Dearest friends and family and other people who also read this:
This is my first post in quite some time. A friend of mine recommended that I post an update soon after I returned from Africa, but I am just now feeling as though I am ready so here we go!
I left Peace Corps early for many reasons. Two main reasons were that I did not feel 100% safe and accepted at my site. Various crimes took place in my community and in Lesotho. Some of these crimes involved my fellow Peace Corps Volunteers who are and will always be my family. (To Peace Corps credit I was offered a different site when I decided to leave, but declined). I also did not have much interaction with my host organization and they were supposed to be my main focus. I was fairly isolated in my community and felt quite alone, especially when I didn't have support from the teachers I was teaching with at my local primary school. Basically, I wasn't happy.
Even with all that being said, I did have a wonderful experience overall. I learned about a world that until Peace Corps was entirely unknown to me. Some of you know that I wanted to go to South America so Africa was a big change from my original plan. I am so glad that I was placed in Lesotho so I could experience life in a village firsthand. I met some of the most dynamic and intriguing people in the world and even met a guy who I thought I would marry. I broke up with him shortly before I returned to the US and even though I miss him a ton, I know it was the right thing to do. I learned a lot about myself and about what really matters in life.
I learned that we must be grateful for what we have. Don't make the song lyrics, "You don't know what you got til it's gone," be true in your experience. We all have people, experiences, and things in our lives that we know we should be grateful for. Oh yeah, tell the people in your life why you love them. It's important.
Just so you know, I love you all. And mostly it is because you are reading this ;)
I learned that I don't know much of anything, but I do know that I want to be happy. I really don't believe that we have any other purpose. I think the hardest thing in life is to find out what really trips our trigger and makes us laugh, smile, and dance. Maybe we should just laugh, smile, and dance until we find it. And maybe we'll find out that laughing, smiling, and dancing ARE what trips our trigger and that is what we should do. HAHA Ok, you know what I'm saying.
Reverse culture shock really started to sink in this month. I quit my job at the cemtery I was working for and moved back in with my parents this week. I think I tried to do too much too soon. I moved out of my parents house two weeks after I arrived home from the Peace Corps and had a job within a month. I was working 6 days a week and it was too much. Also, why did I think that working for a cemetery was a good idea??? Or living with cats again??? Let it be known that I, Emily McKeen, cannot live with cats now or ever again.
So yes, that is where I am right now. I plan to have a plan by my 25th birthday (April) and I want to be out of my parents' house before the summer. I would like to be out before then preferably, but I realize that I need to take some time to recharge and prepare for the next chapter of my life. I want to move to a sunny place and am interested in Americorps, environmental organizations, and solar technology organizations for employment.
Thanks to everyone who has been listening to my Africa stories. Thanks to everyone who supported me during my adventure. Thank you to the people who have had to deal with my disorganization and antisocial behavior since returning to the States. And thank you to those who will be there during my next adventure. I can't wait to hear about yours as well. :)
Peace, Love, Harmony, Laughter, Balance, and Clarity to you all!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Friday, October 15, 2010
It's Time
Today I leave for America. I am really excited. I feel like this is the right time for me to leave because every project I have wanted to try I've tried. I have done the best I could to make my site and situation work for me, but unfortunately it has not. Many of you know that I had to deal with a few safety and security concerns during this past year. I also did not have a structured job. The decision for me to return to the States came because of my secondary project with the primary school. I was sent home for teaching children about puberty and sexual abuse. At that moment I made a pros and cons list of why I should stay or go. There were several more reasons to go than to stay. When I left my village this past Tuesday to come to Maseru I had an urge to cry. Not because I was sad to leave, but because I was so happy to go. I also felt a little upset for wasting so much time there, but it's not something I'm going to regret. I have learned so much during this past year and a half. I know more about the world and look at development work and aid funding through completely different eyes. I also learned a lot about myself. I know that wherever I am in the world I can feel at home. After Peace Corps I truly feel like a global citizen.
I don't want to discourage potential Peace Corps Volunteers from joining PC. This experience is amazing and can never be replicated. However, you must have realistic expectations when applying. Unfortunately many volunteers never see the results of their actions. We have to trust that the seeds we are planting are going to grow when we leave. Also, countries that receive aid from other countries tend to also have lots of corrupt leaders. Most of the money doesn't go to the people who truly need it. Read the book Dead Aid by Dambisa Moyo to expose yourself to a different and in my opinion more accurate view of Africa's aid situation.
