (This is a commodity! I’ve never seen this here in my local groceries.), two sticks of great deodorant (Major plus! The roll-on deodorant in this country is for pre-pubescents. It’s terrible.), stickers for my girls’ club, Double Bubble and Watermelon Trident, and fancy ink gel pens. What a treat! I was doing fine without any of this, but what a fantastic surprise! I was a bit choked up, not gonna lie. I forget what home comforts are like until I see them again. I took the braids out after having them in for about 5 days. My hair looked like Animal’s from The Muppet Babies, or maybe Cousin It from The Addams Family. It was huge. I usually go by the motto, “Big hair, Big fun” but not this time. I was unrecognizable. Washing it was a feat in and of itself. The braids were convenient so maybe I’ll have it done again when my scalp fully recovers.After taking out the braids, sans make-up and haircare. Perhaps I should've worn the zebra mask in the background. Just call me Slash. http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/buzzerbeater/slash.jpg I went to church with my neighbor girl this morning. I don’t regularly attend services here because they are quite different from what I’m used to or what I prefer. This service was no different. Three hours of sweltering heat and sweating, up and down singing, clamor, praying, and worshiping. I do respect the gathering places that have been established and the fire these people have for Christ, but I can’t get past the fanfare and religious dogma. It’s good to get out there and experience all aspects of the cultures. I’m shocked that today is the last day in January. This month and February are always the toughest out of the year for me. I’m not sure what happens, but a lag starts to overtake my attitude and motivation. Does this happen to anyone else? I know January is a big crash and burn month from December’s activity and spirit, but February should be a breeze because it’s the shortest month, but it usually feels like the longest! Maybe it’s just me. No water today, so I'm using my trusty pit latrine, wipe-ups, and hand sanitizer. What lifesavers. It's the simple things...

Aside from general ailments that come as part of the packaged deal with Peace Corps, there are always other avenues of pain one can inflict on oneself. I think this week I was in more pain than I have been in a long while.Exhibit A:

Painting the map outside at school on an extremely cloudy, cool day with a square-necked dress shirt. Where did Kristy forget to put sunblock? Any guesses? Once again, I’ve learned never to chance Mother Africa and the intensity of the sun down here. And like my mom said, after returning from Africa, I think I’ll have to have yearly dermatology appointments just to make sure my skin is fine. After a year and a half here, I can really see the permanent effects of such strong rays apart from the obvious burns I get infrequently. Also, the little kids are having a heyday watching my skin bubble and peel finally (Gross, but you know you've seen it happen before, so don't judge!) and they've collectively let me know that they no longer want my white skin. My host mother even compared me to a lizard shedding its skin. Fair enough.

Exhibit B: They may look like regular, French braids, but the pain I endured to get them yesterday was beyond this photo. (I wish this were a Harry Potter photo that could illustrate my scalp’s reaction! I just finished the movie series so he's relevant to my life right now, ok?) No justice can be fairly given to the raw skull, numb roots, sweat pouring from my face, and the fact that at one point tears were falling (just from the pulling, literally my tear ducts went out of control), and I was seeing stars. My neighbor ladies and girls started touching my hair, one thing led to another, and there I sat for 35min, holding my hair bands (and my teeth), feeling my behind go numb, and enjoying their “oohs” and “ahhs” over the white girl’s “fluffy” hair. Aside from a slight fleck of dandruff (From burnt scalp. Refer to exhibit A.), they said I had the “cleanest scalp” they’ve ever seen or worked on. Thanks! I try! I said on Facebook and I’ll say here, I’ve heard that “pain is beauty” but I’m not sure it’s worth the monthly torture these ladies go through to beautify themselves. Although, I have realized how much cooler (temp-wise) and convenient it is to have hair braided up and away from my neck and face! I thought I was workin’ it and conquering my heat strokes with a simple bun or ponytail but these braids are revolutionary albeit extremely tight. Now they want to buy fake hair and braid my hair even longer than it is. We'll have to see about that... To be honest, it was one of those grand days in Peace Corps where everything comes together, the cultural exchange goes swimmingly, I feel my purpose here, and I actively treasure the moment. These moments are too fleeting and I know that although this day was a part of the whole of my experience, it will be days like this that I remember for the rest of my life.

African thunderstorms sound like the Apocalypse. Chickens and roosters are the still the bane of my existence. I sweat more than I ever have in my life and I’ve discovered that I actually do have BO. You don’t get tan in Africa. It’s too hot to sunbathe. I’m the whitest ever! Little toothless, bald, or smiley kids melt my heart. My communication skills have increased by a tenfold, especially in the areas of small talk and weather observations. Packages, cards, and letters really do mean the world. My resilience has been challenged and expanded more times than I ever thought it could be. Americans are great. I truly do appreciate social interactions with the volunteers who can relate to the issues at hand as well as my own pop culture references. And I’m so fortunate to be able to return to the US. My sister, Allison, really is my best friend and biggest supporter. A visit from her will be priceless. Elephant back safari what?! I desire to settle a bit when home. I’m done torturing myself with distance from family and friends. Although, I wouldn't mind eventually finding a job that allows me to travel, say, with like, Sesame Workshop or National Geographic. :) South Africa is the Garden of Eden in terms of landscapes. Baby warthogs are adorable but honey badgers are my favorite. South Africans are some of the earliest risers I’ve ever met. A few hours in the African heat can wipe me out for an entire day. Teaching computer skills to first-time adult learners is a slooow process. The people I live with rock and are more gracious than I could’ve imagined. A lot of Black South Africans I've met possess grace and resilience beyond my grasp of understanding. My pools of empathy and reasoning have grown immensely. I like wines and ciders, not beer. Not now, not ever. I brush much more off now than I ever have. Teenagers can rock my confidence! I appreciate my best friend, Ashley, even more for maintaining contact. I’d like to settle back in the Midwest eventually. I thought I’d never want this. Bureaucracy’s a bear. My tastes have expanded. Ethiopian food is delicious. So is Indian. I may be 30 before I start making real money, and that’s scary. 70% of the population around here (out of 40,000) is infected with HIV/AIDS. My hair doesn’t really start looking greasy until about day 4 of not washing it. Not having water starts to wear on me after a few days. One thing I'm still trying to work on. I use much less water for baths and much less milk for cereal. I’m a terrible language learner, so a smile goes a long way. Hugging, patting, and touching others is on my daily to-do list. My presence really does mean more than my words, especially around the kids. Too many mangoes and litchis is cause for sickness. I've learned to walk on the other side of the path from the cows, for fear of impalement. A stare-down by a bull is not a comfortable situation. A sweat rag, sunglasses, and umbrella are lifesavers. I have a bad farmer’s sunburn to prove. Don’t put apples or lettuce near the freezer. Ruined immediately. Taxis are convenient but unbearably hot in summertime. One pair of Old Navy sandals is enough footwear to last my service. Why'd I even buy Birkenstocks?! Ha! I depend on perezhilton.com for comic relief and a good laugh. Being a teacher is one of the most taxing jobs (if one is sincere and hardworking) and I respect those who choose this profession. It is difficult to reach high school boys as a female here. It’s hard to maintain a dog in village life without some incident of worms, ticks, or ill health. I’m very fortunate to live where I do, with access to nice grocery stores, small shops, a toilet, and a bathtub with cold running water. I need to take more photos and make more slideshows along the way. It’s still difficult to build intimate friendships amongst the people I work with, even though we share hugs, secrets, and smiles. Men frustrate me here when they ruin every conversation by asking if I’m married or if I’d be their wife. My principal is awesome to me and very flexible with my ideas. Pretoria is a great place to relax and sink into 1st World culture, but going back to site is always a difficult transition. I'm not as badass as I thought; I really miss my mom and pops.

Happy 2010! I can't believe it's really a new decade! It was just yesterday that I remember a girl named Britney Spears coming out with her first hit and subsequently watching her fall apart later on, getting my license, rocking out at prom, loving show choir competitions, moving into a dorm, studying in Australia, watching my sisters get married and welcoming my first little niece into the fam, watching the folks retire, moving to NYC, and then packing up to move here. A fast decade in some ways.

Hope everyone at home had a great Christmas and NYE with friends and loved ones. That will be me next year! Finally with family and friends again!! Yea!! I bought my host family a personalized Christmas cake and developed about 20 photos of the family that I've taken since being here in August. They were so pleased and July told me that he had never had a cake for Christmas and that he truly felt loved. He is the sweetest!

There are spurts in village life that are laden with crushing boredom. Not boredom in the sense that there’s simply nothing to do so I read or busy myself, but boredom in the sense where my body shuts down and I can’t do anything—I mean nothing but hear myself think. I can't even bother to read a book or watch a movie. When this occurs, (as it has been the past couple of weeks), I lay flat on my bed, looking at my cardboardesque ceiling, relaying the past 20 years (I have no recollection prior to 5 years of age, let’s be honest) of my life’s high-and lowlights. Getting to know myself in Peace Corps? Check. Learning from my mistakes by habitually harping on them? Check. Knowing where I’m going with my life? Ehhh, nevermind, TBD. Anyway, this past week especially has been filled with lots of sleeping, thinking, and dialoguing with my dog, until yesterday. I usually wake up around 5-6am to let Lindi out to start her day (early riser, that one!). I let her out, checked my e-mail, and promptly went back to bed. Ten minutes later I hear her barking like crazy but ignore her, thinking she’s probably harassing a grazing cow. The barking was relentless. I finally get up and walk outside, disheveled, but ready to put the smack down on my annoying pet. She’s standing in the middle of the yard barking over to my left. I have no glasses on so I can barely make out what’s happening, but there is my host mom sitting on the ground, surrounded by buckets of laundry and water, my host dad behind her, and my host half-sister in front of her. From the looks of it, I think she’s doing her hair, but why would July be out there at 6:15am messing with his wife’s hair? I quickly put on glasses and realize that Connie’s complexion has faded, she’s staring blankly at me, July is sitting her up, Queen is splashing water into her face, and they are trying to get her to respond. They say she's fainted. The scene was so surreal because no one was saying anything, just taking care of the situation in slow motion. Matrix slo-mo. I volunteer to call emergency services (note to self: Find that number ASAP and program into phone!), but they refuse. They pick her up, she falls over, they get her up again, as she straggles soaking wet into the house. I go back into my house to collect my thoughts and get out of their way while they situate her but I immediately return. She’s in the family room, sprawled onto a chair, eyes rolling around, moaning, fan on her, dripping from her skirt, and completely out of it. What the H was happening?! They say she fainted, but she continues to be unaware of anything around her. Minutes pass, I sit there watching Saturday morning South African cartoons with the kids (meanwhile they’re playing cards and making all sorts of noise but no one shushes them), and Connie just moans and makes pained expressions. Busisiwe had come home from a morning walk (I’m telling you, these South Africans know how to wake up! I should take note, but I’m just not a morning person.), and aides in her mother’s recovery, rubbing Connie’s temples and getting her a wet rag. Gogo (Connie’s mother, and another term for “grandmother”) comes over and sits on the floor beside Connie. July is pacing, they are talking in siSwati about bringing her to the doctor, but I hear something about traditional healer. Gogo summons Busi to bring her something and before I know it, she has mixed together a concoction of lighter fluid, salt and water for Connie to consume. Interesting. Connie drinks it but not without a look of disgust. I would think. Connie undresses from the wet clothing in order to go get some medical attention. July, gogo, and Connie leave around an hour after this whole episode began. Later that evening I find that gogo made them first go to her personal traditional healer who was not helpful and would only address July and not Connie, the one who needed the help. Then they ended up at the hospital with no doctors available so they came home. She’s going back to her own traditional healer this next week and will then try the hospital once more. These spells have happened twice before and she said that she was diagnosed with epilepsy, and was given pills but stopped taking them after a month. No symptoms, stop taking. Not exactly the best thing to do. Numerous CT scans and tests before never showed anything concrete so they believe black magic is playing a role in this. July was injured on his job back in October when the machinery he was operating at the mine malfunctioned and a beam came down on his shoulder and almost hit his head, which would have killed him instantly. Hours of physical therapy and painkillers have contributed to his healing. They do believe God has a hand in their healing and preventing them from dying, but July said that he thought Connie was going to die. Wow. I never got that feeling, but death is so prevalent here, and the belief in black magic is so widespread, that I couldn’t blame him. Also, July had said that Connie’s mouth was full of blood and he had to pry her mouth open to force water in. Turns out, she bit her lip and tongue so badly that she bled and now they are sore and swollen. He was glad he heard her call for help before she collapsed because she would have collapsed into the large bucket of water and possibly drown had she been by herself. What a scary thought! I asked them why they thought somebody has cursed them and they believe it’s jealousy since they’ve recently gotten new cars, painted the houses, and live very comfortably. Interesting yet again. The fainting was obviously a seizure and now I think Connie will start taking epilepsy meds more seriously again when given to her. Busi acted so stoically throughout the whole thing, when I know that had that been my own mother, I’d have been a complete wreck. She’s doing much better today and I’m so glad. School starts back tomorrow. Another life experience here in a village in South Africa. Sharing the good and the bad.

(Darn it! I put in quite a few photos from my house and family but they aren't working on here right now. I'll try later!)I spoke too soon last week. After living nearly 5 months by myself in this 3-bedroom house, the oldest host half-sister finally moved back in…with her newborn baby.

Host half-sister, Queen. Her little baby, Princess. Tiny little thing! Queen originally lived in this house because it belonged to her mother and July (when July was still married to Queen’s mother). July and Queen’s mother divorced and he married my current host mom, Connie. Queen and her sister, Simphiwe forced Connie to build her own house since this house belonged to their mother only (even though she had left July and moved out to a different place). While July was away working in management at mines across SA Connie did just that—built her own house, a few yards away from this house. So, there are a few different buildings on the same plot: this house, Connie and July’s “new” house, a rondavel for storage, and the old 2-bedroom little place where July’s father lived before he passed. Pretty big place, but it’s because July’s and Connie’s families were some of the people that set up first on this land a couple generations ago. My house is the top photo. Connie’s and July’s house is the bottom. Only yards away from each other. The garage on their house is a recent addition for her new car. Top is the deceased father-in-law’s place, and bottom is the rondavel used for storage. I lived in a rondavel like this at my first site in Volksrust! A big difference between then and now! So, anyway, Queen had been living here until she got pregnant, which is interesting, because everyone thought she was a lesbian until that occurrence. So what?! You think conservative Christians in the USA abhor homosexuality?! You ain’t seen nothing yet! It’s bad here. And I just read the news the other day about Uganda wanting to impose the death penalty on homosexuals with HIV or those who partake in homosexual acts and rape. Yikes. Unbelievable. SA’s constitution luckily supports homosexual rights, even more so than in America. Anyway, I just listen when people around here go into tirades about gays being sick and needing treatment from the sangomas (witch doctors) and religion. Queen moved in with her sister back in August when I moved in here. There was some drama in October where Queen lied to people in her family saying she was kicked out of this house and that a white lady was living here. (Zing!) I think that drama died down but I didn’t expect her to move back here because she was in the hospital for a month after having the baby and then went to live with her mom an hour away from here. Lo and behold, Friday I get up, brush my teeth, wash my face, and am immediately greeted with Queen moving her stuff back in. Had no idea. And Connie and July acted like nothing happened. Now I know it’s their house, and I have an awesome set-up, for sure, and they are awesome people, but DANG! Couldn’t I have gotten some kind of warning? Dishes were still in the sink and I was completely disheveled. Kinda throws a wrench into my complete privacy and schedule, but it’ll be fine. She seems nice enough. Has friends and little kids over frequently, so I camp out in my bedroom. The baby is teeny tiny and hardly makes a peep. I hear it cry for a spurt of 3 seconds maybe twice a day. Queen said the baby (the translation of the baby’s name is Princess, but I forget the SA name) hasn’t been able to keep anything down so they were bringing her to a sangoma (witch doctor) for treatment yesterday. Wonder how that went? I’ll have to ask later. I went down to renew my PO BOX and run some errands yesterday while Queen did a spring-cleaning sweep of the house. Thought it best to get out of her way. She cleaned the living room and dining room, which I never use or clean so she probably thinks I’m a slob, although I cleaned the kitchen, bathroom, hallway, and my bedroom last weekend. Earlier this week, I had a braai (cookout) with my family. It was great until it started to violently rain, but we just moved the little braai pit to the garage. Having a braai in the wind and rain. What an experience! Host dad, July, doing the braaing on left. Host mom, Connie, being blown away by the wind! School’s officially out for summer, so I’m hanging around, thinking of what to get my host family for Christmas. I got their cleaning lady, Ntombi, a couple bags of candy for her kids and then a little decorative mini plate with the word “Love” on it and little sayings. Hoping she likes it. Here are a few more fam pics: Little cousin, Kennedy, and host brother, Sibusiso. Connie in traditional Swazi woman’s clothing coming home from a wedding. July, Busiswe (sister), and Connie having a heated discussion in siSwati. Sibusiso constantly is crying, but looking adorable as usual. Not much else going on at this point. I think I may go back into the crossing (my shopping place), today to get some litchis and mangoes. I’m craving them, and with it being so hot, they seem like the only appetizing foods at this point. Update: Got back from the crossing a few hours ago after dining on delicious Ethiopian food with fellow PCV Jeff and picking up those coveted mangoes and litchis I’ve been wanting. Got a few plums, apples, and kiwis as well. Yum! Mangoes on left, litchis on right. I wish I were home for winter.

