Above is a photo of Tsepi. He works with the family I am temporarily staying with (until my house is ready). Every week they have to slaughter goats for the shop. I am a strict vegetarian. I still get a little uneasy when they are killed; but it is incredible to me how ethical the meat industry is here in comparison to the United States. All of the animals I have come across (which is a ton. I cannot tell you how many times I have been to the cattle post to see peoples animals, usually cows, goats, sheep, donkeys, and sometimes beautiful horses) live very happy lives up until they are slaughtered. This does not mean I want to start eating meat again, but I do appreciate their ability to roam and graze freely until their time is up instead of being pumped full of hormones and kept in tiny cages while they wait for their turn down the assembly line.

The home on the left is a very typical home in Botswana. The home of the right totally shocked me when I saw it because most of the homes are fairly nice. If you are a new PCV (in the DAC program, but CCB also sometimes have government housing) you will likely have a government house which are very nice, and most have electricity and running water.

I am in Gabs for the day! It's exciting to be in a big city and drink a smoothie. I came into town for my interview with the country director. Once everyone is finished we are going to eat! I never realized how much I love American food, meaning all food in America...not just mac y queso and potato salad, but I would be happy eating those too.

So, anyway training has had highs and lows, and I am so happy it's almost over. I find out my site on the 3rd. I am really hoping for a large village. I want to have a ton of work and have access to veggies.

Oh, Hallie just walked in from her interview so we are off to eat. I am so exctied to go out around Gabs! YAY

I hope you are well

Lauren

Hi there. Life is good. I am visiting a volunteer in Mochudi. Attached are some photos.

We completed staging!!! It was such a good experience. We went over a ton of basic info and really got a chance to get to know each other. I am really excited to get over to Botswana and meet my host family. I’m in this kind of middle place of excitement and also sadness to move away from everyone I know. I’m looking forward to meeting new people in Botswana and testing myself.

We fly into South Africa tomorrow and shortly after we will make the journey to the capital of Botswana, Gaborone. Then after a bit we will move in with our host families. I’m looking forward to get a start on the language; it seems one of the more important steps to integrate into a new community.

Anyway I have an early morning, so I better get off to bed. YAY I am so excited!!! I can’t even describe the feeling of doing this. I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity. :)

In less than an hour I leave for breakfast with my family before i take off for the airport. I spent most of the night awake, completely torn between the excitement of leaving to do something so amazing and close to my heart...and the sadness of of leaving the people I love the most. I have had a really nice visit in San Diego. My family has been so sweet. My dad took me out yesterday to buy all of these little odds and ends, and my mom bought me beautiful rose colored towels. She knows I care about things like that, however I'm not sure if I will after this experience. Who knows? Well I better get a move on. I still need to pull a couple things out of my suit case to ensure I can bring it all...plus is is freaking cold in Philadelphia. :) YAY it's finally here!

Time is flying by! I cannot believe I only have 10 more days in California. I’m moving out of my apartment tomorrow…so today will be busy. I think it’s finally hit me that I am moving to Botswana. I don’t know why it took so long to become real. I am so excited to get over there and start working. On the other hand it’s hard to say all the goodbyes. I still have quite a few things to do. Like pack and move out. :) I better get to work!

I finally got my staging packet and made my travel arrangements on Friday! I leave San Diego on the 15th at 11:15 am and arrive in Philadelphia at 7:20. If any PCT are reading this...let me know if you want to meet up.

The next big steps are filling out paperwork and packing. I can’t believe I only have three more weeks in the US! Tomorrow my twin brother, Evan and I are flying out to Nashville to spend time with my aunt and uncle. I am really looking forward to it. I’ve never been in those parts before. :) We are also going to make a trip up to Chicago for two days. I have been reminiscing about last summer quite a bit and I am so excited to go back.