I will miss the people I connected with in my village. One family in particular was wonderful to me. I traded vegetables with them when my garden was flourishing. The dad in the family also fixed my front door handle when it fell off. They were the most active people in my village. Even the grandmother herded sheep when she had time. (Most women don't deal with animals). I also connected with the shop owners in Thoahlane. It was hard for me to say good bye to them. I will definitely miss my Peace Corps family. I have met the coolest and craziest people while on this adventure. I asure anyone who joins Peace Corps will realize that we're a different breed. Most people don't sign up to give up electricity and running water. (I've learned that running water isn't that important if you have a clean water pump, but electricity is fantastic). (Also I don't mind latrines).
I am worried about returning to my native culture. I have developed different social habits and am way more emotive than I was before I left for Peace Corps. Sometimes I feel more African than Amerian. In fact yesterday I went shopping with my friends in Maseru and we stopped at a cafe for drinks. I told the waiter/receptionist that I didn't want to buy a sparkling water from him because I could get it cheaper down the street. He told me, "As white as you are you sure are acting black right now." This was coming from a black South African from Pretoria. It's funny, but probably the most racist thing I've heard in awhile. I think I'll fit in eventually...but it might take awhile. :)
The plan for life in America is tenuous. I don't what I'm going to do for sure. I want to stay in Defiance for two weeks before moving out to Akron. Is that cool Brian, Sharon and Amy? After that I want to get a job and just hang out until the first of the year when I can apply for financial aid. I'm thinking about going back to school for psychology.
Ok I must go to meetings then head to the airport. I'll be in Ohio tomorrow at 1PM. Crazy! I can't wait for my 16.5 hour flight. lol.
See y'all soon!!!!!!!
I don't want to discourage potential Peace Corps Volunteers from joining PC. This experience is amazing and can never be replicated. However, you must have realistic expectations when applying. Unfortunately many volunteers never see the results of their actions. We have to trust that the seeds we are planting are going to grow when we leave. Also, countries that receive aid from other countries tend to also have lots of corrupt leaders. Most of the money doesn't go to the people who truly need it. Read the book Dead Aid by Dambisa Moyo to expose yourself to a different and in my opinion more accurate view of Africa's aid situation.
I will miss the people I connected with in my village. One family in particular was wonderful to me. I traded vegetables with them when my garden was flourishing. The dad in the family also fixed my front door handle when it fell off. They were the most active people in my village. Even the grandmother herded sheep when she had time. (Most women don't deal with animals). I also connected with the shop owners in Thoahlane. It was hard for me to say good bye to them. I will definitely miss my Peace Corps family. I have met the coolest and craziest people while on this adventure. I asure anyone who joins Peace Corps will realize that we're a different breed. Most people don't sign up to give up electricity and running water. (I've learned that running water isn't that important if you have a clean water pump, but electricity is fantastic). (Also I don't mind latrines).
I am worried about returning to my native culture. I have developed different social habits and am way more emotive than I was before I left for Peace Corps. Sometimes I feel more African than Amerian. In fact yesterday I went shopping with my friends in Maseru and we stopped at a cafe for drinks. I told the waiter/receptionist that I didn't want to buy a sparkling water from him because I could get it cheaper down the street. He told me, "As white as you are you sure are acting black right now." This was coming from a black South African from Pretoria. It's funny, but probably the most racist thing I've heard in awhile. I think I'll fit in eventually...but it might take awhile. :)
The plan for life in America is tenuous. I don't what I'm going to do for sure. I want to stay in Defiance for two weeks before moving out to Akron. Is that cool Brian, Sharon and Amy? After that I want to get a job and just hang out until the first of the year when I can apply for financial aid. I'm thinking about going back to school for psychology.
Ok I must go to meetings then head to the airport. I'll be in Ohio tomorrow at 1PM. Crazy! I can't wait for my 16.5 hour flight. lol.
See y'all soon!!!!!!!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Link to CNN article
Sunday, September 5, 2010
I have to post some really terrible news right now. I had the following blog typed before I knew what I'm about to type, but I still wanted to post it anyway.