I’ve gone quite a few months since blogging last. This was due to a few months of difficulty and feeling down, not wanting to Debbie Downer this whole blog up with my drama. Since my last blog was before I went home to the States, I’ll just make a checklist of major things that have happened since and then will once again resume my weekly post (hopefully)! - Going home was AMAZING! Spending time with my family and friends was just what I needed. Driving my car again, eating at a Maryland crab shack, having a family cookout with my Indy fam, relaxing at my parent’s new place in PA with those relatives, watching illegally purchased, yet awesome fireworks for the 4th, presenting my PC life to my mom’s Sunday School class, getting a nice haircut, showering every single day, going to Kings Island amusement park, spending time at the lake, renting movies, eating out, feeling like a woman again, and just relaxing totally made my time at home special and complete. I’m excited to go home next year, because I feel like I appreciate it so much more! - Immediately after I came back, money issues arose with my host mom once again. We got in a little quarrel about how much electricity money she was wanting from me and the whole mess with the stipend that the DoE was supposed to be paying blew up by like a tornado! I agreed, along with my supervisor and principal that it was time to move out. LONG story short, I am now living in the village closest to my school and NGO and LOVE it! I am much more active and going to traditional events (funerals, weddings, graduations, etc), my host family is FANTASTIC (they feed me, I watch TV with them and hang out whenever, they don’t mind Lindi, they love to joke with me, they check in on me, and they invite me to go with them on shopping excursions when I need to get out of the village), I can walk to my work, I feel much more at home and I now have a 3-bedroom, 1 bath, kitchen, living room all to myself! It is so amazing! I feel blessed and like I’m finally living the PC dream! Ha! - One of the first days I moved in, I witnessed a neighbor boy fall from a tin shack roof, go unconscious and bleed out his ears. The adults started screaming, I thought he was dead, they called an ambulance that showed up 45 min later, and they sat the boy up like it was nothing, while he immediately fell back over. I ended up going to visit him in the hospital and baked him cupcakes for his birthday the following week. I’m so weary of head injuries esp now from the Natasha Richardson incident, but the hospital tried to diagnose him with epilepsy. I know, apples and oranges! He is ok now and just as ornery and cute as ever. - As disgusting and repulsive as it is, I got scabies in August. Totally mortifying and painfully itchy! I thought it was only sexually transmitted, but was told otherwise once I went for a consultation. Got it from the backpackers (sheets and bedding) I usually stayed at in Pretoria, so I have promptly changed to another place. It was terrible. From my feet to my arms and up my neck. I went to a Nelspruit doctor who didn’t take any tests (and was completely discriminatory to me because I’m an English-speaker and he was an Afrikaner---I’ve heard of this happening here, but I never had it happen to me personally until this event!), but ended up blindly diagnosing me with it, so who really knows. I used every cream, pill, and spray I could to get rid of it. - I also had a terrible sty the size of my cornea practically that wouldn’t go away for a month. Bright red and veiny. Ewww. Needless, to say I was not the best-looking specimen the month of August. I also had flu and stomach issues. I think a lot of it had to do with the stress of moving again and dealing with senseless drama. (Total ailment damage here, let’s see: flu, allergies, athlete’s foot, gastroenteritis, scabies, sty, various insect bites, migraines, mild strep throat etc…I could be my own medical text book here!) - I attended Heritage Day celebrations (it’s a national holiday here) at my school and the teacher’s dressed me up as a traditional Swazi woman. I loved it. All the learners at the school were dressed up and performed their dances and songs the whole day. Afterwards, we feasted on the traditional foods here (squash, pap, cabbage, sour porridge, etc). - I started a girl’s club, Lovely Ladies Girls Club, at the middle school and we have been meeting every Wednesday to talk about life skills and decorate folders and nametags. There are around 40 girls in the group and we’ve covered a few topics such as peer pressure, conflict resolution, goal-setting, and informal talks on sex and HIV. I passed out a survey the first day to get an idea of how much these girls know about HIV and while there are definitely some ladies who know their stuff, a lot of them still checked off that they think one cannot get HIV the first time they have sex, it can be transmitted through mosquitoes, and that South Africa is the only country with HIV. Yikes! My work is cut out for me, but I don’t mind it at all. They are a lively bunch and they get even livelier when I bust out the candies (a.k.a chappies) to give out to those who participate. - I had a few people down for the school break at the end of September and it was a blast. We made pizza, burritos, barley stew, and sangria and just had a great time hanging out and taking a load off. - Two age milestones occurred in October: My momma turned 60 and I turned 25! Wow! Time certainly does fly! - I had MST (Mid-Service Training) in October where we discussed our halfway mark of being in Peace Corps, what’s working for us, what isn’t, and what we can do to renew ourselves and feel our best both mentally and physically this next year of service. It was a great time, along with great food and discussion. - One of the teachers at the middle school that I really like punched a kid right in the face in front of me when I was at the school for a braai (cookout). I guess the kid had scratched the car of the teacher, others told said teacher, he grabbed the kid, threw the punch, I heard something pop and saw blood streaming down into this kid’s mouth along with huge crocodile tears. I immediately got sick to my stomach and wanted to leave. That’s their way of discipline here, although it’s horrendous to an American to see (or for anyone else who doesn’t believe in physical punishment, for that matter!). I have since talked with the teacher about my reaction and alternative methods but this is truly one of those “can’t teach an old dog new tricks” situation. I just told him I never wanted to see that in front of me, then. I can’t deal with that. - I still have not completed my World Map project, but I finally drew up the map of South Africa and will get that done this week. What’s disappointing is that I have to go back through the World Map and completely rewrite the names of the countries because the little rascals at school have rubbed them off by touching it so much. That’s why I delayed this for so long! It’s such an undertaking and I was completely burnt out after the World Map. I need to find a clear sealant or something that can go over the maps once I’ve written all the names. We’ll see. - Been busy with various trips into Pretoria for Diversity meetings, trainings, and doctor’s appointments. MST also meant time for routine check-ups like dentist work and OBGYN to make sure we’re all still as healthy as can be. - I celebrated Thanksgiving a week early with a few PCVs in Pretoria when I was in for a meeting. Homemade vegetable lasagna was prepared on a Friday, when we welcomed in PCV Leah’s parents (they were awesome! Shout-outs to the Taylors!), and on Saturday we went to a Cheetah Reserve on the outskirts of Pretoria. It was cool to see them up-close but I hated the mission of the park because they bred these cheetahs to be held in captivity their entire lives; sold to zoos and reserves internationally. And because the park didn’t have large enough areas for the cheetahs to run, there were a few whose eyes had been poked out by low-hanging tree branches. Really sad. Hated seeing that. - I then celebrated my real Thanksgiving by eating a grilled cheese, mangoes, and Doritos. Nothing like it! Then, I took Lindi to the vet in Barberton (1.5hrs away) for a routine checkup and to check out what all her itching and minor skin patch was about. Seventy (mark it, 70!) friggin dollars later, I find out that the poor thing has an enlarged spleen due to worms and may have the beginning of mange. CRAP! I told the vet that I felt like a terrible owner, but that I had noticed nothing out of the ordinary, but he said it was pretty common, especially living in a village setting like I do. Lindi’s best friends are street dogs (with mange I’m sure, since no one around here takes any ownership of their pets or takes them for checkups. They can’t even afford doctor checkups themselves.), and who knows what heck they are eating most of the day when I am at school. He gave me some pills and liquid to squirt down her throat for 5 days. Now, she seems to be fine, so I’m hoping no more incidents like worms require an expensive vet trip for a while! Oh and then a teacher at the middle school told me of the government-subsidized vet around my village that does checkups for dogs as well. I thought the teacher might be wrong, and that the vet was for livestock. Nope! He drove me right to the hidden office where they told me that they specialize in rabies and worms treatments! GREAT! Right after I basically spent my month’s salary at a private vet! I hate that! Good to know for the future, though. - I had applied for leave to go out-of-country to Botswana over December holiday, but was rejected by my Country Director. Used too many days last December to Mozambique and Swaziland, and then to the USA this summer. Bureaucracy. Oh well. My friend, Carly, from Australia is on her way to Ghana for a volunteer stint and stopping in SA to see me before her January orientation, so we are going to go on a 3 day camping safari in Kruger Park and hang around Pretoria. As well, a lot of us PCVs will be around for Christmas this year, so we are renting out rooms at the nice backpacker we stay at so we can cook and exchange gifts with one another. I’m excited about that. - The BEST NEWS I’ve heard since returning from America is that my sister, Allison will be COMING TO VISIT IN MARCH! Yeaaaaaa! Totally made the rest of my year! I am so excited for her to visit and see my life here, experience the culture, and have someone who can relate to me a little when I get home. She will be so thrilled with this trip, so I’m going to be planning a lot of fun and exciting things to do like ostrich riding and having her participate in the Longtom Marathon with me. - School gets out for the summer at the end of this week, so I’ll be hanging around the village and trying to maintain some coolness in this dry, hot, hot, miserably hot weather! Although, it’s the most wonderful time of year because mangoes and litchis are in season and I love both!-Been having frequent shortages of water and electricity that really cramp my style after awhile; especially when my hair looks like my own personal oil spill.-Started studying for the LSAT (law school entrance exam) in October and registered for the December LSAT, but promptly unregistered when I realized how intense the studying is, how little I know, and how little time I had to prepare. So, I will take it next June here, when it is offered in Joberg. I don't plan to enroll in law school until 2011, anyway.-Just went to my little host brother's primary school's 5 hour graduation ceremony yesterday. It was fun and entertaining to watch the little ones sing and dance to their traditional songs that they've been learning the whole year. It was wonderful until the end when they had--get this--a BEAUTY CONTEST for the 5- and 6-year old girls! Wow! I had heard about this before but never witnessed it! The little ones came out in their underwear or little sparking swimsuits, strutting across the stage with their makeup, nails and hair (huge, braided or curly weaves and wigs) done. I about died! And, when the little girl in the wheelchair came out, dolled up, and did a spin in her chair, I lost it. Bawled right there. Not like I don't already stand out enough as the lone white girl. Others were touched too, but I had the tears. That little one won 3rd place while the winner's glory far outdid any Miss America's celebration! My mouth dropped to the ground when the teachers and crowd starting screaming, the little girl was thrown around, her grandma, mother, and aunt, thrust her into every camera flashing that they could and the other little girls were left to revel in their loss. I couldn't believe it. And they wonder why little ones are preyed upon by older men here! So ridiculous, but nonetheless, a cultural experience! - I can’t believe 2009 is coming to and end. My only full year in South Africa. Talks about the World Cup are getting more excited and teams for the 1st round of games have been drawn. It’ll be quite a historical time, as this is the first ever World Cup to be hosted in Africa. I’m just hoping the crime doesn’t skyrocket come May/June/July of 2010. - I saw New Moon last week and loved it. As well, I saw Michael Jackson’s movie, This Is It, and loved that as well. Is it strange that I still feel really sad whenever I see or hear anything about him or his music? Such a tragedy. Heal the World really chokes me up still. His poor children… - Tiger Woods is an idiot, but really, who isn’t who has his fame, fortune and talent? Not surprised, but sick of hearing about it all. - What else? Sorry for my absence! Had some major changes and major homesickness to deal with for the 1st time since coming here. I think I’m over those bumps (holidays apart for the 2nd year in a row don’t help!), and looking forward to a productive and interesting 2010. Hope you’re all well at home and surviving the economy and holiday season! Drop me a line when you have time. I still love to receive mail and updates, via snail mail, e-mail, Skype, or Facebook! Once again: Kristy WarrenP.O. Box 2545 Elukwatini 1192 South Africa Airmail

but, I'll be holding off until I get back from Pretoria to actually post what's been happening in my life. August was one heck of a ride here in Peace Corps, so I will dedicate my next blog to my time back in the States and August happenings. Stories to come...

and I can't wait! Ahhh! I am so excited to return after a year of being gone. Time has flown and in other ways, it has been one long year, let me tell ya!

I am all packed. Most stuff I'm bringing home will be left there, it's become needless here or doesn't fit well anymore. Darn carbohydrates and stress!

I think Lindi is sensing something, because she's frantically running around, staring at me, and bringing me more and more presents. So far, she has brought me another bull's horn, a men's size 11 shoe, a ladies slipper, and yesterday was especially disgusting; she brought me a dead rat the size of a prairie dog. Yeah, I wanted to pass out. I'm hoping that she's been getting most of these items from someone's garbage and she's not becoming a clepto. No one's complained...yet.

I've been taking a lot of photos recently to show folks back at home. I'm excited to get them developed. That will be one of the first things I do when home.

As well, I'd like to swing by a Taco Bell and a pick up a cheap pair of brown flip flops since my currents ones have a hole in the heel that I patched with tape. Thrifty, eh? Peace Corps life.

Everyone at school and my NGO has requested that I bring back photos and souvenirs from America, so we'll see how much I can carry back.

That's it for now.

Friday 9pm take-off. Saturday 12pm arrival in Ohio.

The world map is coming along very well. I had a lot of volunteers help last week and we basically painted all the countries, but this week, I’ve been going over each country with a second coat of paint to thicken it up and make it look better. Next week, I'll try to get the entire map done with a black border, outlining the countries again and labeling them, putting up who sponsored the map, etc. Today it rained, so that dampened (no pun intended) my plans. I did end up going to a life skills workshop with a few teachers that was interesting.

It’s been pretty chilly this whole week. Winter is a’movin’ in. Everyone always complains about how freezing is, which I laugh about, because they would freak out if they saw the amount of snow Ohio gets every year. The concept of school cancellations due to snow days or 2-hour delays is totally lost on them. They can’t imagine how every winter of my adolescence and teenage years was spent praying for and wracking in at least a few snow days. I’m eating scrambled eggs and drinking hot chocolate because they were the easiest things to whip up in order to thaw out. And the ketchup with the eggs tastes like an off-brand of some form of BBQ sauce. Strange.My host mother was in a car wreck last week, which left her with a mad case of whiplash. She’s been on bed rest and painkillers all week, but she’s biting at the bit to get up and get back to work. Some girl ran a stop sign and hit her front passenger side (which is our driver’s side). She had two teacher friends in the back seat who were treated and released the same day.

I spent 4 hours in the local hospital, waiting for the checkup and x-rays. She was transferred to a town hospital about an hour away from here. I’ve been going in and talking with her each day to see how’s she’s been. Actually gave her a hug and kiss last week, which is a big step in our relationship. She just told me she’s really going to miss me and Lindi (!YES! I know! She’s hated on my dog for the longest time.) when I head back to the States soon for a visit. I think it’s just the meds talking. Ha! Anyway, life’s been slow here and I’m ready for the chance to relax at home. The quarter is winding down at school and the children and teachers are ready for their winter break. Me too. 2 weeks now! :)

So, that stomach flu I thought I originally had turned out to be a weeklong, bed-ridden battle with some form of gastroenteritis. At one point, in the middle of the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, I was up bawling, chugging oral rehydration salt solution, and praying that I didn’t have cholera. I was so dehydrated and nothing was helping.

After feeling the worst that I’ve felt here, I called Peace Corps, got prescriptions for 3 antibiotics and finally cleared myself up, but not before a few more days of deep gut pangs, nausea, fever, aches, diarrhea, charlie horses, and pure and simple misery. Lest I forget the delicious diet of toast, bananas, and plain rice I had to adhere to. Yuck. Glad to be over that nastiness.

This past week was spent starting my World Map and South Africa Map projects at my primary school. Tuesday I scrubbed and washed the wall where they are both going to be painted. Wednesday I got a few of the grade 6’s to help me prime the measured blocks of map space. Thursday was the first coat of light blue paint that is to be the entire ocean background. Friday was the second coat of blue. Of course, the two days of blue where slightly different colors since we had to mix dark blue and white paint to get the desired oceanic color. But, I think the kids and I did a nice enough job of covering up the differences. We will see.

Tomorrow, Garrett will come with me to help to graphing out the countries. The project description has this specific method of drawing countries block by block, so that the maps are accurate. It sounds pretty painstaking to me. I bought yarn today at one of the “China Shops” (also code for cheap, dollar store-esque shop), so that we can physically graph this puppy out tomorrow.

My friend and fellow PCV, Joanna, will be headed down my way from KwaMhlanga area (up by Pretoria), to help me with the maps as well. She has just finished her maps at her school (which I saw when I was up there a few weeks ago), and they were absolutely beautiful. I hope I can get a lot done this week!

This past Monday, my computer class was canceled due to SGB (School Governing Body) elections. I was to pick up on Tuesday, but my principal came to me at the last minute (after waiting around all day to teach the classes after school), to ask me if it would be OK to cancel the class again. After asking the reason, he proceeded to tell me it was because a student who had gotten hit by a teacher last year was yet again a victim of another teacher’s wrath the day before. He wanted to call an emergency staff meeting to talk with the teachers about corporal punishment. Of course, I told him that was more important than my class, so we would pick up this coming week.

When I went to tell one of the teachers who had asked if I was having the class, that the class had been canceled, I walked up on her hitting the crap out of a student’s head. She explained it was because he was beating up on other children. I tried to talk with her about how that just perpetuates a cycle of violence and that as mentors, the kids should be able to trust that we won’t hurt them. Now, I love this teacher, I really do, but she looked at me like, “F off!” OK, fine. Yet another battle here that seems hopeless at times.

I asked my host mother what was happening with the whole situation. She gave me some generic response and then let me know that the parents are not OK with hitting their kids on the heads, but a switch anywhere else, like the hands, is perfectly fine. I was really surprised to hear her say this. She is educated, motivated, and sticks to the rules. She clearly knows that any physical contact with a student is not allowed, but she told me that there are very many “naughty” kids at school who need disciplined. Wow.

I suggested to her (she is the HOD, or Head of Department, of my school which is similar to an Assistant Principal, I guess you could say), that I would have other PCVs who are teachers (to give me some credibility in my educator’s eyes since I, myself, am a non-educator) come down and work with me on leading a workshop on “Alternatives to Corporal Punishment.” Once again, I got the look like, “Stay out of this you white, non-educator.” Ok fine again. Baby steps.

My school actually is pretty good with corporal punishment, considering some of the other horror stories I have heard from other volunteers about their students getting beaten within an inch of their lives. I’ve only seen a few students being hit or switched a couple of times. And I also did see a stick my principal confiscated from a teacher’s room, which was the size of my lower body; probably from my waist to the ground. Pretty big stick.

I’ve already spent months trying to build trust and rapport with these teachers, so I don’t want them to think I’m a snitch or spy. If a workshop doesn’t come about (which I will probably focus on when I get back from the States), then I will ask in a teacher’s meeting just to not be present when those modes of discipline are enacted. If they’re going to hit a student, do it behind closed doors, not in front of me, or other students. A lot of corporal punishment isn’t the actual beating, I’ve noticed, but the amount of humiliation and degradation the student feels in front of other students and onlookers. It’s so sad. I feel so brokenhearted for the kids, even the naughtiest ones.

I’ve let a few teachers know here and there that if they even touched or grabbed a student in the States, charges would be pressed, or the teacher would be in pretty big trouble.

Oh, I failed to mention that the grandfather of this kid who was hit again this year is not going to do anything about this incident because the teacher who did the hitting has the same last name as him. Oh yeah, really valid excuse to not report abuse. Interesting dynamics at play here, people.

Onto lighter topics. I splurged for a 2-liter jug of Orchard Blossom bubble bath the other day at Spar grocery store ($4 is a lot on my budget), which has been the highlight of my week. It actually motivates me to take baths now instead of putting them off till every 3rd or 4th day. Ha! My hair should look like a Pantene Pro-V model when I get home with all the oils I let play, or rather, lay around on my head.

I bought 2 new vegetable holders that were hell on my hands to put together. Cheap plastic crap. But I now have more space to put food and some hair and makeup products. Space is always a good thing to find in my small dwelling.

My hands have possessed a bluish tint since last Friday due to the painting so whenever I check out at the grocery or get vegetables on the side of the road from a gogo (grandma), I get stared at like I’m Jack Frost with hypothermia.

Lindi’s bulge in her stomach has been going down. Seems to me that it was just swelling or scar tissue from her surgery. She is so rascally.

I did a bit of laundry today, and when I went out to retrieve it, I saw Lindi playing with something. I bent down to look at it, and lo and behold, it was a bull’s horn. We have random cows and bulls that graze all around here, so it looks like one of them lost their horn somehow. Ouch. Of course, I Ziploc-ed that puppy up and plan to bring it home to show folks on my visit. Not everyday you just find a horn laying around.

It’s getting colder in the mornings and evenings here, but it’s still relatively warm during the day. Actually, today was so windy and warm, it was like a spring day. It’s supposed to be autumn here! I am so thankful to be over this way, because it’s much, much colder at my old site in Volksrust.

I had two friends Facebook message me to let me know that they will both be in South Africa on business this year. One will be here in August and the other from July-December. I am incredibly excited! It will be so fun to see familiar faces in this context and just relax and enjoy catching up. Yea for friends visiting!

I’m so sick of this B.S. drama surrounding that Jon and Kate Plus 8. Who cares?! Reality television wrecks everyone’s lives. People will never learn. To publish this crap as news is ridiculous. Although, I will say that I am still an avid reader of perezhilton.com. I know. It’s terrible. But don’t judge me. As well, I have to say that I'm pretty disappointed Susan Boyle didn't win Britain's Got Talent. Most people can be taught to dance to choregraphed, pop moves, but there aren't too many talented 48 year-old Scottish church volunteers with a voice like Susan Boyle's. The show sold out. (Of course, I'm saying this without actually watching any of the routines in full. I've seen a bit of her Les Miserables performance as well as a bit of Diversity's winning dance. Streaming video here takes forrrrrevvvver.)

I am so entertained by mentalfloss.com. If you haven’t checked it out, you really should. It’s very interesting, fun facts and list of facts pertaining to random, obscure, and socially relevant topics.

Exactly 26 days until I fly home to the USA. I’m so pumped I can’t even tell you! Ah! I feel like I’ll be jetlagged, probably get sick from Taco Bell (that’s the first thing I want, I don’t know why, but I’ve been craving it!), be overwhelmed by so many white people in my hometown, get comments or stares about how much weight I’ve gained (screw it, I’ll worry about my physique after I get out of Peace Corps and have the will and the means to tone up), take baths that actually cover my entire body and not just my calves, drive like I’ve just gotten my license again, hug everyone I know and say hello to everyone I don’t (since I’m in a habit here of being the friendly white person that has to greet every single passer-by on the street), relax, rent every movie I want to see, eat my mom’s brownies and awesome baked goods, visit my families in PA and IN, eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch, see my little niece, Alaina, chronicle every day that I’m home with a photo, and just take it easy and enjoy my time. So much to do, see, eat, and love at home!!!

Bent over at the waist, sharp pangs tear through as the stench of stale gasoline, my neighbor's body odor, and bad breath worsen the ache and nausea. The merciless sun beats down, all windows shut, hot air suffocating every pore as I thrust my purse into the stabbing and jolting abdomen pain in attempt to curb the relentless hurt.

That was me. Yesterday on a loaded taxi making my way to school. I had the worst stomachache of my life and nothing was helping the pain subside. Tums didn’t work. Ibuprofen was crap. Nothing. I got to school, sat bent over for about an hour until I finally surrendered and had my host mother bring me back home.

I thought it was just a major stomachache. It seems now that it’s a bit more than that since I am running a fever and experiencing chills and nausea. Perhaps swine flu or cholera. Take your pick. Ok, well, maybe just a bout of stomach flu, but the others sound so much more interesting.

Anyway, I stayed home from school again today and tried to sleep and drink liquids but my gut was telling me otherwise. I’ve been bent at the waist with a tucked pillow, falling in and out of delusional dreams for most of the afternoon. Luckily, my medical officer was making site rounds this side of the country just to check in on us so I relayed my symptoms. Seems like a 72-hour bug, so if I’m not better by Thursday, I’ll be getting a prescription of some kind. I’m sure I’ll kick it. It just sucks.

It’s been a while since I’ve updated so let me make this brief, while I’m on respite from jolting stomach pangs.

The weekend of May 9th, I was in Pretoria for a Diversity Committee meeting and training. It went very well. We spent time catching up on by-law revisions, and other orders of business as well as preparing materials and activities to present at the upcoming PST for SA-20 (I am SA-18, so this group arriving in July is the newest and a full year behind me), as well as SA-19 IST (In-Service Training, which is 6 months after you’ve been in country. I went to mine in January.) We thought of a new activity to present that deals with privilege and ally building, so I am really excited about that. Diversity is huge here in South Africa (known as the “Rainbow Nation”), so it’s important to include relevant information and activities for volunteers to understand, interpret, and discuss while serving here.

During this time SA-17 was in for there MST (Mid-Service Training and medical tests), other SA-18s were in for a literacy workshop, and SA-16s were coming in for their COS (Close-of-Service) Conference, so needless to say, it was a fun-filled weekend in the city of Pretoria with that many Americans in attendance. We actually went to see a rugby game-- the Blue Bulls versus the Cheetahs. The Blue Bulls are the most popular, but because I like cheetahs and cheetah print accessories and clothing, I decided to root for them. Actually, I’m not going to lie, I was rooting for whoever was scoring the tri each time. I’m a terrible sports fan. Rugby was so much more fun to watch is Australia. I just felt completely overwhelmed at this game here. Perhaps because that’s the most white people I’ve been around since I left America. I’m sure that’s it.

Anyway, I took work leave for the next week in order to go to fellow PCVs Haley and Joanna’s sites that are located about an hour and a half north of Pretoria. I had a great, yet busy week. I observed Haley teaching, which was a treat because I was so impressed with her confidence and ease with a group of grade 4’s who really respected her. I attended Joanna’s HIV/AIDS craft group and learned how to make a safety pin bracelet. I owned one beforehand and it is pretty dang sweet if you ask me. It’s also reversible. I can’t wait to get a girl’s club going here so we can make crafts and jewelry. I forgot how much I like doing that stuff.

I also helped Joanna paint some of her world map at her school. She did a wonderful job in graphing the whole thing out. It was so precise and beautiful. I had dinner at Steve’s place where I met a married couple who are part of the newest SA-19 group. They are a great couple, who just celebrated their one-year anniversary yesterday. The food was amazing! So nice to eat, drink, and be merry with friends. I’m sure a lot more happened but now I’m feeling horrible again so I’m going to cut this short.