On Friday night a Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho was shot and killed in Maseru. It occurred after a celebration for some volunteers who are leaving the country soon. The PCV who was shot was a new volunteer in the lastest Education group. His family has been informed and Peace Corps is trying to help us deal with it the best way possible. Many of us are at our training center just spending time with each other. I haven't seen some of these people in a really long time and it's been nice being around them.
All of us are safe now and are just trying to wrap our minds around this completely senseless act of violence. We only came here to help. It doesn't seem fair or right that we have to endure something like this.
September 2, 2010
Turn on Me
There is so much to report and unfortunately not all of it is positive. I have had a fairly difficult couple of weeks at sites. On the bright side I have been able to leave my site most weekends to see other volunteers while on business in Maseru. So while life at site has been challenging, I have been able to get away to recharge frequently.
To start I’ll talk about something happy. I had a wonderful weekend in Bloemfontein early last month. I was able to get my hair cut and go shopping! We were celebrating the close of service for a 3rd year volunteer. It was awesome getting to send her off properly with a couple nights out on the town. I can’t believe I’ve been out to a club/bar only 3 times the entire time I’ve been here. Sometimes I would be out with friends 3 times a week in the US!
Teaching hasn’t been fun lately. I’m finally teaching the kids the hard stuff and I have not received the support I need from the teachers. In fact one day I was told that I couldn’t teach class 4 girls about periods and had to go home. I didn’t get to teach at all that day because my teacher said it was a culturally sensitive subject. I have 14 year old girls in that class that need to know about their bodies!! A week later the same teacher said I could teach sexual and reproductive anatomy since that was in the official (national) life skills syllabus. When I showed her the diagrams I was going to use she said I could teach anatomy without pictures!!!!!! This same teacher told me before I started teaching the children about puberty that she did not know what was happening to her when she got her period. She was scared because no one had told her about it before she got it and she still wouldn’t let me teach her students about the subject. To this day I do not understand why not.
Not being able to teach these kids what they need to know has been a complete disappointment. Another teacher got angry with me for teaching kids about sexual abuse and what to do if they are abused because that was inappropriate. Actually he said it was wrong to teach it. Even after a speech from me about safety and how we (in the US) teach kids about this when they are in class 1 he still didn’t want me to teach it to his class 5 students.
Besides not being allowed to teach what I think the kids need to know I have been frustrated with my primary school for other reasons. I was in class waiting for a teacher to finish her lesson before I started mine when a kid started acting up. She smacked him in the face. Corporal punishment occurs at most school around the country, but I was told that it didn’t happen at my school. I guess that wasn’t true.
I had a yard sale recently to get rid of some of the crap I have accumulated over this past year. It’s amazing how much stuff I have received from volunteers in groups before me who have already left Lesotho. I'm selling everything for pennies. It's nice to know that this stuff with finally be used now. My host aunt who is mentally ill started fighting with a woman at the sale and when my host mom intervened my host aunt started wailing on her. The woman who was attacked first took refuge in my house and my host aunt tried to get in which almost caused me to get attacked as well. It was the first time I was really worried about my immediate safety. Thankfully she’s living with other family members for the time being. She was in the hospital for a month before this happened and I’m not sure if she’ll have to be admitted again or not.
Besides that I’ve just been generally annoyed with living here. I’m sick of feeling like a freak and being disrespected. I really don’t like the culture here. The food sucks and so does the music. One volunteer here has said that she’s never been to another country where she didn’t like at least one food item until now. Sometimes I feel like it’s just me, but volunteers are constantly complaining about being harassed and about cultural differences. It’s so sad writing this down! Can this place really be this terrible?
I know it’s not true, but because I’m from a different culture it seems like all the people here are extremely rude. There are no words in Sesotho for please or you’re welcome. I hate sounding so racist and mean, but it feels wonderful to finally put on this blog what I feel most of the time. I try to keep everything on the bright side, but today I’m venting full force. Don’t be surprised if I don’t finish my full term here in Lesotho. I’m learning that being miserable is not worth the feeling of accomplishment from finishing a full 2-year service period.