This past Saturday was Scott’s birthday so I bought him a cake with candles, and we threw some chicken and beef on the braai (grill) at Garrett’s. It was a nice get-together and I finally got Lindi back. She was glad to see me, naturally. Garrett was keeping her so he taught her how to sit, lay down, and shake, so now I feel like I should just buy her a tutu and sign her up for the circus. But now she has a golf ball-sized lump in her stomach. Perhaps it’s still swelling from her surgery but who knows. She’s not complaining or acting like it hurts so I’m just monitoring her. Actually, she had eaten off half of the zipper on her carrier, so perhaps it’s the zipper in her stomach. Lord only knows!! This dog is ridiculous per usual. I made reservations at the kennel the other day for when I return home for a month this summer, so I’m starting to get organized and tie up loose ends before I peace for the visit.

Lindi has been spayed! Yea! It was hellacious getting her to the vet and back since I had to buy a seat for her on the public taxi, which is a HUGE cultural faux pas. (Buying an extra seat for an animal is ridiculous and a sign of wealth I’m sure, when all the babies and children ride on their parents’ laps even if they are obese). But, the dog gets deathly ill riding in vehicles and I had to be prepared with rolls of paper towel and a wet cloth to cool her down.

I swear most of the vomiting is psychological. She overheats on her on accord and starts drooling, which is a forewarning of the mess to come. It seriously stresses me out. Lord knows I’m never going to be able to handle children! I’m really hoping that the airlines knock her out with something when I bring her home at the end of my service. I say this in the most humane nature possible. :)

Anyway, I get her to the vets and fill out the financial aid paperwork for the SPCA and the vet to donate their money and services towards her “sterilization” as they call it here. I drop her off in the morning, do major shopping in town, like I actually have the funds, and return to retrieve her at 5pm. Poor thing was yipping and peed all over herself when she saw me. She’s like “First, you make me ride on this friggin’ taxi so that I can hurl a few thousand times and overheat, feel like I’m going to pass out, and now you bring me to this place where I get a huge gash in my stomach for no reason. Thanks. You’re a real pal. I hate you. But, I’m hungry, so I guess we can be civil with each other.”

Anyway, I get this huge lecture on what I will be doing with her after I leave from the vet. I tell him I plan to take her home with me, which is what he was hoping for. He didn’t want me to pamper her for 2 years and then leave her in a rural village where she’d be abused and totally terrified. Fair enough.

The vet tells me to bring her back in 10 days to get the stitches out (Hello dissolvable stitches?! Ever heard of those South Africa?). I’m like, whoa dude, can’t do that, this dog is way too carsick! So he explains how I need to rip, cut, and pull the 3 sets out myself but be careful and to do it precisely as he told me so as to not make her bleed internally and kill her. Great. No pressure. I’m pretty sure I’ll be passing out during the process.

So, I go to look at the incision. Not only is it huge, but also when I further inspect it, I see that her nipples have been sewn back together crookedly. Seriously?! Ridiculous. I’m hoping it’s just the swelling at this point that has completely distorted the alignment of those poor nips.

Anyway, I got her a new dog bed since her other one was so dilapidated, she was basically sleeping on the floor. And let me tell you, it was nearly impossible/embarrassing to haul a huge leopard print dog bed home in one piece. Thank goodness for trash bags! (Let me make a point of saying that , NO, I certainly do not spend frivolously on my dog or myself, but I figured buying her an $18 dog bed is a good investment for the next year and a half.) But at least she’s feeling better and more comfortable in the bed. She is up and running around, jumping on my bed like nothing ever happened.

In other exciting news, Garrett and I went back to the construction store, Build-It and talked to the manager who has donated all the paints to our World Map Projects! That was the brunt of all expenses so we are absolutely elated! We will fundraise the money for the other supplies such as paintbrushes, thinner, tape, etc. We go to Garrett’s school this Friday to start the outline of the maps. Then onto my school after his is completed. So exciting!

I have passed back most of the photos that I took for the photo fundraiser at my primary school. I hope that I can get rid of the rest of them in a timely fashion and never have to worry about those again! I was talking to another volunteer about how ridiculous it is that a simple photo fundraiser was stressing me to the max and giving me migraines when just last year I was dealing with thousands and a couple million-dollar accounts at FX in NYC and not experiencing near the stress levels as here. Ha! Just goes to show how small my life is here (and how much culture can impact ones demeanor and reactions).

Today (Monday) was Freedom Day, a national holiday, so we had no school. As well, Friday is Workers Day, so all is closed down again. Breaks galore.

In a few weeks I go into Pretoria for a Diversity Committee meeting and training. I am looking forward to it. Quite a few PCVs will be in PTA (acronym for Pretoria) for other committee meetings as well as a Literacy Workshop and the oldest group here in South Africa, SA-16 (I am a full year behind them in SA-18), will be attending their COS (Close-of-Service) Conference, even though their official leave date is in September. It should be a great time back in the 1st world part of South Africa.

Tomorrow ends my 2.5-week school break. School and the NGO resume with daily activities.

I had quite the active break at the beginning. I traveled up to beautiful Sabie (LST took place here), where I participated in the Longtom Marathon. It was a great time hanging with the other PCVs as always. We had to be up and ready by 4:10am on a Saturday morning to travel out to our starting point since most of us participated in the half-marathon (21.2km).

On Sunday, after the marathon, a group of 14 of us decided to travel down to the border of Lesotho (small country within South Africa) to participate in a 3-day hike throughout the Sani Pass known as the Giant’s Cup Trail (look it up on the Internet, it’s cool).

Wow! This girl is NOT a hiker. As much as I want to be that remarkable person who loves the outdoors and whatnot, I am just NOT a hiker. We found a public taxi (van) to take us from Nelspruit right to our destination, Sani Lodge, about 12 hours away. We got there by nightfall and crashed in a little cottage full of bunks and a big kitchen. Our hike didn’t officially begin until that Tuesday, so Monday we went on a short hike in search of waterfall and then spent some time hanging out at the nice hotel nearby.

The official hike began bright and early on Tuesday and the beginning was a real kicker. A lot of up and down over big hills and small mountains. Of course the surroundings were absolutely beautiful. We got poured on for about an hour, but it was refreshing since the sun was so brutal. OH, shall I interject that it was absolutely CRAZY to go on this hike immediately after a MARATHON when our limbs were so stiff and achy that we could barely function? Ok, perhaps that’s a bit dramatic, but the point is, we were adding hurt on top of hurt and although mentally you feel good exercising your lazy bones to that point, the physical discomfort was just crappy.

Anyway, let me sum it up by saying the second day we got lost, I fell in a huge animal hole that was cleverly disguised and twisted and bruised my knee, and we almost didn’t make it to our second night’s cabin in the wilderness (made it 20min before nightfall). The 3rd day we were actually on trail, and ended up at our little rondavels that were conveniently located near a group of timeshares equipped with a bar and restaurant which we took advantage of. And then we all split up and went home.

I was glad to push myself and be around the people I feel comfortable with. Humor plays a huge part in Peace Corps so it conveniently works out for me. We were like old men and women each night that we crashed into bed around 7 or 8pm.

I’ve been back at site for a while now just taking it easy, running errands, meeting with the new PCVs that are in this area, and watching movies. Oh, I had also planned to take my dog to the vet to get spayed during break.

But the day I get home I get a puzzled-looking host mom confiding in me that something must be wrong with my dog.

“Kristy, something’s wrong with Lindi. I don’t know what’s happening.”

“Oh really? Has she dug up another hole in your yard for the thousandth time or pooped somewhere she wasn’t supposed to?” OK I didn’t really say this, but I was thinking it. Same ol’ Same.

“What’s the matter, make?” (Make is mother in siSwati.)

“Well, she’s been bleeding everywhere and we don’t know why?”

Crap! I take one look at the dog, size up her lady parts, see they’re as big as a golf ball and explain to my mother that the dog has officially gone into heat. Great!

Lindi and my host mother both give me looks of embarrassment as I try to explain to my host mother that all is fine and that I will be calling the vet.

Fast forward to convo with vet.

“Yeah, I need to get my dog spayed and heard that you work with the SPCA to spay dogs for free if the owner makes under R2000/month. Is that correct?”

“Yes, although they hardly pay me anything anymore so it’s outta the goodness of my heart.”

“Well, I have to say, I make R2100/month but I’m an American volunteer here in Elukwatini who really needs to get my dog spayed. Although, she just went into heat this week.”

“Hmm, well there’s no way you’ll be able to keep the males away from your bitch where you stay, so she’ll definitely end up pregnant.”

“Well, Jerry, that’s what I’m trying to prevent here. Any suggestions?”

“Well, I’ve gotten rid of puppies before, if ya catch my drift, but I don’t like doing it. I mean I can. But don’t like it.”

“Hmm, I think I’m catching your drift.”

“Right.”

“Ok, well I’m stuck here. I can’t have her pregnant down here. No one will take care of her pups.”

“Alright, have your employer send in your monthly statement as proof and follow up with me next week so we can schedule something. You sound like you’re doing good work, so I’ll take your case.”

“Thanks a lot. I will call next week.”

Long story short, I'm sure Lindi is pregnant already. I have male suitors at my gate every night howling for a chance with her and she’s gotten out a few times from my watch and been gone for an hour or so at a time. Plus, I tried to buy diapers for her and cut out a hole for her tale but 1. I bought them too small and she wiggled right out of them and 2. It’s culturally inappropriate to be putting my DOG in baby diapers when my neighbors can hardly afford them for their CHILDREN. Dilemma, I know.

I called the vet today. He never received the fax from PC so I’m having them send him an email. I call back tomorrow and I am hoping that he has a solution for me. Fingers crossed. This dog is so much drama but I love her.

OH YES, I must mention that best friend, Ashley, my saving grace, sent me a package in the mail equipped with the Twilight DVD 3-disc deluxe edition, the GQ with Robert Pattinson, Glamour, and new makeup and samples from Dillards. Fantastical. I was so elated. I’ve watched Twilight too many times to count (it’s an awful movie, but Robert Pattinson is my obsession at the moment, as we all know), and cut and taped up all the men in the GQ magazine on my wall, so now my room looks like a 13 year-old’s, displaying men, glow-in-the-dark stars, and various shades of pink ranging from my duvet to the dog bed, to the curtains provided by my host mom. Life as a 13 year old again is great!

My mother sent me an Easter card stuffed with various newspaper clippings and articles of interest and I have to say my favorite was the wedding announcement that displayed the bride and groom in their pirate wedding attire. God bless Piqua and the anomalies that come out of it!

Photos have come back from the photo fundraiser so I will spend this week organizing them and getting the final count of money before passing them out and collecting the rest. I will do a wicked dance when the last photo is handed out and the money is out of my hands. Oh fundraisers.

That’s it for now!

Currently I am sitting down to a nice, hot bowl of Ramen-esque noodles, listening to The Shins on my iTunes, while I nurse my hands back to health after doing 6 hours of laundry earlier today. Yep, that’s right 6 HOURS OF LAUNDRY! Odd thing is, I actually had a dream last night about laundry machines and how my clothes caught fire in the dryer. If only!!!

Today was the whole gamut: sheets and bedding, rugs, Lindi’s dilapidated dog bed, all my pants, and about 15 shirts. It was a heck of a lot to hand wash, let me tell you! And having a dog with black hair is a NIGHTMARE! Little black dog hairs on every article I washed, especially the bedding, since she likes to jump up and snuggle with me in the morning. I’m going to have to put an end to this because all the fur that washed off the bedding clogged the drain. That’s how bad she sheds! :(

As well, I spring cleaned my room (what little there is) and sorted through more letters and photos to post on my walls. Actually, this past week marked the start of autumn, so I technically fall cleaned. Anyway.

My hands are cracked and bleeding a little, so this girl will be sleeping with her hands in socks full of lotion tonight. (The poor man’s lubrication system.)

I just peeled a bag of about 20 carrots and I’ll probably be eating about 18 of those in the next 24 hours. I’m on a carrot kick. Hope my skin doesn’t turn orange! :)

This past week was busy busy at my primary school. I decided to do a photo fundraiser for the school to raise the R1900 ($190) shipping it’s going to cost to send over the books from America that we applied for through Books for Peace. I think we will just barely make the goal.

My principal had originally told me that the SGB (School Governing Body) would cover the cost, but when I told him that our application had been approved, he let me know that the SGB doesn’t get their finances for this year until the end of May. The shipping money is due at the beginning of May. Great. Fast thinking, uh, um, er...photo fundraiser!

None of the kids have ever had school photos, so I knew they’d be excited. I just didn’t realize how much friggin’ work the whole project would be. Let me correct myself, I just didn’t realize I’d be doing this whole fundraiser BY MYSELF! A school of 1000 kids, plus staff, and various clubs. Fantastic.

It turned into an organizational nightmare. I had made it known 2 weeks prior that photo days were Monday and Tuesday, March 16th and 17th. One photo is R10 ($1), but I was accepting R5 deposits, the other R5 will be paid when the pictures come back. I had to go through the Foundation Phase on Monday (1st grade-3rd grade), and the first day I just took anyone’s photos and took the money from the kids that had it. Big mistake. Well, now I have the pleasure of going back through the Foundation Phase photos and trying to figure out which kids are the ones who haven’t paid anything and delete their photos so I don’t pay for photos that haven’t been paid for. I’m going to need their teachers’ help with this tomorrow since I don’t know any of the kids personally.

Tuesday I did the Intermediate Phase (4th grade-6th grade), and mostly just took the kids’ photos with their deposits. I still took a few photos that weren’t paid for but that were promised to be paid for by tomorrow. I had random kids coming up to me from different classes wanting photos with their friends and whatnot, so now I have a clustercrap of kids on my camera that belong in this class or that but I can’t remember who their teacher is. (I’m organizing these photos into separate class folders on the computer so I can keep track of them easily and pass them back effortlessly when developed.) As well, Garrett is helping me by Photoshopping the school’s name (Tsatsimfundvo Primary) and the year into the photo to jazz them up a bit more.

I had one smart kid ask me to put a waterfall in his photo. HA! This ain’t Glamour Shots, kid!

The staff has extended the photo taking until tomorrow (much to my chagrin, since I clearly made it known the photo days were last week, and I spent Thursday at the school as well, trying to wrap up). So, I have each class’s figures calculated, how much they owe total, how much I’ve collected, how much is left to collect, and which kids have yet to pay or cancel their orders. As of right now, I have a little over R1000 for the school, so that’s good. I will collect the rest of the money tomorrow and then when the photos are developed and handed back. I can’t wait until this fundraiser is DUN!

My World Map Project has been on the back burner and needless to say, isn’t so hot at this point. I put out a badass collection jar that I decorated at the school before I left for LST, so that the staff and teachers could donate to the project. (They have been more enamored with my colorful jar rather than actually donating.) Well, I get back and there’s about R21, 6 of those rand being from moi!

Garrett and I went to follow up in town with the businesses we solicited a few weeks back and almost all of them have turned us down. Bummer. Peter, the Afrikaner we feared at the hardware store, Build It, actually has been the coolest and told us to come back later in April when we really plan to start painting and he will provide us with what he can. Sweet. I’m going back tomorrow to the 2 major groceries to see what they can help us with. Fingers crossed.

I just finished typing up a quarterly report for Peace Corps that I have to turn into my APCD. Basically, every 3 months we have to update PC on what projects we are working on, how many people are involved, if it’s working or not, how we are doing, what we need, etc. Accountability. I’ll email that to Morgan tomorrow.

I can’t wait for this next weekend. The Longtom Marathon has finally arrived!!! I will be headed to Sabie, SA in order to partake in this advantageous fundraiser with many of the rest of my PCV friends. It’s not too late to donate, if you are so inclined to do so!

http://www.klm-foundation.org/

Then, it’s the 2.5-week school break, so a group of us are headed down south by the Lesotho border to hike for a few days. Should be a fun, relaxing time!

Last week was spent up in beautiful Blyde River Canyon at my Peace Corps Life Skills Training (LST). Everyone was supposed to bring a counterpart from their community that will help them implement various projects when they get back and get enough of the community motivated and involved in girls’ clubs, poultry farming, income generating projects, library and literacy programs, gardening clubs, etc. Basically anything that improves your community and is hopefully sustainable after we as Volunteers leave and go back home to the USA.

Well, my counterpart ditched me at the last moment, so I was there by myself. I was fine with that. It’s a bit disappointing, though, knowing that I have to come back here on fire with information (and a very nice, useful Life Skills Manual to teach my NGO kids with) by myself. But I was in sales; I know I can sell people on my ideas and future projects with a little more time here and trust building. No sweat.

I had previously been up in the Blyde River Canyon around my Christmas vacation, where we saw the beautiful natural landmarks like The 3 Rondavels, God’s Window, The Potholes, and this area is where I did the canyon swing that was similar to bungee jumping. The wild monkeys and man-sized baboons were a bit scary, camping out around our nice chalets (and breaking into some of them), waiting for scraps of food they could devour. Actually, one baboon broke into a chalet and stole a Brita filter to play with (Peace Corps supplies us with Brita jugs and filters for obvious reasons.). Another baboon flew Tarzan-style across a couple of Volunteers’ counters to nab a loaf of bread, while they were watching Cheetah Girls 2 in the next room on the Disney Channel. Talk about scary! Yikes! Baboons have been known to kill people and steal babies. No thanks!

The food was tremendous and buffet-style all week. Of course I gouged myself and gained an extra 10 pounds and could hardly feel comfortable sitting the rest of the week (Gotta get myself under control with the eating and the carb-intensive diet here. One of my main struggles and insecurities.) I call this tactic “cameling-up,” because I wanted to eat enough food for last week and this week too, now that I’m back at site with limited food choices. (Although this never works, because I still get hungry this week and need to eat, but it’s nice in theory and for overeating justification purposes.) The pasta, potatoes, calamari, mussels, springbok (national animal here, it’s a deer, basically), omelettes, chocolate cake, ice cream, etc was too good to pass up. Wow, I used to make fun of buffets, but I was totally appreciating them last week. THANK YOU PEPFAR!

Our chalets were ridiculous. Nice big living room with TV and mini fireplace, deck, kitchen, 2 rooms, toilet room, and big bathroom with shower (love me some hot showers!).

There were two people to a chalet that basically slept 6 people and were like private apartments. Of course, mine was the party chalet. LST’s theme nights were: Ultimate Charades (SHA-RODS), and of course that got ridiculously intense and competitive, Tattoo Night, and Alphabet Soup (Draw a letter and come as something that starts with your letter). I was “J” so I loaded up on all of my jewelry and resembled a very feminine Mr. T. Another night was movie night where we finally got to see “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” Props to the make-up artists, but what a predictable, anticlimactic movie! (C’mon, Brad, you can do better! Although you still looked hot per usual.)

LST was great not only because of our surroundings and reunion with each other (we live for these normalized, let-loose, be ridiculous, sarcastic, funny, and inappropriate American get-togethers!!!!), but the workshops and lessons we experienced were very helpful.

I received the Life Skills manual to teach from, how to implement a girls’ club, where to seek help, what to expect, and how to apply for certain grants (I’ll be working on a VAST grant soon). We spent a day on project design and management (this was a workshop for Volunteers and their counterparts to collaborate, so I just listened in to others and asked my own questions and took notes for my own village). Another day was spent breaking into smaller groups for more intimate discussion. We also broke into partner groups and took individual lessons out of the LS Manual to teach the next day to our small groups. My subject dealt with communication (how appropriate for me!) involving aggressive, passive, and affirmative responses. It was interesting. We also talked about HIV/AIDS, human rights, gender roles, and decision-making. All examples of what we can teach to our local community.

The last day was pretty intense. Peace Corps showed us a video (it was made in the mid-90’s, but still very important and pertinent) that showed 5 returned Peace Corps Volunteers talking about contracting HIV/AIDS while serving in their respective countries. Wow, it was a wake-up call and so heartbreaking. It’s sad to know that some Volunteers set off around the world to help communities for 2 years, and end up getting HIV for life. So heavy. All the Volunteers seemed to have contracted it from host country nationals (local citizens), through unsafe sex. Some Volunteers just had the wrong idea, got too comfortable and stopped using condoms. Big mistake, unfortunately. I got tears in my eyes, because you could see the misery and regret in some of their faces. That’s a good video to show every group of Volunteers that enters a country, to show that they are just as susceptible as the people they are helping.

Then we had a Volunteers-only end of LST overview discussion. A few of the South African counterparts complained that they couldn’t believe how harshly we speak to each other. Ha! Next time LST is conducted, PC needs to brief the South Africans on how Americans communicate amongst one another. Sarcasm seems to be lost in translation here. Other issues were brought up, but not important enough to post here.

Anyway, this is pretty long; so let me wrap it up with 2 things.

A guy stood up from his table to pay a bill when I was eating lunch. Something dropped out of his pocket, and LaTosha and I were trying to make out what it was. I thought it was money, but we had never seen anything like it, so I decided I better pick it up. I went over, bent down, and picked up 2,000 RAND IN THE FORM OF 4 500 RAND BILLS ($200USD). No wonder, we didn’t recognize it! We’ve never seen rand in that high of a denomination!!! That is my entire month’s salary, and here it was just chilling casually on the ground. My Good Samaritan instincts set in as I rushed up to the guy and gave it back to him. The guy was a total loser and didn’t even thank me. As I walked back to my table, I wanted to cry knowing how much that money would have helped me, especially this next month with a hike coming up and Lindi’s spaying surgery. It sucks to be good and have a conscious sometimes! Ha! Kidding! Just another reminder of how hard it is to be poor.

LaTosha received a call from her host sister on Monday night stating that her 16 year-old host brother had been stabbed and killed at a tavern down the street from their house. Luckily, LaTosha was not back at her site at the time, but a lot of questions were left unanswered. She had built a relationship with this boy, and his life was taken away, come to find out, over an argument about a girl. So sad. It’s depressing to once again think about the reality of life here in South Africa when it comes to crime. Crime is so rampant here and so unjustified. We talked about how our value systems are completely different in the USA. We value life so fully in the US, because most of us are raised with goals, dreams, and determination. But the most these kids think about is growing up to stay in their same village, drinking at the local taverns, smoking, taking advantage of girls, and working sporadically (if at all!). This is a generalization of course, and not true of every person, but these are common denominators that all of us Volunteers witness at our sites. Just so tragic.

The funeral will be this weekend, but the cultural norms when dealing with funerals and grieving are different from ours. No questions are to be asked, the family will talk to you when they want (if ever), you’re not supposed to ask if the family needs or wants help, drinking is common at the funeral, strangers may be in a out of the house all week spending the night, preparing, and once the funeral is over, life resumes and the persons affected do not necessarily vocalize their grief. Hard.

Wake up call in South Africa. We are here for all the experiences, good and bad. (But, not to worry! As Volunteers, we are as safe as can be. As a matter of fact, Peace Corps investigated this incident ASAP to make sure LaTosha would be safe upon her return home.)

I would also like to thank the Joyful Noise Sunday School Class in Piqua, Ohio for their gracious love and support! I am so fortunate to have those prayers and love backing me while I am here! THANK YOU!

I just found out the other day that I have surpassed the $200 donation for the Longtom Marathon at the end of March! So I SINCERELY THANK:

DARYL HENRY (You’re generosity is so appreciated, Mr. Henry! You are the best! Ngiyabonga or thank you for that Greencastle support!!)

SHAN AND DOUG CHARAVAY (So caring and bighearted as usual. My many thanks to you both! The dove charm is with me always, Shan. :))

COURTNAY CRIVITS (You rock, lady! Thanks for sending your love and backing from the Big Apple! Hope you’re holding down the fort at FX!)

AMBER SILVERMAN (Much love to my Lady Liberty with the giggle that I miss. You are amazing! Always reminiscing over here about the days of old at Topless Beech!)

ERINN HINRICHSEN (Muchas gracias to my tan, Texan, Native American love with a big heart. Hugs, smooches, and feathers!)

(These were the only lovely, generous people that showed up on my list at this point! If there are other folks who have donated, I apologize and will find out soon when they send me an updated list of donors!!!)

THANK YOU SO MUCH for the support all the way from America! I am grateful!! Cards to be mailed out soon! :) And, I am sorry if you didn't want to be recognized. I am so excited, I just wanted to post it. If you don't want it out, let me know, and I'll quickly take you off of here!

I began teaching computer skills to my primary school educators last Monday and Tuesday after school. Out of 20 educators, I had about 14 show up which isn’t bad (considering that most were at a workshop on Tuesday). Mondays I am supposed to be teaching 10 of the foundation phase educators, while Tuesdays are reserved for the intermediate phase folks.

Of course, I had a whole lesson planned on introducing them to the bare bones of a computer (monitor, CPU, keyboard, mouse, etc.). I tried flowing along smoothly, until I realized that no one was listening, but jabbing around on the power buttons and wreaking havoc on the computers. So, we spent an hour just learning how to turn the comps on and off. Fantastically easy for me. Lots of work ahead, though.

Tuesday’s educators were a bit more advanced. I was prepared to spend the whole hour instructing how to operate the on and off functions of the comps, but they had it in the bag. We went on to basic explanations of the desktop, icons, task bar, notification menu, Start menu, etc. It was fine.

Yesterday and today we actually started learning how to type correctly on the keyboard. Instead of poking around on the keyboard like a chicken, I taught them the basics of keeping the hands on “home row” and feeling the notches on the “F” and “J” keys, where the pointer fingers go and stay. We then proceeded successfully with “Bruce’s Unusual Typing Tutor.” This is a free program that I installed on each computer that gives you practice in proper typing and finger placement. The educators complained to me about their hands and fingers aching afterwards to which I responded, “Great, you’ll be speed typing in no time. No pain, no gain, people!” They loved it. I figured I shouldn’t get too much into the commonly known typing side effect known as Carpel Tunnel Syndrome!

I can already pick up on the educators who really want to learn how to operate a computer, type a document, and input grades into Excel. And then there are those who come in, play the charade for a few minutes, and then peace. I’m A-OK with them. Their decision. They need to want to learn; I can’t force it upon them, just like my OWN MOTHER back in the States. I actually use her as a comforting example that NOT EVERYONE in America knows how to operate a computer efficiently. I tell them that she even has trouble moving the mouse, so they have no need to worry! Practice makes perfect!

Continuing last week’s events, the kids at the NGO were better with me. We played a couple more games of “If I were” (an animal I’d be…, a racehorse, my name would be…, a salesperson, I would sell…, a movie star, I’d star in…, etc.), and Two Truths and a Lie. I purposely targeted the high school boys on these activities and sat with them to ask what their answers to the questions were. They were humorous and show-offs per usual. I think they like me, despite the hard time I receive from them.

I went out over the weekend to buy construction paper, chalk, markers, and other craft items for use at the NGO. I’ve already written out 16 different motivational quotes to post around the drab room in which they eat. One of my favorite quotes (as stereotypical as it may be) is from Mark Twain,

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do, than by the ones that you did do. So throw of the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

I remember reading that in high school, and feeling inspired. Sappy, right?!

Anyway, let’s get to the first real rift that has happened since I’ve been here in Elukwatini. I found out my host mom is really just trying to make money off of me. The long story short is that Peace Corps has historically tried to find homes that are willing to host a volunteer out of kindness and the opportunity for a real intimate cultural exchange. Well, I guess no one explained that to my host mother before she agreed to host me.

Peace Corps nor the Volunteers have ever paid “rent” in the past. But they thought it would be nice to treat the family with a little stipend, a little help on the side every month (not to be confused with paying rent!). So, they struck a deal with the Department of Education (since that is who I am under as an “Education and Community Resource Specialist”). The DoE has agreed to pay 350 rand/month because that is all they can afford at this point.

Well, I bring the paper “lease” to my mom to sign last Thursday night because my APCD, Morgan, was coming on Friday to just check in and see how I have been adjusting and whatnot.

After reading that she would “only” be receiving R350, she got upset, complained that it wasn’t fair and gave me the look of death or eviction, I don’t know, one or the other. Anyway, I ask her what she means, and she proceeds to say that she was never consulted on the rent, and wants to know why she can’t set the price (i.e. act as a landlord, rather than a loving, volunteering lady). I try to explain that no host family was involved, as this deal was strictly set between Peace Corps and the Department of Education. She doesn’t buy it. I tell her Morgan was coming the next day, so we would come to the school so she could talk with him.

I go back out to my room, only to be summoned by my bratty host sister (thank goodness she’s about to leave for college in a few days!) to the house. My host mother called the original supervisor who set me up with the place and got me involved with my school and NGO. Now she has ratted that I did not mention paying any electricity in addition to the meager “rent.” I assure Jolina, that “yes,” I will still pay for electricity (which is my own issue), in addition the stipend. Case solved, almost.

I get off the phone and then apologize to my host mother for the confusion, that I would still pay electricity, but at this point 100 rand is too much. I hardly turn on my lights, I have no hot water, and I have other expenses that are adding up (paying for my own transport to my NGO, buying supplies for NGO, caring for a dog that is about to get spayed—900 rand right there!, etc.). I ask if we can go lower to 75 rand, but this lady doesn’t get the fact that I’m on a stipend and not a paycheck. She won’t budge, and interjects things like, “I told you, you can come in here and fill your bucket with hot water for a bath.” Or “I’ve been reading that electricity is going up, so you’ll have to pay more.” And, “What are you going to do in winter when it gets cold and you need more heat?”

I sat there, pissed as could be, but finally was like, “Alright, we’ll talk to Morgan.” I went to bed and had a good angry cry that night because this woman is out to make a buck. The fact is, I tried to explain that my friend, Garrett, basically has his own house and uses less than 60 rand a month! To which she responded, “Well, that’s because he controls his own electricity box, ours is expensive because it’s in the house with us all together.”

I wanted to be like, “That doesn’t change crap!! The fact is that I am still only supposed to pay for myself and not you, your daughter, and all the TV and lighting that you consume in this house!” I was so miffed!

But I talked with Morgan the next day and he explained that since I’m pretty happy where I am and with what I am doing, that I should just suck it up and pay the R100. Ugh, fine. It’s just the principle! I understand that I don’t need to cause any waves, so I’m sucking it up.

Morgan explained the whole R350/month, to which she still was unhappy with, but he smooth-talked her and said he would try to talk to the DoE at the end of their fiscal year to see if the money can be increased. What a greedy woman. She’s lucky she’s even making anything! In the past families didn’t receive a dime (except for electricity from the volunteer). She ended up signing the lease and I have ended up sucking it up and trying to make peace so I don’t get kicked out.

Drama always.

I can’t wait for Life Skills Training (LST) next week at Forever Resorts in Blyde River Canyon (Thank you for the great accommodations, PEPFAR, much appreciated!). I feel like I already need a break. My friend, LaTosha, and I were talking about the rut we’ve been in and how these come in bouts during Peace Corps service. And I think the only thing that can get me out of it is Americans, good conversation, laughs, because at this point I am feeling the burn of homesickness and the overwhelming reality of slowly progressing projects that keep me here for the next 19 months.

I know I’m spouting off. The pros definitely outweigh the cons, and I wouldn’t even think about going home, but I just need to rejuvenate and find a better action plan to keep my head high and my motivation strong.

True to Peace Corps style, I was up last week and down this one. I just found myself in a slump, rut, what have you. I know a bit of this is due to the fact that I was coming down off the high of being around all Americans and feeling completely carefree. But, there were still a few Debbie Downer moments sprinkled throughout my week. Continue reading...

The best thing that happened was on Tuesday when fellow PCV Garrett came to my primary school to help de-bug the computers and install better anti-virus software. As well, we outfitted the comps to look all the same and to only be able to allow certain functions so as to not intercept more ridiculous viruses that put the computers out of use. (That’s the thing: Rural schools will write applications for computers, and most likely, if they have the proper set-up will receive them, but the viruses here are so prevalent off of jump drives, that comps are then rendered useless since no one is trained in how to rid the devices of the virus. Therefore, they are back to square 1 with no workable computers. Hmmm.)

Anyway, I got roasted at my NGO drop-in center when I tried to play a game with the kids. The game was you write down the name of a famous athlete, politician, actor, author, etc and then you tape it on the back of your neighbor to the left, then go around and ask “yes” or “no” questions to see if you can guess who your neighbor put on your back. Simple enough, right? WRONG! Just thought a little icebreaker activity would be good. Get 'em up and going. (Although I found that these kids have probably never played any type of icebreaker games.)

First, I was talking too quickly in English. Ok, slowed down. Then I had the typical chip-on-their-shoulders, too-cool-for-school high school boys mocking me and screwing up the directions of the game. Ok, I stopped and asked them to repeat the directions. They just stared. Fine. Then I didn’t have enough tape to go around to tape paper on backs. No problem, just use pins since we had enough. Ok great, Kristy, so the kids can stab themselves and others. (Can anyone tell that I don’t have a background in working with children and teens?!) Finally after mass confusion, it turned into a clustercrap with no one understanding directions, half the room (mind you, there are about 75 5-22 year old kids in this jam-packed space) screaming and people fighting and smacking one another.

Because some children were rude to me, they were made examples of in front of the entire group. Ever heard of corporal punishment? Yea, well it still goes on here. It’s completely illegal, but some schools still practice it and I guess these volunteers and the NGO manager (a year younger than me) still see it as acceptable punishment to whip the heck out of the kids with sticks, branches, hands, etc. To myself, I’m like, “Freakin’ fantastic! We’re supposed to be here teaching life skills and building their self-esteem and confidence, so physically abusing them is just the way to go. Sweet. Great.” This day was also known as Kristy’s WORST NIGHTMARE!!! I get sick to my stomach whenever I see anyone getting abused. Even when I see fights, I get nauseous. Needless to say, I’d never make a skilled cage fighter.

I asked the other 2 local volunteers if they have ever thought about stating and posting some rules to abide by while they are at the drop-in center. They laughed, wished me good luck, and told me no one would listen to me. In other words, I have found that these 2 volunteers are not going to be as helpful as I originally thought. Ok, no worries. I have time. Self-disclosure, trust-building activities, language learning. I’ll reach them eventually…hopefully. But, I walked out of the center that day with my tail tucked between my legs and a sense of dread. This is the first time I feel like I’ve hit a small brick wall.

I need to build my own confidence in working with kids. My area of interest has always focused around working with people my own age or older. I know this is part of the growing process as a Volunteer, and I welcome it, but geez. Throw a girl a friggin’ bone here!

Once I have a set life skills curriculum (this is a challenge, itself!) that I am going to teach and start formulating more plans for income-generating projects with a counterpart, then I know I’ll feel better. I have 2 problems though. 1. I am a perfectionist. 2. I am impatient. Yes, I have already gained quite a bit of patience in other areas since being in South Africa, but since every other volunteer has been at their sites since Sept. and I’ve only been here since Dec. I feel like I should have some projects rolling since most of those PCVs are engaged with theirs. Plus, (and bear with my idealism), I feel like I need to have super effective, amazing projects and lessons that the kids will respond to instantaneously and love me as their own and want hang out with me, brush my hair, tell me stories, introduce me to their families, joke with me, etc. And I want this all to start happening NOW. OF COURSE, I know this all takes time. I know. I know I know I know. Plus, as a lot of PCVs around the world can attest to, building sustainable projects is NOT easy nor are they overnight successes. Some people go home never having built anything sustainable and that is my greatest fear…….Anyway, I’m just venting my thoughts. I know that in time with trusted counterparts I will be able to win over the affections of the kids and hopefully build something fun, educational, and sustainable; of course what this is exactly is TBA.

Speaking of counterparts, I need to take one with me to my upcoming Life skills Training workshop in Blyde River Canyon. It’s going to be a great workshop because Life skills is just what I am focusing on. Plus this is all paid for by PEPFAR, so we stay in Forever Resorts (Hot, running showers, anyone?! Yes, please!) and food is included. So I ask the manager of the NGO to go. Her immediate response is, “OK, great let me check. I want to stay in hotel room!” Sweet.

Then she tells me to ask one of the local volunteer girls. They both refuse. Why you ask? Yea, I have no idea; I am still figuring that out!! They blamed it on Social Services (who they are hired through) sending them to their own life skills workshops and how it may be last minute that they may call on a Friday and tell them they have a 10-day workshop starting the following Monday. Ok, so I’d be skeptical if told this in the States, but I totally believe them because some of South Africa works like that. But I wanted to be like, “Ok, great, you go to your own life skills workshops, but I can see they aren’t effective because you haven’t done jack diddly here in over a year! Come to my bomb@$$ workshop and then we’ll be able to implement some solid life skills lessons, ya hear?!”

So then, taking pity, my manager said that she would ask if she could take the time off to go, but that she really had no interest in going and that it looked like an impossibility. Really? Thanks, appreciate that kind gesture then. But when push came to shove, she said she could go the next day.

Why am I feeling down about this? Because I really wanted to find a passionate counterpart (which I thought that I had), who cares about kids and the community and who would love to go with me to the workshop and be on fire with ideas to come back and really make something happen at the NGO. Instead I am taking someone who really doesn’t want to go and is only going for the pillow mints and buffets. Grrrr. Once again, discovering why grass roots can be so hard/frustrating. It’s not about the projects and getting them going as much as fighting against the mentality and trying to motivate people. Of course, that is why I am here and that is why I am in the Peace Corps.

Anyhow, to end this lengthy post, I spent Valentine’s Day in the company of PCVs Scott and Garrett at G’s place in Tjakastad (about 10 minutes from my place). It was a relaxing day, spent drinking some wine, uploading movies to my ipod (Oh yeah, my week also sucked because I synced over and erased 94 movies off of my ipod that my friend, Jeff, gave me at IST. I’m an idiota! I was on the verge of a breakdown. That’s how important movies are here. That would have been good viewing for the next few months at least! I’m hoping Jeff will help me out again at LST!!!!! Crossing my fingers! ), and watching a terrible, terrible, despicable action movie with the dude who played the Russian boxer in Rocky (if that tells you anything!).

I loved my dad’s introductory sentence when he called, “Just thought better than a dozen roses would be hearing the sound of your father’s lovely voice from America.” Ha! What a corndog! Loved it!

Just another day to come and go.

Here’s to praying for a better upcoming week!

Note: I am posting 2 blogs at once. Below this blog is a fun little 25 facts about me note that I posted on Facebook but am now posting here as well.

I don’t think I have ever been so self-sufficient in my life. I remember working a whole week in NYC and by the weekend, completely crashing into a coma. I was hardly ever productive. A trip to the grocery and an occasional window-shopping spree into Manhattan was about it for a typical weekend.

Here, my typical weekends consist of a whole Saturday full of hand washing, cleaning my tiny room to a sparkle (well, as sparkling as you can get when you’re dealing with cement), sewing up holes and tears in my clothes (because you know this girl ain’t got the cash flow to just throw away a ripped shirt), darning socks when need be (once again, socks are always repairable), building contraptions of need (I am about to embark on a art deco brick and board book case since no one around these parts has ever heard of a “bookcase”), bathing Lindi, bathing myself (which is a task at hand since water flow can be cut down to a drip or not at all), grocery shopping (as well as hauling the bags back to my house over and down a gigrontous hill), preparing for the next week’s activities at my school and NGO, and the list goes on. Anyway, the point is, I feel incredibly productive as an individual. For the most part this is a great feeling, but every once in a while I get completely overwhelmed and just want to give up and hire someone to do all my menial chores. Such as life in the Peace Corps goes.

I actually returned home from my In-Service Training week as Peace Corps South Africa’s newest member of the Diversity Committee. As a matter of fact, the committee actually elected me to be Secretary, while my friend, LaTosha (who was also voted on with me) is the Treasurer. I am absolutely thrilled, as I have a lot of ideas for how to continue the dialogue between volunteers and staff concerning issues of diversity (this includes not only race, but also gender, sexual orientation, the differently abled, religion, etc.). It is such a huge part of our daily service here (obviously stemming from the history of apartheid) that it’s crucial to keep dialogue open and support offered to those in the field. So, yea! for Diversity! :)

IST was a blast because we had some really useful seminars and because getting us all back together calls for nights of good fun. One seminar addressed healthy living and HIV/AIDS. Two guys came to speak with us, one being a psychologist, and the other his partner, who is living with HIV/AIDS. They were a riot! They were down-to-earth and completely relaxed and humorous. They had both lived in America for a time, so they understood how to appeal to our audience. I learned a lot of information about HIV/AIDS that I never knew before. For example, HIV/AIDS is not spreading rampantly across Africa primarily because Africans like to have a lot of sex (although a contribution to the spread), but it’s the way in which they have sex that makes contraction much higher. For instance, a lot of women here practice “dry sex” where a woman dries out her vagina before sex with cloths, herbs and other methods (I know this sounds absolutely absurd, but you wouldn’t believe how common this actually is!!). Anyway, friction causes skin on both partners to break and bleeding occurs. The infected blood gets into the broken skin easier, hence the rapid spread of HIV. Graphic yet interesting, eh? I can’t imagine being those women! Eech!

A hired psychologist conducted another session. Her name is Melody and I actually saw her back in November when I was in Pretoria waiting for a site change. I thought it would be nice to talk to her and talk through the whole emotional process that I was experiencing. She was fantastic. Melody is actually an American who has lived overseas for over 20 years, 6 of those years being spent in the bush in Kenya. She’s down-to-earth, and she totally “gets it.” She knows the emotional roller coaster we are on and was there to conduct a session on mental health and how to sort through and deal with certain issues. I was so pleased that our PCMOs (Peace Corps Medical Officers) lobbied to get her to come to our IST. She was one of the most advantageous speakers since I believe mental health can be easy to overlook when you’re on assignment here.

Our nights consisted of a moustache party (I drew moustaches on those willing volunteers with my stick of black eyeliner. Thank goodness I threw my sharpener in at the last minute!), séance (well, really it was just an intimate sharing session) and ghost stories, movie nights, beer pong and bonfires, and just chilling and catching up with each other. Our group is now down to 33 volunteers from the original 44, and it seems to work now. We are a more intimate group, and that is evidenced by how open and relaxed most of us feel now.

I was also able to go back and visit my original host family in Marapyane. I was thrilled to see my host sister, Lebo, and her precious new little one, Promise. She was adorable and smelled so sweet. It was like we never skipped a beat. My “father” and I sat down and talked about the upcoming elections that are taking place here in April. I also told them about my tough time at my first site and they sympathized. I was so fortunate to have lived with such a grounded family!

Since Tosh and I were elected to Diversity and a few other volunteers were elected to the Volunteer Support Network, we all had to go into Pretoria for a couple of days to get acquainted with the committees. Needless to say, I always have a great time in PTA, and this time was no different. We stayed at 1322 Backpackers in Hatfield, which is the best place to be since it’s where the University of Pretoria is, hence the nightlife. Let me just say that I came home with a stiff neck and bum knee because I thought I could rock out Guns N Roses-style and headbang an entire night without consequence.

Well, that’s what happens when you live out in the bush and get rare exposure to American-like nightlife.

Good times, great oldies.

So, there is this little questionnaire-type thing going around Facebook that asks you to lists 25 things about yourself for others to read. Well, I jumped on the bandwagon and posted this "note" yesterday. I decided that I would post it here on my blog as well for those of you that do not have access to Facebook. Just a little fun fact sheet:

1.I hate the Sound of Music. Just annoying.

2.I am completely obsessed with the Twilight book series and have been contemplating getting a tattoo representing my love. Perhaps I would get the frayed, red ribbon on the 3rd book, Eclipse. I’m thinking behind my ear, trailing down to my neck. Deranged, perhaps.

3.People back home think it’s awesome that I’m in Peace Corps, but it’s kicking my butt. At this point I am lonelier and more scared than I have ever been in my life.

4.I think Chris Farley is the ultimate comedian. His physical humor surpasses anyone else. As well, I really can’t stand Will Ferrell. I think he’s recycled humor and I judge those that think he’s hilarious.