In more happy news again I am in Maseru for Reconnect with my group. It’s so nice to catch up with everyone and to see what everyone has been up to. I haven’t seen some of these volunteers in 8 months! One girl just got back from a visit to America which should be exciting to hear about. I am sure there is a lot we have missed. A sobering moment occurred when I was listening to the radio and the DJ said, “And here’s a song from Pink that was popular a year ago,” and I didn’t know what the song was. A year ago! Pink!! She’s popular! It’s not terrible being out of the loop with popular culture. I’m glad that most of us get on the internet regularly enough to read the big news updates though. One volunteer I know didn’t hear about Obama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize until recently. That’s not good, but I don’t think that happens often. I hope!
In even more happy news I get to see my parents very soon and my boyfriend even sooner! At first I wasn’t very excited, but I think it’s because it didn’t seem real yet. Now there are only a couple weeks until my vacation and it’s coming together. I’m halfway packed and I’m definitely ready to go mentally. I don’t even care what we do; I just want to be with people I love and who love me!
I’ve been sleeping too much recently. I think it’s just because I’m bored. I guess I’m in a bit of a funk, but I know that I’ll be out of it very soon. :)
The seasons have changed for us already and it is hot. I don’t think Spring or Autumn really exist here. It’s winter to summer straight. I was just sleeping with 3 blankets and now I’m only using a sheet and my sleeping bag. I swear no place like this exists anywhere else on this earth.
Take care!!
Emily
On Friday night a Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho was shot and killed in Maseru. It occurred after a celebration for some volunteers who are leaving the country soon. The PCV who was shot was a new volunteer in the lastest Education group. His family has been informed and Peace Corps is trying to help us deal with it the best way possible. Many of us are at our training center just spending time with each other. I haven't seen some of these people in a really long time and it's been nice being around them.
All of us are safe now and are just trying to wrap our minds around this completely senseless act of violence. We only came here to help. It doesn't seem fair or right that we have to endure something like this.
September 2, 2010
Turn on Me
There is so much to report and unfortunately not all of it is positive. I have had a fairly difficult couple of weeks at sites. On the bright side I have been able to leave my site most weekends to see other volunteers while on business in Maseru. So while life at site has been challenging, I have been able to get away to recharge frequently.
To start I’ll talk about something happy. I had a wonderful weekend in Bloemfontein early last month. I was able to get my hair cut and go shopping! We were celebrating the close of service for a 3rd year volunteer. It was awesome getting to send her off properly with a couple nights out on the town. I can’t believe I’ve been out to a club/bar only 3 times the entire time I’ve been here. Sometimes I would be out with friends 3 times a week in the US!
Teaching hasn’t been fun lately. I’m finally teaching the kids the hard stuff and I have not received the support I need from the teachers. In fact one day I was told that I couldn’t teach class 4 girls about periods and had to go home. I didn’t get to teach at all that day because my teacher said it was a culturally sensitive subject. I have 14 year old girls in that class that need to know about their bodies!! A week later the same teacher said I could teach sexual and reproductive anatomy since that was in the official (national) life skills syllabus. When I showed her the diagrams I was going to use she said I could teach anatomy without pictures!!!!!! This same teacher told me before I started teaching the children about puberty that she did not know what was happening to her when she got her period. She was scared because no one had told her about it before she got it and she still wouldn’t let me teach her students about the subject. To this day I do not understand why not.
Not being able to teach these kids what they need to know has been a complete disappointment. Another teacher got angry with me for teaching kids about sexual abuse and what to do if they are abused because that was inappropriate. Actually he said it was wrong to teach it. Even after a speech from me about safety and how we (in the US) teach kids about this when they are in class 1 he still didn’t want me to teach it to his class 5 students.
Besides not being allowed to teach what I think the kids need to know I have been frustrated with my primary school for other reasons. I was in class waiting for a teacher to finish her lesson before I started mine when a kid started acting up. She smacked him in the face. Corporal punishment occurs at most school around the country, but I was told that it didn’t happen at my school. I guess that wasn’t true.
I had a yard sale recently to get rid of some of the crap I have accumulated over this past year. It’s amazing how much stuff I have received from volunteers in groups before me who have already left Lesotho. I'm selling everything for pennies. It's nice to know that this stuff with finally be used now. My host aunt who is mentally ill started fighting with a woman at the sale and when my host mom intervened my host aunt started wailing on her. The woman who was attacked first took refuge in my house and my host aunt tried to get in which almost caused me to get attacked as well. It was the first time I was really worried about my immediate safety. Thankfully she’s living with other family members for the time being. She was in the hospital for a month before this happened and I’m not sure if she’ll have to be admitted again or not.