5.I was always adamant about getting the H out of my hometown in Ohio or Ohio period, and moving as far away as possible. I thought that moving away = being successful. But just through my post-college experiences, I have realized how much I miss and love my family and want to be closer to them.

6.I am glad for the experiences and people I met while attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, but I wish I had gone somewhere more diverse and better known (outside of the Midwest).

7.I thought about studying for the LSAT, so that I could go to law school when I get home, with the intention of going into politics and international affairs. I was thinking of pursuing the occupation of ambassador one day.

8.But now, I have started to dig up my buried dreams of being an actress. It’s strange that I am a PCV wanting to come back home after 2 years of serving others to pursue the silver screen, but I’ve already been corresponding with an acting school consultant. I should’ve never been Carmen Diaz in Fame my senior year of high school! :P

9.I am obsessed with wiener dogs. And although I absolutely love my wiener dog/Jack Russell mix, Lindiwe, I wish she looked more like a wiener dog than a medium-sized, black and tan, pointy-eared Jack Russell.

10.My guiltiest pleasure here is perezhilton.com. I simply cannot give this website up.

11.I wear Euphoria by Calvin Klein and I will be that old lady in the nursing home wearing the same stuff. Love it!

12.I listen to Christian singer, Rich Mullins, when I am walking through the beautiful, mountainous terrain to get to my school or NGO (non-governmental org.), and get tears in my eyes every time. He speaks to my loneliness and longing of doing something meaningful with my life and for the purpose of Christ. I wish he were still alive to make more incredible songs. “If I Stand” will be the anthem of my Peace Corps years.

13.I am still trying to figure out my beliefs. I know that I am a Christian but don’t necessarily appreciate religion at this point. I want to work on my faith and personal relationship with Christ here, but the religion here is difficult to stomach when the culture is extremely legalistic and traditional.

14.I imagine being famous and being invited to appear on Jay Leno and host Saturday Night Live.

15.I also imagine working for the United Nations. Although I’d like to be an Angelina Jolie. Or even Ronald Regan or Arnold Schwarzenegger who had acting and then political careers.

16.Honey mustard is my favorite condiment in the world.

17.My mentally handicapped sister, Ashley is my life, even if I don’t act like it or talk about it at times. I got extraordinarily upset with my parents when they said that they had not made me her guardian in their original will when they pass away. I can’t even talk about it without crying. I will never put her in a “home” and I hope to find a husband that understands that some day.

18.Speaking of which, I want to marry a kickass Christian man that loves to travel and try new things, can handle my obsession of wiener dogs, is hilarious, compassionate, and giving, has a sleeve tattoo or some piercings, is hardworking but supports my independence and dreams, and can relate and communicate well with Ashley.

19.I’m afraid of getting cholera here. It’s spreading too quickly from Zimbabwe. I haven't taken a bath in days and will not for fear of opening my mouth and sucking in the muddy brown, cholera water by accident.

20.I love spending time with my dad’s huge family in little Greencastle, PA. It’s the only place that I feel completely comfortable aside from my own hometown.

21.I had the absolute time of my life when I studied abroad in Australia. The Australian friends I made there are the most ridiculously fun, caring, interesting people I have ever met (Shout-outs to Carly, Rae, Jess, Nicole, Lynn, Jez, Greg!). I felt like a rock star when I was there. I can’t listen to the song, “Forever Young” by the Youth Group without getting extremely intense feelings of melancholy because that was my theme song while there.

22.I am the black sheep of my family because I have not gone to seminary as my two older sisters did, I like to party, I was rebellious (in comparison to my sisters—hello multiple body piercings!), I argue with my parents when I feel the need instead of brushing things off, I joined the “liberal” Peace Corps, and now I want to go into acting, just to name a few.

23.I lived in Spanish Harlem for a month with my hometown friend, Sarah Gold, when I first moved to NYC in 2007. We slept on a mattress at the top of a ridiculously small studio apt. Beside our mattress was a can of RAID for the gigantic roaches and a tub of pretzels, our breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

24.I value humor, compassion, trustworthiness, loyalty, running water, and cold weather!

25.I own the complete set of DVDs of The Cosby Show. The best show of all time! My father is the white version of Bill Cosby, no ifs, ands, or buts!

I don’t think I have ever been so self-sufficient in my life. I remember working a whole week in NYC and by the weekend, completely crashing into a coma. I was hardly ever productive. A trip to the grocery and an occasional window-shopping spree into Manhattan was about it for a typical weekend.

Here, my typical weekends consist of a whole Saturday full of hand washing, cleaning my tiny room to a sparkle (well, as sparkling as you can get when you’re dealing with cement), sewing up holes and tears in my clothes (because you know this girl ain’t got the cash flow to just throw away a ripped shirt), darning socks when need be (once again, socks are always repairable), building contraptions of need (I am about to embark on a art deco brick and board book case since no one around these parts has ever heard of a “bookcase”), bathing Lindi, bathing myself (which is a task at hand since water flow can be cut down to a drip or not at all), grocery shopping (as well as hauling the bags back to my house over and down a gigrontous hill), preparing for the next week’s activities at my school and NGO, and the list goes on. Anyway, the point is, I feel incredibly productive as an individual. For the most part this is a great feeling, but every once in a while I get completely overwhelmed and just want to give up and hire someone to do all my menial chores. Such as life in the Peace Corps goes.

I actually returned home from my In-Service Training week as Peace Corps South Africa’s newest member of the Diversity Committee. As a matter of fact, the committee actually elected me to be Secretary, while my friend, LaTosha (who was also voted on with me) is the Treasurer. I am absolutely thrilled, as I have a lot of ideas for how to continue the dialogue between volunteers and staff concerning issues of diversity (this includes not only race, but also gender, sexual orientation, the differently abled, religion, etc.). It is such a huge part of our daily service here (obviously stemming from the history of apartheid) that it’s crucial to keep dialogue open and support offered to those in the field. So, yea! for Diversity! :)

IST was a blast because we had some really useful seminars and because getting us all back together calls for nights of good fun. One seminar addressed healthy living and HIV/AIDS. Two guys came to speak with us, one being a psychologist, and the other his partner, who is living with HIV/AIDS. They were a riot! They were down-to-earth and completely relaxed and humorous. They had both lived in America for a time, so they understood how to appeal to our audience. I learned a lot of information about HIV/AIDS that I never knew before. For example, HIV/AIDS is not spreading rampantly across Africa primarily because Africans like to sex a lot (although a contribution to the spread), but it’s the way in which they have sex that makes contraction much higher. For instance, a lot of women here practice “dry sex” where a woman dries out her vagina before sex with cloths, herbs and other methods (I know this sounds absolutely absurd, but you wouldn’t believe how common this actually is!!). Anyway, friction causes skin on both partners to break and bleeding occurs. The infected blood gets into the broken skin easier, hence the rapid spread of HIV. It's all about the sexual practices. Graphic yet interesting, eh? I can’t imagine being those women! Eech!

A hired psychologist conducted another session. Her name is Melody and I actually saw her back in November when I was in Pretoria waiting for a site change. I thought it would be nice to talk to her and talk through the whole emotional process that I was experiencing. She was fantastic. Melody is actually an American who has lived overseas for over 20 years, 6 of those years being spent in the bush in Kenya. She’s down-to-earth, and she totally “gets it.” She knows the emotional roller coaster we are on and was there to conduct a session on mental health and how to sort through and deal with certain issues. I was so pleased that our PCMOs (Peace Corps Medical Officers) lobbied to get her to come to our IST. She was one of the most advantageous speakers since I believe mental health can be easy to overlook when you’re on assignment here.

Our nights consisted of a moustache party (I drew moustaches on those willing volunteers with my stick of black eyeliner. Thank goodness I threw my sharpener in at the last minute!), séance (well, really it was just an intimate sharing session) and ghost stories, movie nights, beer pong and bonfires, and just chilling and catching up with each other. Our group is now down to 33 volunteers from the original 44, and it seems to work now. We are a more intimate group, and that is evidenced by how open and relaxed most of us feel now.

Since Tosh and I were elected to Diversity and a few other volunteers were elected to the Volunteer Support Network, we all had to go into Pretoria for a couple of days to get acquainted with the committees. Needless to say, I always have a great time in PTA, and this time was no different. We stayed at 1322 Backpackers in Hatfield, which is the best place to be since it’s where the University of Pretoria nightlife is. Let me just say that I came home with a stiff neck and bum knee because I thought I could rock out Guns N Roses-style and headbang an entire night without consequence.

Well, that’s what happens when you live out in the bush and get rare exposure to American-like nightlife.

Good times, great oldies.

Wow. Pride. Homesickness. Thankfulness. Happiness. Doubt. Hope. Respect.

Since my host mother didn’t pay the DSTV bill on time, the TV was shut off to my acute disappointment. I hardly ever watch TV and the one night that I so desperately wanted to watch, I couldn’t. Or so I thought.

After my mother informed me that the neighbor’s DSTV was working next door, I ended up trotting over to their little concrete house where the diminutive TV projected the live CNN broadcast of the Presidential Inauguration.

Boy, I can’t say much for Aretha Franklin’s voice anymore, but I still had chills. It’s so bittersweet to be in South Africa on this historical occasion. Seeing the monitors project over Times Square gave me a peek into my most recent past. I even felt a tinge of uniqueness when one of the commentators paralleled his experience at Nelson Mandela’s South African inauguration to Obama’s inauguration. Americans finally electing a black president is a huge step in the eyes of a South African.

I was a bit teary looking at the massive waves of people around our nation’s capital. The flags, monuments and buildings, familiar cold weather attire, the smiles, tears, applause, and hopeful words—I was moved. (What I would do for that coldness right now! You can’t sled, drink hot chocolate, or throw snowballs in the heat!) Watching all of this thousands of miles away unveiled some of my homesickness, naturally!

But today I was once again reminded of how fortunate I am. I have my whole life ahead of me, full of opportunities and choices. I am so glad that I have the mobility, support, and opportunity to serve in the Peace Corps, in a developing country rich with hope and openness. I am blessed. I send my prayers and hopes for better, more prosperous years from 8,000+ miles away!

I thought I had a few things worth posting:

1. I texted my old 21 year-old host sister that I stayed with for 2 months during training in Marapyane yesterday. I was letting her know that I am going to be back up in Marapyane for IST (In-Service Training) coming up at the end of January for a week. I would like to get together with my old family, so I was seeing when they would be available. The text I immediately get back was as follows:

“Hi kristy, I’m blessed with a baby girl this morning @ 10:30 her name is PROMISE, Weight: 3.08 kg. i will let you know when we r available when i get home.”

Of course this news wouldn’t be so shocking if I HAD KNOWN she was PREGNANT for the 2 MONTHS that I lived with her! I had no frackin’ idea! None whatsoever. I think back, Sixth Sense-style, and try to remember any clues or slip-ups that I may not have caught from the family. But nothing! I can’t believe they kept it under wraps so well. I mean I get it. They were Bible-beating Baptists and this surely was NOT something they wanted people to find out. STILL, I thought we had a pretty solid relationship by the time I left! Dang! I mean, it’s the norm here in South Africa. I don’t know anyone my age here who doesn’t already have at least one child. Well, 24 isn't that odd to have at least one child, but coming from my perspective, I CAN'T IMAGINE having a child to take care of at this point. Whew! Lindi is quite enough!

Oh well! I can’t wait to see the little one when I get back up to Marapyane. I’m sure she’s a doll.

2. My good friend, Candice, has decided to leave South Africa. I’m pretty disappointed because she didn’t inform me herself. I heard it through the infamous Peace Corps Grapevine. Yep, we’re high school again. It happens.

Anyway, I spent a week with her in Pretoria when I was there in November (and had an absolute BLAST with her!) and then talked with her through a loss in her family and told her to keep me posted after she got back from her Mozambique vacation. I talked to her a little over a week ago and told her I would see her at IST. Welp, I guess not.

I’m definitely going to give her the benefit of the doubt because she was going through some stuff, but geez, I wish she would’ve told me. We got along so well and she was a rock in my eyes.

My two good friends that I started out with in training, Kathryn and Candice, have now departed. I am so glad and fortunate to have gotten closer to the other PCVs that I vacationed with. Having a “support network” here is crucial! We are now standing at 33 PCVs in SA-18.

3. My real sister, Kasey, has been suffering with sciatic nerve problems. Well, I get a note the other day that she had to go to the ER for the terrible pain early in the morning. Then, I get an email from my dad saying she went to the ER again and they did an MRI only to find that she has a ruptured disc. Surgery is taking place today. My mom, dad, and sister, Ashley, are going down to Tennessee tomorrow to take care of my niece, Alaina, and to help cook and keep up the house while Kase recovers. This was out of the blue to me. My prayers are with her. Surgery concerning the spine and nerves is always risky.

On a lighter note, I have resumed my Peace Corps “job.” I spent yesterday assembling and hooking up the computers in the new computer room of my primary school. Now, I just need to figure out how to connect them to the same printer! I spent forever trying to figure it out with the abundance of outdated software they gave me as well as the tangle of faulty cords they threw in my lap. They were thrilled that I volunteered to be a part of their EnviroClub, which is currently working on a sustainable vegetable garden for the community. As well, they tend to the school grounds and flower gardens. When it comes to plants I have my mother’s “green thumb” which is to say, it’s pretty brown and wilted. But, I hope to be of service in any capacity.

They want me to actually teach a period of computer skills to the learners on the days that I am there. We’ll see how that pans out, especially since I can’t communicate with the ones younger than 11 due to my lack of coherent siSwati language.

Then, I’ll be leading computer workshops after school for the educators. I know this stuff is pretty simple, but I’m really nervous because I don’t have a formal teaching guide or plans. Sure I can teach how to type and whatnot, but how do I teach Excel and Access effectively? I don’t even use those! No worries, I will do my research and be prepared!

My NGO drop-inn center reopened today for the students’ first day back to school. I have to walk to this NGO because they didn’t budget for my transportation (since I showed up late due to site change), so the hour walk over wet mud, sand, jagged rocks, and tall grass had me looking absolutely exquisite in my drenched, sweat-stained shirt and pants, accented by my nicely matted hair. Luckily, I brought wipe-ups, deodorant, and a change of clothes. I knew I’d be a wet dog by the time I walked through the ridiculous terrain and heat. I have no complaints though. The walk is scenic and gives me time to just think. Listening to Toto’s “Africa” on my iPod while taking in the South African mountains was harmonious. I’m stereotypical like that. Really, Kristy? Listening to the song, “Africa,” while you’re walking around aimlessly in Africa? Real deep. Yep, that’s me.

We had a full house of about 90-100 students show up for a lunch of chicken, cabbage, and pap. I sampled the chicken and cabbage and it was excellent. I met the two other volunteers my age who will be helping me. They are local ladies who have been hired on as volunteers through social services. They receive a stipend and attend workshops every so often on life skills and whatnot, so they will be a great help in for me in relating to the kids.

I was thrilled to find out that they were my age and wanted to hang out, and then they told me of their weekend activities that include taking care of their daughters. What’d I tell ya? Kids, kids everywhere! They seem really grounded. They are taking computer courses to receive certificates that will make them more employable. As well, getting their driver’s licenses is a priority because employers also require it. They are already so open with me. I am grateful.

Tomorrow, I will bring in my Planet Earth coloring book, crayons, colored pencils, markers, paper, Phase 10, and travel Scrabble to entertain the kids. I’m already going to be challenged on the relevancy of my lessons and programs since the age range is from 5-22 years old. That’s a large span to appeal to! Regardless, I have the time and now the help to figure more out along the way according to what works. I’m doing some mad research on the very, very useful Resource CD Peace Corps gave me before I came here. It’s loaded with materials and suggestions for youth development. It’s my golden goose thus far!

I’m hoping to hit up the home-base healthcare group on Friday!

Other side notes:

I cut my fellow PCV’s (Scott's) hair over the weekend and it didn’t turn out too badly. Of course, I used my regular scissors and probably did a horrendous chop-job to most stylists, but hey, Peace Corps is all about resourcefulness, right?

I have now hung up all of my pictures, letters, cards, newspaper clippings and other odds and ends that any of you have sent me. It looks so much better and homey. Hint: Send me more things to post in my sparse, cement room. Thanks!

Kristy Warren (or you can use my South African name, Thandeka Ndukula)

PO Box 2545

Elukwatini 1192

South Africa

Airmail

My host mother yelled at me the other day for Lindi’s crap. Literally. I am now her human pooper-scooper. All of the neighbors watch and laugh at me now as I patrol the yard for dog feces with my hand in a plastic bag. It’s quite ridiculous. I laugh to myself even. I do want to maintain the appearance of their semi-greenish yard, but really, it could be some useful fertilizer. Oh well.

I have now FINISHED the Twilight series. I am extremely grief-stricken and depressed. No more Edward and Bella (until the next few movies come out). I wanted so badly to save the last few chapters and spread them out over a few more days, but I was ravenous in my reading. I couldn’t put Breaking Dawn down to save my life. I may re-read through them, but I need something or someone new to obsess over. Any suggestions? :)

Warner Beach was only a 15-20 minute drive into Durban, so we frequented 2 malls--1 being the largest mall in the southern hemisphere! We were able to see a few movies: the long-anticipated Twilight, that really let me down :(, The Women, and Australia (Hugh Jackman, oh Hugh Jackman. Perfect Man!), and shop around. I feverishly searched every bookstore for the last 2 books in the Twilight series but all were fresh out due to the holiday season. Dang!

Side note: I’ve become completely obsessed with the Twilight series. I’m obsessed with a teenage vampire. Oh and high school romance. Actually, I’m fond of Robert Pattinson (So yes, please send me clippings and articles if you see them. I’ll be posting them up in my room like a pre-pubescent adolescent.). This may begin to parallel my obsession with Leonardo DiCaprio circa 1997 Titanic. Listen, I have a lot of free time right now and absolutely NO romantic prospects here at this point. I need something unattainable to fixate on! Gah!

Anyway, we actually head into Durban to stay for New Year’s. Hippo Hide was the name of the backpackers we stayed at and boy, it was sketch. A nice, quiet place until 5:00am the first morning we’re in there. We all were sleeping in the dorm room when we hear shouting and punches being thrown. Some thing sounds like it’s being broken, feet scattering and we hear a “Trying to steal my f-ing stuff, man!” I was frozen and felt instantaneously nauseous. If there is one thing I dread witnessing in life, it’s real fighting. So PCV Leah goes to the door to check (pretty ballsy if you ask me!) but comes up with nothing. Later on PCV Latosha goes to the front desk to ask what happened but the dude says it happened next door. Uh, yeah right. We heard it all right outside our windows.

So, later that night, we’re sitting in the room playing cards and this homeboy of about 50 comes in all shaken up.

Guy, “I just wanted to let you all know that I was robbed last night. Some guy broke into my room with a broomstick and tried to steal all of my valuables.”

Us, “Wow, really? Did he take anything?”

Guy, “No, luckily I fought him off. But I just wanted to warn you because they haven’t done anything about it. They act like it didn’t happen and won’t file a police report.”

Us, “Hmm. Why are you still here? Did you try finding some place else to stay?”

Guy, “Yeah, but it’s New Year’s so everyone’s booked.”

Us, “Oh, ok.”

Here’s the kicker!…

Guy, “Well, I just wanted to tell you because I DIDN'T WANT TO FIND DEAD BODIES LYING AROUND IN HERE IN THE MORNING."

Us, “Uh, gee, thanks!”

Haha once again, a character! Really guy? You’re going to cap off your serious conversation by scaring us? And he was completely serious. Ridiculous!

Anyway, I really liked Durban because it’s a big city feel but everything’s so breezy and tropical. I could definitely live and work there for a time. So we chill out at a few different restaurants and bars in this main strip of Durban, on Florida Street. We go to this one restaurant, Cubana, I believe. One of the best atmospheres of the trip! We ordered fun drinks, got a hookah, and did the typical loud, laughing American lunch thing.

I came down with stomach flu the day before New Year’s Eve so I was out of commission the rest of the trip. It sucked! Our group met up with a ton of other PCVs vacationing in Durban for NYE, so it was a good time for all. I had been craving good chicken pad thai the entire trip and sure enough they all ate at a fantastic Thai restaurant on NYE. I joined them later after a sweat-laden nap, and ordered my pad thai, took two bites, wanted to hurl, and threw 60 rand out on the window (not so bad, around $6)! I then tried to stay out to have a good time, but was back at the backpackers, in bed, and asleep by 10:30pm. So much for ushering in the New Year! Yet another anticlimactic one! And I was supposed to go skydiving on the 1st, but that didn’t happen. I couldn’t even be around eggs without thinking they smelled like sewage. :(

We packed up on the 2nd and peaced out of Durban. Our 3-week soiree was over and done with. We parted ways after spending the night at Latosha’s house. Meg, Latosha, and I spent one more night in the city of Nelspruit before they took me home. And luckily, the over night proved to be fruitful as I found the last two Twilight series books! Fantastic! We also caught one more good movie, Pride and Glory, did some laundry, and took it easy.

The next day we picked up Lindi from the kennel. The dog had grown even more and her baby teeth had all fallen out, replaced by new adult daggers. I feel like I’ve missed so much of her growing up!

After getting lost about 50 minutes out of the way and having a carsick pup I was back to home, sweet, home. Ahh!

The longest, yet most adventurous and humorous vacation of my life. Memories to last a lifetime, and pictures to prove it. I hope to post some soon!

Now it is, “Back to school, back to school…”

Ok so after leaving Swaziland, we traveled down to the little touristy town of St. Lucia. I can explain it in one word: Gatlinburg (Tennessee). We actually ran into another group of our volunteers who were traveling for the holidays as well. It was nice to mingle with some others that I hadn’t seen for a while (at least since Thanksgiving!). It rained the whole time that we were there, but we still managed to have a good time. The shops and restaurants catered to tourists and the population that inhabited this town was very Gatlingburg-esque. Some of the mullets and short shorts on display were worth prizes, I’m telling you.

Our Christmas morning was spent eating breakfast provided by the backpackers, as well as exchanging gifts with each other (we drew names of one other person to buy for on the trip). I got a lovely pair of pink earrings, while I gave PCV Andrew a nice wooden box with a pipe that he had requested. Christmas eve we had done a white elephant gift exchange and I received a quite hideous pointy coaster-looking item (thanks Leah!).

The afternoon was spent down at the local beach, watching the hippos and crocodiles do their thing. Very uneventful, yet nice.

Christmas night was spent dancing at a local backpackers who repeatedly played the song “Where’s Your Head At?” every 10 minutes or so I’d say. I had a heck of a workout dancing that night, so much so that I sprained my knee acting ridiculous. Pretty par for the course.

I did feel a bit lonely on Christmas, but after having a nice conversation with my parents and sister, it felt like just another day. It doesn’t feel much like Christmas here when you’re sweating!

We left St. Lucia to head to Eshowe. We stayed at the cool Zululand backpackers that had their own brewery, although they ran out of their local beer. I was fine with this since I’m not a huge fan of beer, but the others were a little miffed. But we ended up having a heyday there because one of the employees, Darren, was a riot. His job was literally to make sure that we had a good time, so he took us to a local party that night. Once again, I thought I had walked into a back hills bash. The people were amazingly welcoming but the party throwers had to be in their 40s or 50s, with a slew of random locals bouncing to the music and mixing their own drinks at the little wooden, built-in bar. Their humongous, Sandlot dog was enough to terrify me since it’s head was bigger than my torso and it’s breath blew my face off. It was a great time. We finished off the party by doing the twist. Yes, the twist from the 1950's Chubby Checker song. Fantastic!

We packed up after a night at Zululand and decided to head to Warner Beach (by Durban) early…Wow, I suddenly just got extremely lazy and unwilling to type any more. I’ll post the rest later! Sorry, once again, I've realized I am not much of a journaler/blogger.

Wait, actually, I’ll just sum it up by saying that Warner Beach was nice, yet windy as heck! All of our stuff got drenched in a hurricane-like downpour that happened one evening, so my stuff smelled juuust pleasant the rest of the trip. The A-Hole dog at the backpackers attacked the back of my knee and ripped a hole through my linen pants, and the next day he did the same to PCV Latosha’s skirt in the front. Out of control. We met some cool Afrikaner guys who we engaged in a game of Charades (I renamed it, or rather pronounced it sha-rods. It was a hit the entire trip!) and they were ridiculously hilarious. As well, one of the guys who worked at the backpackers (a young, rebellious chap) let us in on the fact that he was a communist who thought Hitler was one of the best world leaders to date. I said “Perhaps he was one of the best manipulators, but an awful person.” To which Richard replies, “That may be what they tell you in your text books.” Ouch. Really guy?! One of those young ones that just loves a reaction. Like I said, characters every place you travel.

Ok Durban tomorrow. And then done with holiday travel stories. Then back to the enthralling posts of regular village life. :)

We packed up and headed out from Mozambique, only to enter the beautiful, sprawling green lands of Swaziland. The country is incredibly picturesque! I just remember riding up and down through the mountains and hills, taking in the assorted hues of green from all sides, thinking, “Wow, 24 years old, Peace Corps Volunteer, road tripping through Swaziland with other Volunteer friends, laughing, unmindful, loving life…once in a lifetime.” It was definitely one of “those” moments.

We tried to stop for gas at multiple locations but it seemed the whole small country was fresh out. We finally made it to our secluded little lodge in the middle of nowhere. The cool thing is that we were actually staying on a whole game reserve that also housed the lodge.

We decided to braai (grill or cook out) at some point, so a few of the others took the cars out to get groceries and find gas (actually they call it “petrol” here). I stayed behind and got some food from the bar and sat and watched the caged crocodile stretch its jaws and sun its massive body. I was really tempted to throw it some of my pizza through the bars, to see it perform like a circus monkey, but I decided that may not be the best idea.

The others got back after running out of gas I think and having a heyday in the sweltering heat. We all chilled at the bar and then set up camp. Actually, another volunteer, Meg, and I upgraded to this beautiful 2-story chalet (it was cheap USD28) that was basically a rondavel. We all went swimming in a murky pool (I have yet to see one really clean, nice pool ANYWHERE here!), and met a questionable mother-son Afrikaner duo who spouted some crap about the future of South Africa and its leadership. We actually saw the dude a day later sporting the shortest, flimsiest shorts I’ve ever seen on a man. I made the joke that his junk has to be tanner than my legs!

After swimming, we split up to get ready to head back to the main lodge for dinner. Meg and I got ready in our chalet with a couple other volunteers. The one time in the trip where I about bugged out happen on this occasion.

It was about 3kms back to the lodge, so we piled into the car, and set out in the darkness. Now, mind you, we are nestled into the middle of a big game reserve. Plus, the volunteers who had camped the night before hardly got any sleep because they were petrified the entire night hearing the roars and rumblings of the lions, who were conveniently caged next to them without their awareness. Anyway, you guessed it…we got lost!

We took so many turns and detours through open cages that we had no idea where the lodge was. We couldn’t see any lights near us and our car lights shone on herds of waiting eyes in the darkness. Of course, these were innocent impala and springbok, but to see 20 sets of glowing eyes in the darkness when you are lost in a sprawling African game reserve is cause for a freak out. The next morning we found that we were driving right alongside the lions’ enclosure and almost drove into their open gate housed within another gate. I sat frozen, because we had no way of contacting anyone (our phones only work in South Africa since we only have SA sim cards). Finally, with the help of gut instinct and the discovery of a close by highway, we managed to get to the lodge. My nerves fell out of the car onto the ground as soon as I stepped out.

The next day we piled our laundry together, dropped it off at a Laundromat and headed to a glass factory. We bought a few souvenirs there as well as at a few of the Swazi gift shops that were nearby. We had to get back to pick up the laundry, so we skipped the candle factory. Dang! Later that evening our chef of America volunteer, Kelly, set up the braai and grilled the steak, chicken, and chops that were purchased at the grocery. We were all ravenous, so the scene was very caveman and cavewoman-esque. Welcome to Peace Corps.

That night Meg and I were kicked out of our chalet since it was booked, but we still decided to stay in one of the traditional Swazi beehive huts. Big mistake. It literally was like a human beehive. You had to get down on all fours to crawl into the hobbit-sized door, and then two twin bed were housed in it complete with a gas lamp, no windows, and absolutely no ventilation. A couple of hours later, Meg and I were so claustrophobic and miserably hot that the tent was erected right outside.

Swaziland wasn’t so much about the activity as it was the beautiful, serene surroundings. I am so fortunate to live close by, because I will definitely be revisiting occasionally. As a matter of fact, I still have some of their beautiful currency left over. The silver coins aren’t a smooth cut, like all of our US coins, but they are scalloped all the way around. So pretty.

St. Lucia, Eshowe, and Durban adventures tomorrow!

(Pictures to come soon!)

HAPPY 2009! Another year! I can’t believe it’s almost been a decade since the new millennium. Time does indeed fly the older I get. I can remember the frenzy surrounding Y2K (what a great marketing ploy, eh?)!

My resolution is to be content with what I have and to maintain positivity. To make a happy home in my village of Elukwatini and fully absorb this experience while I have it! Loneliness, wanting, and wishing can invade my thoughts here when times are challenging, so I’m going to make a conscious effort to derail those! (How cliché am I sounding?!) I need basic resolutions because grandiose weight-loss schemes never pan out! :)

ANYWAY--

Vacation was ridiculous. Ridiculously excessive. Ridiculously fun. Ridiculously long. Ridiculously ridiculous.

Covering 3 countries in 3 weeks is a tiring feat, let me tell ya! I am going to break this post up into a few different ones. Too much for me to type, too much for you to read in one post!

We started out by first hanging around in South Africa. We drove through a minor part of Kruger National Park and didn’t see a whole lot, with the exception of a few stellar, acrobatic, blue-balled monkeys, numerous deer species, birds, and perhaps a zebra or two.

We took a day trip to explore the Drakensburg Mountains here , which are breathtakingly beautiful. We saw the 3 Rondavels, God’s Window, the Potholes, and a few other natural wonders of the mountains. It was glorious. I wore a cut off t-shirt and of course, my right shoulder was testament to the vicious African rays. I looked ridiculous with a bright red shoulder and a pale white left shoulder for a few days (at least until the next burn evened out my shoulders).

Another volunteer, Molly, and I decided to do a ginormous canyon swing which is the equivalent to bungee jumping, but instead of falling straight down and back up, you free fall and then swing out across the canyon gorge for a while. I felt like I was in one of those nightmares when you fall off of a tall building and don’t wake up until impact. We backed up to the edge of the cliff, heels half on land and half hanging over the ledge, the instructor smiled the shittiest grin and then WHOOSH, with a shove we were free falling down to the tops of the large rocks, trees, and river. What a rush! I loved it! The hike back up the canyon was worse than the fall! I was practically wheezing and gasping for air when we made it back to the top. (Note to self: Get in shape STAT!)

We then made our way to Sabie, SA where we were to white water tube. These plans fell through due to the rain and rising water levels in the river. Instead, we were offered the chance to go canyoning or “cloofing.” And I thought the canyon hike was bad! Cloofing was fun, but a demanding full-body work out. We were taken up and down and through a mountainside and canyon, propelling ourselves through water and land. We jumped off cliffs into rushing water, pulled ourselves up steep mountainside, scaled waterfalls, balanced on trees, branches, and rocks, and had an intense time mulling through nature. It was beautiful, but I was so sore I could barely raise my arms the next day. (Note to self: Get in shape once again!)

The next day we headed to Mozambique. This country was my favorite part of the trip. It is so beautiful and the Portuguese influence makes it that much prettier and exotic. The coastline and beach living was beautiful and relaxing to experience. Our first night in, our backpackers had no electricity and had falsely advertised having air conditioning so we wanted to leave the next day for a better backpackers in the capital of Maputo. To our chagrin, we were held captive (our cars were parked within the locked confines of the backpackers), until we paid the one night plus an additional 10% pay for cleaning fees since we decided to pack up a day early. The situation was about to escalate as I also told them that we’d call our embassy if they wouldn’t let us out, but we finally caved, paid the 10% and peaced. Ridiculous.

We stopped into the Mozambique Peace Corps Office as part of our exploration to find a volunteer who was flying home, finished with his service after 3 years. He was the coolest guy. He had signed on for an extra year and was actually going back home for a month, only to return to Mozambique to live and work permanently at his Peace Corps site. Basically he told us that if you were to be lucky enough to be assigned to Mozambique, you scored the jackpot of Peace Corps service since you live by yourself, some volunteers live by the beach, and the vibe is chill (i.e. race relations aren't a major issue in Moz like they still are in South Africa). He was laid back and gave us some suggestions of places to go while in Moz.

Later that evening we found this underground, black market-type fish and seafood bazaar that the Moz volunteer had recommended. Being the tourists we were, we walked into this crowded, fishy smelling market wide-eyed and overwhelmed as live lobsters, crayfish, barracuda, oysters, crabs, octopus, and prawns were thrown into our faces. We found a guy who gave us the rundown. He was a chef that worked for a restaurant that would cook the seafood we picked out. Prices were negotiable, seafood was fresh, and our eyes and stomachs were big. I bought a 2kg live lobster and then we had our chef pick out and negotiate the rest of the meal for us. We had the lobster, fish, calamari, prawns, etc. It was by far the best, freshest meal we had our entire trip.

While we were waiting at our table, a procession of local vendors tried to haggle us into buying everything from bracelets and purses to charcoal drawings of naked women, Bob Marley, zebras, and other various wood stuffs. It was crazy!

After Maputo, we headed on our 8-hour journey to Tofo Beach. Luckily, we rented two cars so that traveling was made 10x easier and more convenient. We arrived to clean, sandy beaches, and the beautiful blue, green, and aqua Indian Ocean. We checked in, set up on our tents on the sand, applied our sunscreen and busted onto the beach. The Indian Ocean is beautiful, but I found it to be a lot more restless and wave-ridden. Even after applying spf50 3x I still suffered from a major all-over sunburn. I enjoyed the next few days at Tofo Beach fully clothed and shaded from the intense rays that burnt my skin to a sensitive, red, painful crisp. One of the guys in our group, Jeff, definitely suffered from 1st degree burns, as evidenced by the puss-filled, golf ball-sized blisters on both his ankles. Ouch! (I really need to post photos from this trip!) We went out to Dino’s club on the beach a couple of nights and that was fun. We met a couple from Joburg that really needed to perform on Saturday Night Live. They purposefully made fools of themselves on the dance floor and it reminded me of a Cheri Oteri/Will Ferrell duo! Classic. That’s one of the best parts of traveling—the characters that you meet and talk with truly add to the experiences.

I’m sure more details will pop up in my head that I will add to the Mozambique leg of my trip but that’s all I’m posting for now. More on Swaziland tomorrow and then the last leg of the trip on the southeastern cost of South Africa. Whew! Too much to remember/type!

Today is the 5th day that I have been at my lovely, new site.

As I previously posted, I spent Thanksgiving at another volunteer’s house outside of Pretoria in Kwa-Mhlanga. The food was great and the company was nice, but we were all a bit disappointed to hear that 2 more volunteers were going back to the US. We have now lost a total of 10 volunteers since first coming to South Africa. We are now numbered at 34 people.

I left Kwa-Mhlanga to travel back to the Peace Corps office on Friday. We got a late start but the Peace Corps driver and I got on the road around 8am to Volksrust. I was a bit rushed to pack and say goodbyes since we started late and rain looked inevitable. (It would have been nasty to have a soaked mattress, dresser, and cardboard boxes to unpack!)

Anyway, I was only able to say goodbye to my main primary school. The departure was a little rocky since my principal had never returned my APCD’s phone calls and didn’t find out that I was relocating until I delivered the news. As well, my host mother was just as happy as I was to exchange goodbyes. Quick and simple. I am glad to have that part over with.

After a few more hours, I got to my new site in the late, hot afternoon. I was thrilled to drive into this village of rolling green mountains. My views are incredible, especially to a girl from farmland Ohio! And I am only miles away from the Swaziland border.

We unpacked at super-speed and I was left to meet and greet with my new family. Come to find out, I live not with a go-go (grandmother), but with a 54 year-old mother of two. A 19 year-old girl who attends college in Durban but who will be home on break until March (I wish I had that break in college!), and a girl who’s in 7th grade. A family of girls—how perfect, I know how to fit in to this dynamic!

My new “mom” is a teacher at my only primary school and she is a sweetheart. She’s given me advice on how to set-up my room and checks on me occasionally. She’s been bringing me a small bucket of water now that the water here has stopped up. She gave me a huge hug and “thanks” the other night when I told her that I’ll be leaving my hot plate, kettle, toaster, bed, dresser, and other items when I return to the US. Her husband lives and teaches in the city of Barberton and comes home on the weekends. He was not able to come home this past weekend, so I am excited to still meet him.

Outside of the house is a garage that is attached to two cement rooms and a bathroom. One of these rooms is my mine, while the other one is the 19 year-olds. The bathroom that is basically mine separates us. It is a nice set-up, only a step away from the nice, brick house and satellite TV.

I brought Lindi with me, but they didn’t know that I had her, so I am trying to get her used to the place and not in the way of the family. They said it was not a problem that I had her, though. My last host mom taught her bad habits of growling and barking at anyone that comes into her path. I’m trying to break her of this since I know she’s just a little dog with a big attitude, but wouldn’t hurt a fly! She has definitely gotten bigger and more playful!

To make a long story short, on Saturday after I had unpacked some more and the temperature had cooled a bit (I melt here, even a fan just blows the hot air into your face. I have now invested in the ever-popular sunblock, the umbrella, to shade the glaring sun. Otherwise, I’m pretty sure I’d have skin cancer within a couple of weeks of living here. ), I sat a lawn chair in the front yard, overlooking the stunning mountains, Lindi in my lap, earbuds in my ears, and just had a good cry as I listened to some Rich Mullins. The beauty of the surroundings coupled with the move and some realizations overwhelmed me. I’ve been so emotional lately, so it was nice to just let it out.

This week I have visited the drop-in center and the primary school where I will be concentrated. I will basically be coordinating lifeskills lessons and activities to present to those children who come for free meals to the drop-in center after school. (So if any of you at home have any lessons, DVDs, or advice on this subject matter, please let me know! Thanks!) At the school, I will be teaching computer skills to educators and students as well as organizing a huge new school library for them. They have been constantly renovating the buildings, classrooms, and programs at the school, so it’s a very progressive, nice school to be working with.

As well, I was so impressed with their “inclusive education” wing. They have nice room dedicated to those students who are mentally handicapped, learning disabled, and physically disabled. This is totally different than my last school or most schools here I would say! It seems similar to the classroom structure that my sister, Ashley, experienced when she was in primary school. This classroom of students gives me even more motivation to study up on my siSwati (Yes, I am back to this language that I was originally learning in training! Yea!) so that I can communicate with them. These students have a special place in my heart and I hope that over my two years here, that I can provide them with something tangible and advantageous to their learning.

I will be leaving soon to go on vacation. But my headache has been trying to find care for Lindi. Since I am new to this site and my family, I do not want to burden them with the responsibility of watching after her. So I have been researching and will take her to get her rabies booster in Nelspruit and then drop her off at a kennel right outside of Nelspruit. I am not and never have been fond of kennels, but my hands seem to be tied at this point. Plus, this will definitely start draining my cash flow right before vacation! Oh well, I love having her! Ahh! I’ll be trying to get all of this done right before I meet up with my group to take off, so pray that this all goes smoothly! Ah! She really is like my child! Ridiculous!

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving!

By the way, it's December already?! I've been here almost 5 months!? Is anyone else shocked that 2009 is just a few weeks away??

Alright, so I am FINALLY going to move this Friday instead of today! The host family still needs a bit more time to prepare my room, so Peace Corps asked if we could extend the move-in to Wednesday. We talked and agreed on Friday so that I could travel to a nearby volunteer's home for Thanksgiving on Thursday. I'll be leaving Pretoria around 2pm today to travel about an hour outside to the volunteer's place. Luckily, he lives by a handful of other PCVs (Peace Corps Volunteers), so it will be a nice Thanksgiving gathering! Yea for not being alone/moving on Thanksgiving!!!

I am still in Pretoria staying at a nice backpackers (hostel). My stay at the niiiiice guest house expired last Wednesday, unfortunately. :( The backpackers has so many different TV channels, though. I felt like I hit the jackpot in the living room when I flipped the channel and could land on National Geographic, E!, MTV, Hallmark Channel, and a few movie channels. I do miss TV, I'm not gonna lie!

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the day I finally move to my new site. After a month and a half of waiting, I will be moving close to the village of Tjakastaad. This is more towards the eastern side of South Africa, about 100kms away from Nelspruit. I'll head down to Volksrust in the morning with a Peace Corps driver, where I will fetch my packed belongings, say goodbye to my current schools, tie up any more loose ends, and be on my way to my new home.

From what I have heard, I will be living with a gogo (grandma) and a couple of children. I will have a little room outside of the house. They are currently working on plumbing because the room has a flush toilet, but hasn't been working. As well, they are presently installing burglar bars on the windows and doors. (Here in South Africa it's completely uncommon if you don't have burglar bars and a protective fence around your property. The crime rate is too high here to take chances.)

Most of my time and focus will be spent at a local NGO that just got its start a year ago. They are working on over 15 projects, so I know that I will have a lot to do (i.e. home-based healthcare, teenage pregnancy, elderly care, HIV/AIDS, food drop-in center, etc...). And since I am still technically under the "Education" sector, I will also be helping a local primary school with computer skills.

This all sounds great to me. I am excited to make a new start and focus on projects that I can really feel connected to.

The past two weeks in Pretoria have been fast, fun, relaxing, rejuvenating, and comforting. I thought I would just bide my time with reading and watching TV, but when I got here and met with my other volunteer friends, an active lifestyle resumed. It was nice for that first break away from site. At first, I was a bit overwhelmed by all the stimulation of restaurants, malls, and city life, but it felt like home after a few days. And now, I am actually ready to go back to site where the days are a bit quieter. Sounds ridiculous, right?! That's Peace Corps for you!

I really miss my pup, so I am excited to get back to her. I have requested to take her with me to the new site. I actually bought a little dog carrier for her the other day at a mall, so transporting her will be easy. It's an ugly green plaid pattern, but it's useful and will be comfortable. I probably spend more on this dog than I do myself!

This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving as we all know, but I'm not sure what I will be doing since this move is taking place only a couple days beforehand. I think there is a group of volunteers over by my new site who will be getting together. I'm feeling a bit homesick since my Thanksgivings are usually spent around a huge mass of food and relatives in a church basement back in Greencastle, PA. How I will miss it!

I will soon be going on Christmas break with a big group of volunteers. The trip includes stops in Kurger National Park, Mozambique, Durban, and St. Lucia. It will be an exciting and fun few weeks, especially with a big group of us. I hope to skydive again and do other adventure activities, but we'll see how much the budget can afford.

After we get back from vacation in January, a few weeks later our IST will take place. In-Service Training is taking place at the 6-month mark where we will be able to share stories, evaluate our service and experiences thus far, seek advice, plan for our projects, etc... It will be the first time all of us SA-18ers will be together since swearing-in in September. I can't wait.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have been in Pretoria since last Tuesday. I finally got to a mall to get my cell phone fixed, thankfully! Now I need to find a steel, bullet-proof case to carry it in to prevent further damage!!

I have been in the city for a couple of reasons. I had a medical appointment this past Wednesday that is keeping me here until this next Wednesday and I am also trying to align my schedule with the move that is to take place (soon, hopefully).

Being in Pretoria has been relaxing, especially since a few other volunteers have been in here for various reasons.

To hear their stories of how they all live in close proximity and meet with each other on the weekends, it once again made me realize how much I have missed the close contact and relationships with my friends here in Peace Corps. It has been such a relief to talk with them person-to-person and to go out to shop, eat, or see a movie. We are all trying to cope and adjust, and as Americans, I think we have an urgency to do it as quickly as possible, but this kind of change in culture and lifestyle takes more time, patience, dedication, and continuous re-evaltion.