Besides that I’ve just been generally annoyed with living here. I’m sick of feeling like a freak and being disrespected. I really don’t like the culture here. The food sucks and so does the music. One volunteer here has said that she’s never been to another country where she didn’t like at least one food item until now. Sometimes I feel like it’s just me, but volunteers are constantly complaining about being harassed and about cultural differences. It’s so sad writing this down! Can this place really be this terrible?
I know it’s not true, but because I’m from a different culture it seems like all the people here are extremely rude. There are no words in Sesotho for please or you’re welcome. I hate sounding so racist and mean, but it feels wonderful to finally put on this blog what I feel most of the time. I try to keep everything on the bright side, but today I’m venting full force. Don’t be surprised if I don’t finish my full term here in Lesotho. I’m learning that being miserable is not worth the feeling of accomplishment from finishing a full 2-year service period.
In more happy news again I am in Maseru for Reconnect with my group. It’s so nice to catch up with everyone and to see what everyone has been up to. I haven’t seen some of these volunteers in 8 months! One girl just got back from a visit to America which should be exciting to hear about. I am sure there is a lot we have missed. A sobering moment occurred when I was listening to the radio and the DJ said, “And here’s a song from Pink that was popular a year ago,” and I didn’t know what the song was. A year ago! Pink!! She’s popular! It’s not terrible being out of the loop with popular culture. I’m glad that most of us get on the internet regularly enough to read the big news updates though. One volunteer I know didn’t hear about Obama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize until recently. That’s not good, but I don’t think that happens often. I hope!
In even more happy news I get to see my parents very soon and my boyfriend even sooner! At first I wasn’t very excited, but I think it’s because it didn’t seem real yet. Now there are only a couple weeks until my vacation and it’s coming together. I’m halfway packed and I’m definitely ready to go mentally. I don’t even care what we do; I just want to be with people I love and who love me!
I’ve been sleeping too much recently. I think it’s just because I’m bored. I guess I’m in a bit of a funk, but I know that I’ll be out of it very soon. :)
The seasons have changed for us already and it is hot. I don’t think Spring or Autumn really exist here. It’s winter to summer straight. I was just sleeping with 3 blankets and now I’m only using a sheet and my sleeping bag. I swear no place like this exists anywhere else on this earth.
Take care!!
Emily
Friday, August 6, 2010
Use Somebody
School started again this week. Surprisingly my kids have remembered much of what I taught them last quarter. I’m more than pleased. The first day of classes I introduced “question boxes” for my grade 6 and 7 students. They are for questions that kids may want to ask, but are too shy or embarrassed to do so in front of the class. I’m excited to see how this experiment works. This quarter we are going to learn about puberty which should definitely be an impetus for all sorts of questions.
This month I am traveling a lot! I am in Maseru this weekend for a Gender and Development (GAD) meeting, next weekend I am traveling to Bloemfontein, South Africa for a girl’s weekend (I’m going to get my hair cut for the first time in 7 months! I’m so excited!), and the last weekend of the month I am going to Maseru again for PSN training. I was just nominated to be on the Peer Support Network (PSN) and will now be a resource for other volunteers to call when they need to talk to someone. My program director said he approved of my nomination because I have had some experience with difficult situations. Lol. I am excited to be on this committee.
I’m reading a really good book called Dead Aid (note I did not put an S). We’re talking about charity, cash money given to people who claim to need it. Some believe that giving money to people doesn’t solve problems. After living in Lesotho for over a year now I have seen (and heard) about lots of corruption taking place within NGOs and other charitable organizations. Bilateral aid (governments giving other governments aid) isn’t the answer either. I haven’t finished the book yet, so I don’t know what the answer is, but I am relieved to read something that includes not giving handouts to people in developing countries. Many PCVS (including me) believe that all foreign aid should be taken out of Lesotho, besides maybe Peace Corps only because we teach instead of handing out money. And why stop at Lesotho?
Eleven full months of service left! I plan to COS (leave) in July at the earliest date possible. :) A couple people have asked what I plan to do after this and much to my parents chagrin I believe I will live abroad again for another few years. I don’t have a job in mind yet, but I’ve just started looking. Who knows exactly what the future will bring? I am very excited about it though. And I will probably be living in Africa. I never thought I would make this place home, but this might be the case. I can call my village in Lesotho “my site” or my “place of assignment” instead of “home”. I don’t have to make Lesotho seem like a permanent place of residence, but next year I will probably be calling South Africa “home”. It’s a surreal feeling.
Have I ever mentioned that Maseru has a mall now? It’s owned by South Africans I believe and is really nice. We have a supermarket, a movie theater, and three sit-down restaurants as well as a food court and some decent shops. I saw the Alice in Wonderland movie there when it first came out. The seats aren’t the most comfortable and the popcorn I bought was slightly burnt, but it was a blast! It’s nice to have a place to do everything when I go to Maseru. And it’s open later than the other shops which is really nice. Also, the supermarket always has dates. I flippin love dates.
Right-o. Not much else to write. I should get busy and do something productive like write up a lesson plan. That would be the responsible thing to do. :)
This month I am traveling a lot! I am in Maseru this weekend for a Gender and Development (GAD) meeting, next weekend I am traveling to Bloemfontein, South Africa for a girl’s weekend (I’m going to get my hair cut for the first time in 7 months! I’m so excited!), and the last weekend of the month I am going to Maseru again for PSN training. I was just nominated to be on the Peer Support Network (PSN) and will now be a resource for other volunteers to call when they need to talk to someone. My program director said he approved of my nomination because I have had some experience with difficult situations. Lol. I am excited to be on this committee.
I’m reading a really good book called Dead Aid (note I did not put an S). We’re talking about charity, cash money given to people who claim to need it. Some believe that giving money to people doesn’t solve problems. After living in Lesotho for over a year now I have seen (and heard) about lots of corruption taking place within NGOs and other charitable organizations. Bilateral aid (governments giving other governments aid) isn’t the answer either. I haven’t finished the book yet, so I don’t know what the answer is, but I am relieved to read something that includes not giving handouts to people in developing countries. Many PCVS (including me) believe that all foreign aid should be taken out of Lesotho, besides maybe Peace Corps only because we teach instead of handing out money. And why stop at Lesotho?
Eleven full months of service left! I plan to COS (leave) in July at the earliest date possible. :) A couple people have asked what I plan to do after this and much to my parents chagrin I believe I will live abroad again for another few years. I don’t have a job in mind yet, but I’ve just started looking. Who knows exactly what the future will bring? I am very excited about it though. And I will probably be living in Africa. I never thought I would make this place home, but this might be the case. I can call my village in Lesotho “my site” or my “place of assignment” instead of “home”. I don’t have to make Lesotho seem like a permanent place of residence, but next year I will probably be calling South Africa “home”. It’s a surreal feeling.
Have I ever mentioned that Maseru has a mall now? It’s owned by South Africans I believe and is really nice. We have a supermarket, a movie theater, and three sit-down restaurants as well as a food court and some decent shops. I saw the Alice in Wonderland movie there when it first came out. The seats aren’t the most comfortable and the popcorn I bought was slightly burnt, but it was a blast! It’s nice to have a place to do everything when I go to Maseru. And it’s open later than the other shops which is really nice. Also, the supermarket always has dates. I flippin love dates.
Right-o. Not much else to write. I should get busy and do something productive like write up a lesson plan. That would be the responsible thing to do. :)
Friday, July 23, 2010
Praat Engels Osseblief!!!
Hello! I'm in Maseru for two days trying to attain optimum health since I have had a very stubborn cough for some time now. I have to take an antibiotic for a week unfortunately, but that's life. I also had to obtain an inhaler for the first time in a decade. My asthma is unfortunately exacerbated in this climate. But I hope to be at 100% soon.
Last month was very busy for me. I've been working hard even though it's winter right now and most people are having a bit of a break. I had a workshop for my cooperative members on HIV and Nutrition which went very well. A village health worker performed the condom demonstrations for both male and female condoms (she's Masotho so it was entirely in Sesotho) and nurse from the clinic presented some information on services available for the community. I liked it because I wasn't the one talking the entire time. It was more of a discussion. I have yet to get the feedback forms translated so we'll see what my community wants to learn about next!
Next month school starts again which will keep me busy :) And in September my parents and Aunt Shellie and Aunt Susan will be meeting me in Cape Town for vacation. Gerhardt is going to meet us there as well which will be perfect.