After a few changes in plans, I think that I will be moving closer to a few of my original siSwati-speaking group members. If this is the case, I will be overjoyed to be able to have some closer contact with them. Peace Corps will be going to visit the potential site this coming Tuesday and then will report back on whether I will be able to move there immediately or if the search for a new site continues.

I am hoping that all goes well and that the move can take place within this next week. Fingers crossed.

I'd just like to let you all know that I will be moving to a new site soon. I will give more of a detailed update later, but wanted to to say please do not send anymore letters or packages to my address in Volksrust.

Thank you!

Well, my congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama on his recent win. It’s about time that we not only have someone other than a privileged white male in the White House, but also someone who can appeal to our senses of unity, renewed patriotism, and hope. Let’s “hope” that Obama can follow through on his promises and bolster the morale of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.

I’m tired of the bipartisan bullcrap that has weighed down our democracy and attitudes as Americans. The habitual mudslinging and poor decisions made by government in recent years has disintegrated the spirit of togetherness in the country. I am jaded by the politics that defined my adolescence and feel that my discontentment with America has started to be reconciled by 1. Traveling to, volunteering in, and being a witness to 3rd world, impoverished South Africa and 2. Now having the opportunity to anticipate positive, humanitarian change in the US. Political disinterest and apathy plague young generations and this election’s results seem to be paving a positive path for activism and anticipation.

I am completely thankful for my American upbringing and the privilege it has granted me. From my college education, to my living amenities, comfort and adaptability at home and anywhere in the States, to my upbringing that encouraged hard work, determination, and goal setting, to the ability to be anything that I want…I am blessed. I am so blessed and feel the burn of these blessings missing in the lives of most people I work with here. I realize the depth of love that my family has for me, how protected I was at home, and how comfortable I was while growing up. I never had to worry about being raped by a male relative at 10 years old, having HIV passed to me at birth, getting the correct medical attention when I needed it, or never knowing about sex or its implications until I was pregnant as a teen. These issues are real and prevalent every day. I knew these issues existed and that I'd have realizations once I was here, but there is nothing like being present to experience and process them.

I am secure, confident, comforted, optimistic, supported, real, and fortunate at home. Being out of my comfort zone is one thing, but being out of my comfort zone in another’s comfort zone that a majority in the States would never consider “comfortable” continues to challenge me and makes me appreciate where I come from and where I will eventually return.

I believe that at the end of our lives (if not before then!) it’s not going to matter how much you were taxed, how unfair you think welfare can be, how annoyed you are at apathetic people, how much you lost in the stock market, how sinful you think others are, what your views are on war, immigration, or trade, or how many bucks, houses, possessions you have, etcetera, etcetera. What is going to matter is whom you helped, with what resources and time you sincerely dedicated. It is the seeds of compassion, humility, and servitude that you continuously sow that will be a testament to your days.

Disclaimer: I know I’m 24 years young and I still have a life full of experiences ahead of me to still shape my character, opinions, politics, and pursuits, but at the youthful heart of it, these views are my foundation to build upon.

And that, ladies and gents, is my oration for the week. Thank you, come again.

I have the worst luck with electronics. My phone is still out of commission and will be for some time since I won’t be getting into a major city for a while to go to a VodaCare shop. As well, my computer cord is almost cut in half and frayed like I’m two sparks away from electrocution. And now my iPod has decided to just stop working. I think it’s just a sign that as a Volunteer in the Peace Corps, I should resign myself to a life that is completely electronics-free. I should, I know! This may be for the best, since I’ve recently been obsessed with renting movies at this little place in town called CrazéCow. It was the best discovery after a long day last week when I was walking past the liquor store and saw this little place tucked in the back corner of the building. Lights shone down from the Heavens and I entered the store to discover row after row of old and new releases.

I changed my laptop DVD settings from USA to South Africa, so I’ve tried to rent as many movies as I can before I switch it back to re-watch my complete set of Cosby Show DVDs (My favorite TV show of all time!) for the remainder of my two years. (Hint: If you have any old DVDs you no longer watch, please feel free to send them to me! Thanks in advance!) Anyway, I was glad to finally see Sex and the City the Movie. Although I was never a fan of the show, it was just nice to see scenes of NYC and just have a few lighthearted laughs. I would recommend that you see the movie, The Brave One, with Jodie Foster. Also, I am not sure if the South African film, Tsotsi, is available in the States, but it won an Oscar and it is a pretty powerful drama.

I watched World Trade Center and still don’t know what to think of that, although I can say that Nicholas Cage slaughtered a New Yorker accent. I think I need to read the book, The Kite Runner, because I really wasn’t impressed by the movie. Of course since it’s around Halloween, and I absolutely love scary movies, I rented Stephen King’s IT to confront my fears of clowns again (this movie is what terrified me when I was young and totally turned me off to clowns), and once again it reaffirmed my fears. I also saw Dead Silence about the ventriloquist ghost and her dummies and it was a good one. I’ve always disliked my mom’s little porcelain dolls for a reason!

Oh and I remember walking to work in NYC in the spring and seeing the ad for 21 by Port Authority, and always wanted to see it, but never did. Well, I just saw that and thought it was fine. I love Kevin Spacey but the film was a bit cheesy. Interesting, yet cheesy. OK, so I have seen quite a few movies lately, but I’ve been saving rand and the rentals are cheap so I splurged on a few DVDs for the sake of sanity.

Anyway, I went to a little carry-in dinner last night at an Indian couple’s house. We gathered with a few other people that I have met at church and had a good time. Some of these characters could be on Saturday Night Live, without a doubt. I had a guy jokingly talking to me about planting “cannabis” in his backyard, another guy in his late 50s whispering to me about how he was so keen on the Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote and Tom & Jerry cartoons, and a Scottish woman suggesting that whiskey cures everything, including another woman’s toothache that was there. And this was supposed to be a Bible study! It was fun.

I went out with the home based health care volunteers again today and actually had hands-on experience. We met with a new patient who had been affected by a stroke that took away the use of the right side of her body. She could not speak, which made it challenging when we were lifting her to undress, bathe, moisturize, dress, and place her in her wheelchair to go to the clinic for a check-up. She would cry at times and we wouldn’t be able to understand what she needed or what hurt, but we tried to make her feel as comfortable as possible. She lived in a tin and cardboard scrap shack that she shared with a son and his wife or girlfriend and baby. She was the tiniest lady, with the thinnest, most delicate skin covering her protruding bones. I guessed that she was in her 70s, but found out at the clinic that she was only 58 years old. Poverty takes a toll even on the physical characteristics of a person.

We wheeled her a few meters down the street to the clinic. We then entered the clinic that just opened yesterday after being closed since July due to the destruction caused by the riots. Lines of people were gathered with their patient information and records folders, waiting to be seen by the head nurse. The doctor is usually in on Wednesdays, but was unavailable today, and no one at the clinic could get a hold of him because telephone lines at the clinic have yet to be fixed. So, we waited. But then one of the volunteers got the attention of the head nurse and introduced me. As soon as I explained who I was, why I was in South Africa, and what I was trying to do, the head nurse (nurses are “sisters” here) had another sister take our patient’s blood pressure and temperature, and then she saw the little lady. She checked her over and wrote a referral to the hospital and called the ambulance so that they could escort the patient to see a doctor. This lady had a deep chest cough, swollen foot and hand, and had never been on any medications after her stroke. So the head nurse wanted to make sure she was taken care of.

I was satisfied with the treatment our patient received, but knew it was because I was there. The volunteers were praising me when I left about getting her referred to the hospital so quickly (If the township clinic refers patients to the town hospital, it is free. Usually, better care is taken at the hospital, so people like to go there.) But we hauled ahead of all of the rest of the waiting people at the clinic. Once again, if I want to build any credibility or comfort within the community, this brought me down a notch. White girl using and abusing her privileges just because she can. I’m sure the stares I received were accompanied by this thought.

Lindi is getting bigger. She’s an ornery critter. I came home from school last week to find that she basically dug the Suez Canal in my host parents’ yard. Sweet. I keep her outside now when I go to school because I was tired of coming home to bitten up shoes/sandals, torn down curtains, peed on blankets, and piles of poop spread strategically throughout the room. (By strategically, I mean that she liked to lay her steam right under the edge of the bed, right under the corner of the comforter, where I would step on it when I would get into bed.)

My busybody mother told the other teachers that I named her a human name. So, one of the teachers, appropriately named Lindiwe, or Lindi for short, told me that she would make me cry because she was going to kill me for naming my dog her name. I tried laughing at this utterly non-hilarious joke, but the teacher wasn't laughing. The carpool of teachers asked me if I was going to change the dog’s name and I politely said “no.” The teacher once again repeated that she was going to kill me and then when I got out of the car they asked when I was going to change her name. I told them "sure"; to which my mom replied in Zulu to them that I am a “naughty girl.” The guy driving told me they were joking but whatever that conversation was and whatever the heck just happened in that car, I was at a loss! The name is already on her freakin ID dog tag that I had my sister send me. I like the name! And there are pets all around here with human names; same in the USA. And why did my mom have to stir up emotions like that? Ridiculous.

In disappointing news, my good friend, Kathryn, is leaving the Peace Corps. She and I became pretty close during Pre-Service Training because we lived in the same village and were learning the same siSwati language. I was disappointed when she contacted me this week to let me know her decision to go home was final. I understand, but was looking forward to traveling together and just conversing with her over the next 2 years of this experience. Best of luck and many blessings to her, though.

So far, we have lost around 7 people and she will be #8. Now, 36 of us will remain in our SA-18 group.

Now onto Vantage Point. :)

I treated myself to a haircut and lunch at Wimpy’s (comparable to a Steak ‘N Shake, I believe) yesterday for my birthday. I also splurged big-time and bought a chocolate cake and ice cream to bring to the birthday braai (Afrikaans for “cookout”) that a few people I have met at church hosted for me. Unfortunately, the weather was glum last night, so the braai was done in the hazy mist. But the night was relaxing nonetheless.

The hosts with whom I spent my birthday with are an extremely caring Christian couple in their late 20s. She has given me her older cell phone that she no longer uses until I can get into Pretoria to go to a VodaCare shop to have mine repaired or replaced. The local shop here sucks and were not helpful at all. Anyway, I spent the evening with them and another young couple. I was the fifth wheel but I didn’t mind; the company on my birthday was worth it! :)

My 24th birthday was celebrated in South Africa…fascinating.

I thank those of you who called me and sent me emails & Facebook messages wishing me a happy birthday! I appreciate them all!

This week I broke my lamp, spent 5 hours waiting inside a taxi and had a baby handed to me that crapped on my lap, and now I have just broken my only expensive item and my only lifeline here in SA, my phone. (All things, situations, and conditions considered in life, I do know that these are terribly infinitesimal issues!)

Allow me to reference a quote from Dumb & Dumber, when Lloyd and Harry come home to find that their apartment has been ransacked and their parrot has been killed, “We’ve got no food, we’ve got no money, our PETS’ HEADS ARE FALLING OFF!”

Currently, this sums my feelings.

And my poor family, God bless them, seriously. They’ve been getting the brunt of my emotional whims. I just was on Skype bawling to my Dad about my broken phone. Ha! He was sitting in the living room with the headphones on, watching me sob and swell in my African roundhouse via Internet. What a spectacle! If you are ever in a bind, I give you permission to call up Kirby Warren. He'll talk you off the ledge!

I’ll get a hold of myself one of these days! Until then, Dad, Mom, and Allison, I would log off of Skype anytime that you see I am on. :)

I'm not trying to cover anything up. It's hard here at times and my emotions get the best of me. Anyone who says this is easy or who has never shed a tear is lying.

Anyway, this week was fine. I went on that field trip to the Career and Science Center on Monday. Tuesday I waited a ridiculous amount of time to get transport into Pretoria for an appointment. Tuesday night was excellent because I stayed at Pretoria Backpackers and just unwound and slept well. Wednesday my APCD and the head of our Safety and Security picked me up so they could conduct a site visit in Volksrust.

Then Thursday and Friday I spent out in the community with some of the home-based healthcare workers. We visited a lady who had had a stroke and needed assistance in bathing and dressing. So, I sat nearby and watched how gentle and caring the workers were while they gave her a warm bucket bath, rubbed lotion into her skin, and dressed her.

Today, I went with another lady to visit a few of her “patients” that are afflicted with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and diabetes. We sat and talked with each person to see how they were (well, the worker I was with talked with them since I am still learning Zulu), and then we gave them a few healthy food and juice packets to supplement them for a couple of weeks. Resources are scarce since money is really tight within the NGO, so they give out what they can to whoever has need.

I will be going back with the worker next Wednesday (my birthday!) to see a few other patients and some of her orphaned clients that are also living with HIV/AIDS.

It felt great to be out in the community and not confined to schools for once. I appreciated getting to meet the workers and their patients. My heart is in NGO work like home-based care.

Tomorrow I will be getting up early and going to town to beg the Vodacom guy to supply me with a new phone. I’m crossing my fingers…

I went on another field trip or “tour” as they call it here, with the 7th grade students and teachers from Theu-Theu today. We drove about 2 hours east to Piet Retief (right outside of Swaziland) to go to the Mondi Science and Career Exploration Center. Two words: Hellaciously HOT! The heat over there was sweltering. The students could barely focus because they were in their school uniforms (sweaters, sweater vests, long button-up shirts, tights, socks, etc.). And the people talking and demonstrating wouldn’t turn the fans on because then we wouldn’t be able to hear them. I swear my body is reluctant to adapt to the temperatures over here, because I had to get up and leave halfway through the science demonstrations feeling that I could almost do the breaststroke in my pool of sweat. Disgusting, I know. Those kids were troopers for sitting through it all.

Anyway, going to the career center was even useful for me since I am still trying to figure out what in the world I want to do when I return home. So, I ended up taking a personality test (I’ve taken over 5 million on the Internet since 7th grade, but I thought, “Well, why not, I’m bored, sweating, and out of my mind being here, so sure, I’ll take it.”).

I scored highest in the social services sector, then creative, and then enterprising persuasive. I looked up my career descriptions and it indeed described who I am and what I like to do. As a matter of fact, “lawyer/attorney,” “diplomat,” and “ambassador” were some of the top jobs in the social service module.

I believe I’ll be spending any free time this year studying for the LSAT (law test to get into law school), so I can apply to law schools next year. When I return home, then I would go to law school, hopefully. I’d like to eventually be an ambassador or diplomat and a law background is really favorable. But, this may be a fleeting obsession of the moment, as I am prone to have. I’ll keep you posted if my interest wanes.

Anyway, I fell today; flat on my right cheek and hip. I was walking and all of a sudden, I realized that I was just done walking; just sick and tired of the motions. My brain just told me the legs were done and before I could do anything about it, I wiped out on the fiery pavement; in my gray slacks and black flats. I was a mess in front of hundreds of 7th graders. (That age is so brutally critical anyway!) I wasn’t embarrassed, but shocked that my body just gave up on me.

I’m sick of walking, at least today. I walk all the time. I know it’s good for me, but I’m done. I need a motorized Rascal or a Vespa, because any more bodily tricks like today and I’ll be a wreck by the time I return to the States. I'm ridiculous and cantankerous on hot days. Hey, I'm working on it!

The kids were so gracious to me. Here, no one laughs at you when you’re an adult and something harmful happens. They all respond with a quick, “Ooo sorry, sorry.” Even if you bump a chair or knock a pen off a desk, those actions warrant the same response. I got up and cracked up, and then some of the kids shared in the laughter. I mean just add this to the ridiculosity. (Yeah, I just made that word up, take it and treasure it.)

And, I’d just like to say that if my mother and father ever complain again about how loud my music is (or rather, was, since I no longer live with them), then I’d invite them to go on a school field trip or board a taxi here and see if they can hear by the time they unload. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if most people here have serious hearing problems. The music is up to the loudest volume and everyone shouts to be heard in regular conversation. Today, I was deafened by the tweets of faux birdcalls mixed in with a traditional Zulu song that played repeatedly on the way to the career center. I love some cute little birdcalls in the morning, but when they’re synthetic and high-pitched, I’m not a fan. I’m banking on hearing loss and shot eardrums by September 2010. :)

I will be updating my blog every Friday, so that a weekly brief can attempt to keep you posted on my work, whereabouts, and sanity! I may be updating it more frequently, but just count on every Friday being the new post.

Anyway, it’s Saturday afternoon and I just spent 2 hours hand washing, rinsing, and wringing my clothes out to hang on the line. I have blisters on my knuckles from scrubbing, but that’s part of the package. Lindi was romping in the dirt beside the chickens and getting into my buckets of water, so I decided to wash her little muddy body as well. She was crying the whole time, but now she is lying in her bed, soaking up the sun from inside my round house. (I have a Dutch door, so the top of the door is opened to let the sunrays in. I call it my “Mr. Ed” door.) I believe I will sit down with the Peace Corps cookbook now and write down a few ingredients that I need for some of the recipes. I’m so reluctant to do so as absolutely I dread cooking.

This week was fine, although I was a little taken aback by the lack of confidentiality in one of my schools…

I approached one of my principals to let her know that the 28 year-old male typist (I’m not going to refer to him as the school secretary because he hardly seems to do enough to be considered one.) makes me uncomfortable. It started on my site visit over a month ago and has continued. His touching, comments, and overall presence make me dread going to the school.

So, after a week’s break, I approached the principal this past Monday. I let her know that I was at her school to be as effective as possible throughout the next two years but that this guy was already making me feel uncomfortable to be around. So, I told her that I needed some boundaries established and adhered to. As well, I let her know that, generally, American women do not like to be touched by the opposite sex unless it is her significant other. She responded with, “Ok, we will deal with this professionally.”

Two hours later, I am told by one of the teachers that the principal called a school staff meeting and told them everything I said to her about this guy and needing boundaries. The guy in question wasn’t even in the meeting! And I don’t believe anything was said to him because later he decided to come back to the computer room in which I work to “take a nap” because he was “tired.” I asked him if he needed to be doing work, but he told me it was all done. Right!

Anyway, I was really upset, but I learned my lesson to either not confide in the principal or just preface the next conversation with “Please keep this conversation between you and me only.” The teacher who told me saw my reaction and made up for it by saying the principal was only talking in general terms and that she was showing how we need to respect each other’s cultures. I don’t see the connection there, but oh well. New lessons learned each day!

I have always considered issues of men and their treatment of women a big deal. I never took it lightly in the States and I don't intend to here. Although, cultural differences do require patience and tact. Being raised in a family of all females, and having a Dad who expects 110% regardless of sex has instilled a great sense of personal respect and dignity, especially as a woman.

I had to do teacher observations this week, in which I sat in on a couple teachers at each of my schools and scribbled some notes. The best class I sat in on was yesterday’s music class at Theu-Theu. I will always remember it, because the class started off with learning whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, etc. Well, a few students were then asked to write a few notes on the board and then play them on the animal skin Zulu drum at the front of the class. I was so impressed with the rhythms these kids came up with. I mean I could pound out a rhythm, but if you asked me to write it in music notes and beats, I’d have no idea.

Anyway, these kids played their own notes and then the teacher told them they had to “act like rappers” (not sure what this exactly meant!) and dance and rap to their rhythms. One word: HILARIOUS! These kids were some of the most uninhibited, talented, showboats I have ever seen.

This boy and girl got up separately and stole the show. The girl was dancing like she was a backup in a Lil Wayne video, and the boy rapped like he was part of Bone Thugs N Harmony. It was ridiculous. I was in the back of the classroom bawling because I was laughing so hard. The class was rolling. Then they made me get up and dance. They were shocked that a white girl in a long skirt, cardigan and black-framed glasses could break it down. Hahaha. It was a great time.

Then last night I went to the grade 12 matric farewell. Matric exams are like our 12th grade proficiencies that determine whether you graduate or not. Another one of my principals invited me and I had no idea that it was like a prom. The girls showed up in the most scandalous, yet beautiful dresses that are similar to our prom dresses back in the States. You could tell these students were at the top of their game and feeling like a million bucks in their white suits, sunglasses, and faux croc skin shoes. I loved it. We listened to speeches and had dinner. The students here still have to take their exams in November and receive results by December, so there is a possibility that some there last night may have to retake parts of the exam eventually. This was like the last celebration, though, because they don’t actually have a graduation day.

I go into Pretoria for an appointment next Tuesday and come back on Wednesday with my APCD for a “site visit.” This was by my request, of course. We will see what happens and if I can get some more resolution to the anxiety I’ve been feeling.

Thank you to those who commented on my last blog, texted or called me. I appreciate your words and encouragement. I'm sorry if I come off as Debbie Downer. I am doing fine, just making my way through a challenging time.

Sala kahle. (Stay well.)

Wow, well where do I start after not blogging for so long?! This is going to be a long one!!

First off, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating in the States! :)

I am now at my permanent site of Volksrust, a small town nestled at the bottom of the Mpumalanga province in South Africa. I actually work in the black township, Vukuzakhe, right next to the Afrikaner (white South Africans) town (Volkrust), which is about 2 kilometers down the road. It has been quite an experience so far, but let me get to it later. First, I’ll talk about my arrival and training.

I arrived in South Africa after a miserably hot 17-hour flight over from Washington D.C. (the air conditioner on the plane gave out during the first part of the trip). We landed in Johannesburg and then boarded a charter bus that took us 2 hours to the middle of nowhere known as Marapyane (Mah-rop-ee-ah-nay), which is at the northern most part of the Mpumalanga province. I was definitely not clothed adequately, as I had on a thin dress and cardigan and immediately froze as I stood in line for the late-night catered South African dinner at the old teacher’s college in which our training would take place. If there was one thing I didn’t pack for, it was cold weather! I guess I was too naive to think that anywhere in Africa would require layers and fleece clothing.

That night, we all went to bed in our little dormitory-style halls. As I lay in bed, freezing and reading encouraging letters from home, I was fighting back the tears, doubts, and the deep ache that festered in my stomach. Had I made a mistake? This was for 2 years…2 YEARS! I hardly knew anyone in the group and I was already uncomfortable.

For a week, we stayed at the college and had our meals catered by local ladies, had tea times provided, and started to absorb the basics of why we were there and what to begin to expect from the local cultures. After this week, we were assigned to our first set of home stay families in Marapyane. The culture in this area is known as Setswana or Swana, and none of us would be learning that language, so we were already a bit discouraged that none of us would get active language training with our families. I was assigned to learn the SisSwati language, which is the national language of Swaziland. This meant that I lived in the village closest to the teacher’s college, Masogeng, with other SisSwati learners. It was a great setup because we had some of the nicest houses out of all of the volunteers.

I was sent to live with a lovely Baptist family who had a 30 year-old married daughter who lived in Pretoria with her pastor husband, a 21 year-old daughter, Lebo (Lay-boo), and 3 teenage sons: 17 year-old Kgala (Kah-la), 16 year-old Moikanyeng (Moy-ee-kai-nang), and 11 year-old Omolemo (O-mo-lay-mo). My “parents” were Joseph and Diseko (Dee-sake-o) Moagi (Mo-ah-hee). They gave me the name Neo (Nay-o), meaning “gift.” So, from Day 1 of meeting them and the local residents, I was always known as Neo Moagi. My “father” was such an interesting, engaging man. Let me tell you, they LOVED their Lord! At 5:30am every morning they had their gospel music blasted to the highest decibel; and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays they always had a Bible study, prayer group, or church meeting to attend. I learned my lesson early not to talk about my personal religious beliefs versus theirs because although we were both Christians, we felt and believed a bit differently. I spent an entire night on the topic of predestination versus freewill and left the table with the family basically questioning if I was a Christian at all. Ha! I look back and laugh but at the time I felt like I was in the back of a police station, in a dark room, with a spotlight on my face, sweating, trying to defend my beliefs. I told my real parents that the religious practices here make me question my own Christianity at times! I hate getting knocked into, slapped, or goosed during a church service. I believe that anyone and everyone can worship as they may, but sometimes I just want to scream, “Ok! Enough! Just relax and adhere to my personal space!” Ha! Personal space…what a precious commodity that I never knew I would truly, truly miss!!

Anyway, my “mom” and “sister” always made the dinners and I attempted to help, but they all knew I was a miserable cook and would probably burn the house down. I ended up building some biceps from occasionally stirring and churning the staple food here, Pap. It’s a white, thick porridge that looks like mashed potatoes but tastes pretty bland and adds fat on your body as quickly as you bite into it. The meals here are so carb-intensive, that had already started adding a few pounds onto my already healthy frame within a couple of weeks here. Meals here can contain the following: rice, pap, salad, beet root, green beans and carrots with ketchup, chicken (including the head, feet, and intestines), coleslaw, pumpkin (which is actually butternut squash), spinach, potatoes, and beans. Not all of them are served at the same time, unless a party or wedding calls for them all. So, needless to say, I’ve felt bloated and disgusting ever since I arrived in South Africa!

I watched my mom slaughter a chicken, I saw the local kids riding on donkey carts, hauling water and getting whipped every few steps, I saw the exchange of “lobola” which is the wedding gift or meat the future husband gives the wife’s family in traditional African weddings, and I had the time of my life those first two months living and training in Marapyane. During this time, every morning my small language group met at one of the Volunteers’ house to learn SisSwati for 2 hours every morning. We would then venture to the college to have lectures and workshops on culture, coping and depression, gender roles, diversity, corporal punishment, our education assignments, and many more related topics. Each week, older volunteers would come in to talk with our group who had already been here in South Africa for a year or so. These volunteers would share their own experiences and answer our questions and concerns. At times, discussions would get heated and people would be offended, but I suppose that’s why we had two months of training; to field those offensive or ignorant thoughts of some, to share and discuss our solutions, and to prepare how to deal with issues when placed at permanent site by ourselves.

Training was long, tedious, and repetitive at times, but looking back, I appreciate those cold mornings and warm afternoons, peeling oranges and eating greasy “chips” or French fries and laughing with my new American friends about what we were doing here and how we were handling ourselves. Training was like a gigantic moan and groan fest, where everyone continuously complained and demanded. But we’re Americans, that’s the norm! Spoiled and self-indulgent, even in the Peace Corps!

During training, we even went on a mini-safari to Mbizi Reserve about 55kms away from our training site. We saw a few giraffes, zebras, and springbok, and ate a feast and had some drinks to unwind. Our first “real” African safari! We also made a few trips into the nearest shopping town of Bela-Bela (50kms away), where we would stock up on chocolate, Pringles, and wine. I even got my haircut at Elephant Cuts for 100 Rand, which is expensive here, especially on my Peace Corps stipend, but only factors out to about $15. (1 Rand here is about 7 US Dollars give or take a few cents.) It was nice to hit up a restaurant or grocery store every so often.

Days went by slowly as the weeks seemed to disappear. Our purpose for being here is to get involved in primary schools and within their communities. “Education and Community Resource Specialist” was my title at the outset, and very vague to say the least. As time passed, I realized that I was to be in primary schools, doing who knows what, except teaching computer skills. I knew that at least! I am one of the few non-educators of the group who doesn’t particularly favor small children, and who doesn’t like to be in school settings when I don’t need to be. So, as of right now, I am still trying to figure my role out in being here. I had assumed that I would be working with more organizations within a community on HIV/AIDS and home-based healthcare, but the focus is more on schools. Literacy promotion, critical thinking skills, HIV/AIDS education, and math and science are areas needing attention here in South African schools.

I have made it clear to my supervisors and educators that I am not here to simply teach or be their typist. I am here to collaborate on and implement girls’ clubs, HIV/AIDS youth clubs, career counseling for out-of-school youth, and working within the home-based healthcare sector. Really, I would have been better off training for the NGO (non-governmental organization) Peace Corps South Africa program rather than the Community and Education Resource program. But I am here now and have been trained in the latter. I’m praying that God has a plan for me and that I can just trust in Him to guide me throughout these next months since I am a bit frustrated, confused, overwhelmed, and uncomfortable in not knowing what my role is here and how effective I will be in an area that I am currently not completely passionate about. I mean I desperately wanted to be in the Peace Corps, and didn’t mind what the work was, so I need to be flexible and open to what the needs are around me.

That being said, I went on a site visit during training to my current town of Volksrust. We met with our supervisors at hotels and had a 2-day briefing and then we were off to site. It was like the Arctic in Volksrust. I was housed in a tiny little barn at the time because my round house was not tiled, but had more amenities than other volunteers. My Associate Peace Corps Director, Morgan, came to me during assignments and let me know that I would be living in a town the farthest south of all of the SA-18 (this is what my Peace Corps group is called since we are the 18th group to enter South Africa) Volunteers. I could have been placed in a more rural area, closer to other volunteers, but I decided to go with the town because it sounded cool and hey, if I had a toilet that flushed, why the heck not!? (Note: Most volunteers even in Marapyane had to take bucket baths and use pit latrines or outhouses. I have never had to do either. My family in Marapyane had a nice house that you would find in a cozy West-coast suburb. Green grass, free-grazing chickens, running water, nice wooden furniture, and my own bedroom were the pluses of staying with them!) So, after the week of site visits, we reconvened and shared our stories.

Most people seemed to have a good time. I mean how can you gauge a whole community in a week, though, right?! I told of my Arctic experience and 5000 mph winds, but also let them know I even had a DVD and pizza store, a couple of grocery stores, Internet café, coffee shop, and the expensive clothing store, Truworths, in my town. I even had hot running water at this house, but at my house in Marapyane, I had to heat water up on a stove to use as bath water and then rinse my hair out with freezing cold water as I heard my hair splitting its ends and cursing me every morning. I was going to be living “Africa Lite” from what I could tell! Others would be in more rural villages with those trusty pit latrines and bucket baths.

So, after one last week of training and a day devoted to shopping for the essentials that we needed at site, we swore in as Peace Corps Volunteers on Friday, September 12th. The U.S. Ambassador, Eric Bost, came to speak at the ceremony but had to leave quickly as he had to “solve some business with an American citizen who was in trouble.” Sounded interesting! Anyway, some of our language trainers and staffed dressed up in their traditional clothing and sang and danced for us. We had a huge traditional feast with those supervisors who came to pick us up and then we were off to our permanent sites. I packed up my most important purchase, my space heater, and my backpack and duffel and I was off with my supervisor and a couple of other volunteers who were down around my area.

I arrived in Volksrust at 11pm that night and went straight to bed. I have been here ever since and currently have hives. Hives, you’re wondering? Yes, hives! The Peace Corps has given us weekly assignments to accomplish so that we can get to know our communities better and compile a folder to turn in at IST in January (this is In-Service Training where they evaluate how we are doing and what we will be working on for the next year). Well, the downside to my site is the fact that the township of Vukuzakhe where I am to be working has been rioting in spurts since around May. The mayor of the town and township has raised the property prices in the township without the knowledge of any of the people there. As well, there are some other corruption issues within the municipality that people are not keen on, so problems remain. As a young, white woman, it has not been safe for me to go out in the township to do community mapping in order to find out organizations and resources that are available for me to work with so that I may eventually find counterparts who can connect the schools with the community. As well, I live in an Afrikaner (white South Africans) town and work in the black township. I am not viewed well, and of course I would not be, due to the history, politics and lasting, devastating impact apartheid had on this country. It’s disheartening. Lack of motivation, laziness, and discouragement rear their ugly heads, especially within the education system. Blacks had very few career choices during apartheid, a couple of those options being nurses or teachers. So, there are quite a few teachers here who hate teaching and don’t enjoy ever coming into work because at one point they were forced to and now they need to in order to continue putting food on the table and clothing on their bodies.

Let me wrap this up by giving the scoop of my current situation and why I have hives. My new South African name is the Zulu woman’s name, “Thandeka” (Tan-day-ga) and means “lovely.” Oh, and since I have moved down to Volksrust, I will no longer be speaking SisSwati. The African language here is Zulu for the blacks and Afrikaans for the whites. Zulu is one of the hardest languages because it contains clicks and sounds we don’t have in the English language. So, I still have yet to find a tutor who can start all over with me. Luckily, SisSwati and isiZuli are pretty similar languages.

I live with a man and woman in their 50’s. Mafika and Fikile are a nice couple who have no children but raised a couple nephews. Mafika, my “father” used to be an educator and principal, but hated it so he retired last year and has now opened up his little phone and calling store. My mother, “Fikile” is still a primary school teacher at one of my schools that I am assigned to. She took good care of me the first week that I was here and even let me get a little puppy which I was overjoyed about. (She is a dachshund mix and I named her the Zulu name, Lindiwe (Lin-dee-way), which means “waited for” but I have nicknamed her Lindi. She is a doll!) But now, I can tell that they want to resume their lives. They already hosted a previous Peace Corps Volunteer, who just left in July. He was a 50 year-old black man who had his PhD. and got the Dell Foundation to donate a lot of computers to the primary schools that I am now in. That was his legacy. I’m not sure what else he did over his entire 2-year tenure here. I’m sensing that he felt a bit discouraged as I am now starting to feel, but he just rode it out for the 2 years. I, on the other hand, want to be effective as possible, which is why I am currently re-evaluating my situation and community. More on this later…

Anyway, I work in 3 primary schools: Phembindlela (which I still have a hard type pronouncing), Zizameleni, and Theu- Theu (Tay-o Tay-o). They are considerably developed compared to other rural schools that I was in when up in Marapyane (part of our training was to go to a primary school to observe, teach, and gather information on the SA education system). They have computers, although no Internet, a couple have functioning little school libraries, and some after-school activities and clubs are already running in my upper-primary school, Theu-Theu. I have the feeling that I am not wanted here nor really needed at this point. I am now living in the shadow of the previous volunteer and I don’t believe that the need is the greatest here as it would be in a more rural setting. As well, with the current rioting and instability in the township, the community is dwelling on other issues that don’t concern me or wanting to help me with anything in the schools. I feel like I will be going nowhere fast here.

Do not get me wrong. I love living in a town with amenities and resources, but this town is so silencing. It’s like the Twilight Zone. If and when I leave here, I feel like the whole town will just vanish into thin air. It’s strange and unexplainable. My host mother even told me that they never wanted the last volunteer here to help them with the new school curriculums and workshops. Great! How encouraging! I don’t plan to do part of what the Peace Corps asks, which is going in to help implement NCS (National Curriculum Statement) into schools since I am a young, white, non-educator with no relevant teaching experience. Plus, from the teachers’ attitudes, they would probably scoff or laugh at me. I do plan to really get involved in a community that wants me though.

I know I am here because there are issues to be addressed and I know life in the Peace Corps will not be easy. But at this point, I have called up my APCD to discuss options and solutions to my current situation. I hope that within a couple of weeks, my situation will have improved, and my hives will have gone away. My APCD was very understanding and heard the emotion in my voice so he is setting up a time to come to Volksrust soon. I pray that I am wanted somewhere, even if I do stay here.

Ha! Hives! How ridiculous! I haven’t had hives since the 6th grade proficiency tests! I think all of my nerves and confusion are manifested in the form of itchy, red bumps all over my arms and back. It’s gross, but it’s life. I’m trying not to take myself so seriously, but I often think of this as being a 2 year process and know that I need to feel comfortable, safe, and acknowledged in order to feel settled and effective as a Peace Corps Volunteer here in South Africa. And I continuously tell myself that 2 years in the span of a lifetime of 80-90 years of life really isn’t long at all, but when you’re going through it, it feels like eternity! Ha! I’ve been here almost 3 months and it’s felt like at least 6!

That’s my story thus far. I hope you all can stay in contact with me even though I’ve been MIA for a time. My new phone number is 076-202-7940 and my address is P.O. Box 985, Volksrust 2470, South Africa, Airmail. If you are ever bored, buy a cheap international phone card at a gas station and holler at me! I believe when you call with a calling card the number changes to +27 76 202 7940 (+27 is the country code I believe). It would be lovely to hear from you and catch up!

P.S. I may add that we came over here with 44 Volunteers and are currently now numbered at 39 Volunteers. A couple went home in the first few weeks, one went home during site visits, another “resigned,” and another, one of my friends, returned home to go back to grad school in January. We all have a bet as to how many will drop out from now until we meet again in January. So far the count is 1 and the highest bet is 7 people. I imagine a total of 3 people will return home from now until IST, but it’s bad to even bet on that! :)

I thought I would write one last post before finally departing for SA. I had a quiet evening tonight with the roommate and a fellow PCV who is a retired teacher. She is so interesting because her daughter served in Cameroon a few years back and inspired her to join the PC. After questioning her decision to join, her daughter told her she'd be really upset if her mom didn't go, so she is now part of our SA18 group! She left her husband back at home in California (he's a banker who loves his job) and her daughter and husband have moved in with him. She wouldn't have come if her husband didn't have the company. She is so great to talk with because she's been on "both sides of the coin," as the fearful parent and now as the actual volunteer. So, I received her input as the fearful parent and will be conscious to consider my parents and how they are feeling (terrified!) and what they need from me to help ease their fears. Communication is key.

Speaking of which, this will be my last post for a long while. I depart for SA at 5:30pm tonight on the 17 hour flight and will touch down in Johannesburg. We will collect our luggage and travel by van to Pretoria. After dropping off one piece of our luggage (we only keep one piece of luggage and our carry-on so as not to overwhelm our host families with massive amounts of luggage), we will then travel an hour and a half outside of Pretoria to a dormitory where we will stay for the first week before settling in with our pre-service training host families. During the six to eight week pre-service training period, we will have no access to Internet and infrequent access to a phone, hence the long pause in blogging. PC wants us to be immersed into the culture from the outset and spend ample time with our host families instead of relying on our family and friends back home. Yes, it's a bit nerve-racking (and yes, Mom and Allison, this is how you spell "nerve-racking," or you can use the variant "nerve-wracking" if you prefer, per Merriam-Webster online. I know you both would probably try correcting, so let me beat you to the punch. :)), but I understand the goal of reducing the homesickness factor.

I need to be up in 4 hours to travel to the clinic to receive my vaccinations for yellow fever and malaria so I better get some sleep, if possible.

I have a few minutes before heading back down to the conference room for the rest of my Peace Corps orientation, procedures, responsibilites and safety and procedures information. Yesterday was a long day filled with the information on what the Peace Corps is, what they stand for and who everyone is that is going in my group to South Africa. Currently, there are 44 volunteers, including 3 sets of married couples and a few retirees. I am having a good time getting to know everyone and engaging in the activites to help us learn about how to handle ourselves and the situations we may encounter during our service.

My roommate, Kelly, is from Wisconsin and is great. We went out to eat at a nice little Italian place last night and will scout out another great spot in Georgetown tonight. The only complaint I have so far is that I just lost $35 out of my pocket. (Note to self: carry purse or wallet from now on instead of packing it at the bottom of my suitcase!) I'm not going to worry about it because I'm already feeling anxious about more important things.

I am still very nervous about readjusting to my new surroundings and culture in another country, but hope that through prayer and perspective I will start feeling more and more comfortable with my decision and dream.

I leave in a few hours and I am nervous. A few things I hope for: that my luggage passes the weight and dimensional requirements, I make my connecting flight from Cincy to DC (I get off at Cincy at 8:03am and leave for DC at 8:43am), I retrieve all luggage at the airport and transfer it easily to the hotel via shuttle (I hate waiting on luggage or finding out it didn't arrive!), I meet and make Peace Corps friends over the weekend that I will spend the rest of my time with, and that I get everything situated and ready for my departure to SA by Monday evening.

A lot is on my mind and I am so thankful for supportive parents, family and friends. I have appreciated all of the cards, gifts, calls and words of encouragement and support. I know that I will serve the Peace Corps and the people of South Africa well. I'm so excited for the cultural immersion and the lifelong friendships that will be fostered throughout my 2 years.

Today is my last day at home, so I'm going to be taking it easy. Mom and Dad helped me pack all day yesterday, so that is done (and even a day before the last night). Today I need to go back through and pull the items I really don't need (or will have Mom mail) and reaarange the weight in the backpack before I get scoliosis by next week. The backpack is heavy, and I have a rolling duffel to check plus my heavy laptop case and my carry-on bookbag.

I know it may be too much stuff, but I'd rather have too much than not enough at this point! Plus, if I can physically move myself from Spanish Harlem to Midtown Manhattan from Midtown Manhattan to West Chester, NY and from West Chester, NY back through Midtown Manhattan (Times Square) over to Weehawken, NJ and then home to Piqua, OH, I think I can handle this! ha!

I'm going to the store to buy my last minute games, magazines, makeup and stationary. (Oh! And I need to get trusty duct tape!) Then I need to pick up my vaccination record from Dr. Luna so I don't get doubly vaccinated. After that, home to watch a few movies, relax and talk to friends before I head out tomorrow.

I leave from Dayton tomorrow around 7:30am (can't wait to be there by 5:30am!), land in Cincy and then fly to DC for the weekend. Then it's South Africa by next week. I can't believe it's finally happening.

Well, here it is, Sunday evening and I still have yet to pack. I am glad to say that I have purchased all toiletries and now have most of my belongings grouped in piles. That's good enough at this point, I still have about 6 days. No sweat. Although Ashley and Dan (best friends from college) will be here tomorrow until Wednesday. We'll be spending time up at the lake house, so I know that my rate of productivity will be slim.

I have never liked packing or unpacking and this seems like the biggest packing task to date. I always procrastinate when I'm overwhelmed. This is the story of my life and I know I better get over this quickly in this instance.

And, now after rereading the official Peace Corps packing list, I now realize that I need to pack more dresses and skirts. I own probably one of each these days. Oh, and I need to buy some nice stationary, a journal, and travel games (Scrabble, Checkers and perhaps a little Hungry, Hungry Hippos for entertainment). I thought I had purchased everything I needed. More shopping to come and more drainage from the barely existing bank account.

And playing the Wii against Ashley (sis) is another great distraction. I'm going to bribe Mom into helping me pack, or at least sit with me while I do so. Moral support is great motivation.

Crossing my fingers that I don't wait until the night before.... :)

Welcome to my blog. My hope is to maintain contact with you folks that are interested in keeping up with my South African escapades during my 27 month Peace Corps experience.

At this point, I am procrastinating, naturally. Slowly but surely I am sorting through the remnants of my life in NYC and NJ and even my senior year of college (cleaning out the garage already seems daunting). I have been ordering all of my camping/outdoor clothing and gear online which has been hit or miss. (I loathe online shopping. And I never thought the day would come that I would be purchasing a pair of convertible pants or Birkenstocks. Oh, how the times change!) I still need to shop for all of my toiletries and then I can begin packing. Sort, clean, shop, launder, fold, gather, pack and peace. This is my plan of attack. Hopefully, I will have this all done prior to the night before, but my track record speaks for itself. :)

I depart for Washington D.C. on Saturday July 12, and then board the plane to South Africa on July 14. I arrive in Johannesburg and then partake in 3 months of in-country language and skills training somewhere around the capital of Pretoria before they assign me the post where I'll be working for 2 years. I am not sure where that will be until later in training. I'll keep you posted.

Time has flown at home and I am currently starting to feel the burn of leaving friends, family and familiarity. I just need to get everything packed and get on that plane. More time here is spent worrying about what will be. I'll be in South Africa soon enough.

I'm sure I will be purchasing some type of cell phone in SA and I will have occassional access to the Internet; so I'll be able to update this blog, check email and correspond with you lovely people. In the meantime, my address during the 3 months of training is:

Kristy Warren, PCT

PO Box 9536

Pretoria 0001

South Africa

Until July 12, I will still have the same US cell # and address in Ohio so either drop me a line or stop by for a visit!

I can't wait to start my journey and growth in the Peace Corps and hope that you can remain an active part in my experience even though I may be 8,000+ miles away.

Happy 4th of July!