Besides that I have a blog to copy here. I had intended to post in early June so forgive me, but I think it's necessary to post still because of a couple events that should be documented.
Righty-o take care!
-Emily
June 18th 2010
Classifieds
My spirits are high in Lesotho at the moment. Most of it is due to the fact that I am leaving for vacation this weekend. I am so excited to leave the country for longer than just a day trip across the border. I am also excited to see my Afrikaner friends in Jo’burg and to attend 2 World Cup games! My friend and fellow PCV Rocio and I are going to Ellis Stadium for the Spain vs. Honduras game on Monday June 21 and Ghana vs. Germany on Wednesday at Soccer City Stadium. Soccer City is where the kick-off game was last Friday. It’s too bad it was a draw, but I loved watching it in my camp town nonetheless. I’ve been looking forward to World Cup for so long and now it finally is here. I love the energy that has permeated the media and general spirit of most people in Lesotho.
Unfortunately I have some strange and sad news to report as well. I went through a hell and back ordeal where my host brother ran away. I felt as though it was my fault because, well I have to tell the story from the beginning to tell you why I felt that way... I have multiple plots where I grow vegetables at my site. I do it because I like gardening and because I don’t have access to much fresh produce in my village. My host family’s sheep has gotten into the garden multiple times and have eaten quite a few vegetables. I priced the materials it would cost to build a fence and I cannot afford it. I also shouldn’t have to build the fence because the sheep should be watched when they are let out of their corral. They simply shouldn’t have the opportunity to invade the garden, but they do. The last time they did they ate the rest of my lettuce, my spinach and my beloved broccoli plant. I was devastated because winter has just arrived and the lettuce that was left was the last I would have been able to use before our first frost. Everything has died that isn’t a winter crop so I couldn’t plant more lettuce, etc… I told my host grandmother about it and I was angry. I was the angriest I have been in this country. I asked her why she hasn’t respected me enough to take care of her sheep and on and on. (The sheep have never invaded her garden since I have lived here). So that night she castigated the kids and threatened to beat my host brother Bokang because watching the sheep is part of his responsibility. The next morning he pretended to go to school, but instead ran away. No one knew where he was and I cried most of the day because I was so worried. The general feeling was that he crossed the border into South Africa. World Cup is here and the influx of drug dealers, thieves, and general “bad guys” in South Africa is no doubt significant. Bokang is about 10 years old and while he is a resilient Masotho child he is no match for the “bad guys” in South Africa. The possibility of him being hurt was real and I was so worried. Also feeling as though I was responsible didn’t help either. I know that I wasn’t to blame. I didn’t yell at him, I didn’t threaten to beat him, but my issue with the sheep was the instigator of the entire dramatic situation. Thankfully he was found the next day at an extended family’s home nearby (not in South Africa) and he returned home a day after that. It was the second worst experience of my entire life. Maybe I worried too much, but the possibility of harm coming to him seemed very real to me at the time.
Another incident that happened recently is more strange than sad. My host sister’s Mom is now staying at the family compound with us for reasons I don’t entirely understand. Actually the fact that she hasn’t been living with us the entire time is what doesn’t make sense to me. She is mentally ill and has other medical problems. She had been living in South Africa prior to this, but I don’t know in what she was employed. She periodically has “fits” where she laughs for no reason. That in itself isn’t awful and one gets used to it eventually. It’s not frightening or demonic laughter and is just something I try to ignore. Last week she had a fit where she started shrieking instead of laughing. I thought someone was harming her or that she was in pain, but nothing and nobody in our environment seemed to be causing it. She started writhing on the ground and rolling back and forth very fast. Between the yelling and shrieking she was spitting and making other strange noises and I was scared. Thankfully a volunteer was staying with me and we came inside and locked the doors. We watched her through my window until she sat up and looked straight at us. We didn’t leave the house the rest of the night to be safe because she took off shortly after looking at us through the window and ran away somewhere. She came back the next day while I was at the house alone reading and she appeared normal. I’m not sure what to do about the incident as of now, but I’m generally being cautious around her.
Today I am getting over a small cold that I hope will be gone by the time I leave for South Africa. I’ve had the cold almost all week and I think it’s because the weather has gotten significantly colder over a period of just a few days. The temperature has been dropping below freezing in my house at night. It snowed last Tuesday in my village. I didn’t think it would snow here in the lowlands! It’s not fair that I don’t get the beauty of the mountain scenary, but I still get snow. It’s not that bad though and I’m still happy that it’s not summer. :)
Well it’s time to take care of some work-related business on this lovely Saturday. Be well everyone! And watch the World Cup!!!!!!!! I still can’t believe Switzerland beat Spain…or that RSA tied Mexico, or Germany lost to Serbia and that the US tied with Slovenia last night. What the heck is going on? This World Cup has been full of surprises.
Last month was very busy for me. I've been working hard even though it's winter right now and most people are having a bit of a break. I had a workshop for my cooperative members on HIV and Nutrition which went very well. A village health worker performed the condom demonstrations for both male and female condoms (she's Masotho so it was entirely in Sesotho) and nurse from the clinic presented some information on services available for the community. I liked it because I wasn't the one talking the entire time. It was more of a discussion. I have yet to get the feedback forms translated so we'll see what my community wants to learn about next!
Next month school starts again which will keep me busy :) And in September my parents and Aunt Shellie and Aunt Susan will be meeting me in Cape Town for vacation. Gerhardt is going to meet us there as well which will be perfect.
Besides that I have a blog to copy here. I had intended to post in early June so forgive me, but I think it's necessary to post still because of a couple events that should be documented.
Righty-o take care!
-Emily
June 18th 2010
Classifieds
My spirits are high in Lesotho at the moment. Most of it is due to the fact that I am leaving for vacation this weekend. I am so excited to leave the country for longer than just a day trip across the border. I am also excited to see my Afrikaner friends in Jo’burg and to attend 2 World Cup games! My friend and fellow PCV Rocio and I are going to Ellis Stadium for the Spain vs. Honduras game on Monday June 21 and Ghana vs. Germany on Wednesday at Soccer City Stadium. Soccer City is where the kick-off game was last Friday. It’s too bad it was a draw, but I loved watching it in my camp town nonetheless. I’ve been looking forward to World Cup for so long and now it finally is here. I love the energy that has permeated the media and general spirit of most people in Lesotho.
Unfortunately I have some strange and sad news to report as well. I went through a hell and back ordeal where my host brother ran away. I felt as though it was my fault because, well I have to tell the story from the beginning to tell you why I felt that way... I have multiple plots where I grow vegetables at my site. I do it because I like gardening and because I don’t have access to much fresh produce in my village. My host family’s sheep has gotten into the garden multiple times and have eaten quite a few vegetables. I priced the materials it would cost to build a fence and I cannot afford it. I also shouldn’t have to build the fence because the sheep should be watched when they are let out of their corral. They simply shouldn’t have the opportunity to invade the garden, but they do. The last time they did they ate the rest of my lettuce, my spinach and my beloved broccoli plant. I was devastated because winter has just arrived and the lettuce that was left was the last I would have been able to use before our first frost. Everything has died that isn’t a winter crop so I couldn’t plant more lettuce, etc… I told my host grandmother about it and I was angry. I was the angriest I have been in this country. I asked her why she hasn’t respected me enough to take care of her sheep and on and on. (The sheep have never invaded her garden since I have lived here). So that night she castigated the kids and threatened to beat my host brother Bokang because watching the sheep is part of his responsibility. The next morning he pretended to go to school, but instead ran away. No one knew where he was and I cried most of the day because I was so worried. The general feeling was that he crossed the border into South Africa. World Cup is here and the influx of drug dealers, thieves, and general “bad guys” in South Africa is no doubt significant. Bokang is about 10 years old and while he is a resilient Masotho child he is no match for the “bad guys” in South Africa. The possibility of him being hurt was real and I was so worried. Also feeling as though I was responsible didn’t help either. I know that I wasn’t to blame. I didn’t yell at him, I didn’t threaten to beat him, but my issue with the sheep was the instigator of the entire dramatic situation. Thankfully he was found the next day at an extended family’s home nearby (not in South Africa) and he returned home a day after that. It was the second worst experience of my entire life. Maybe I worried too much, but the possibility of harm coming to him seemed very real to me at the time.
Another incident that happened recently is more strange than sad. My host sister’s Mom is now staying at the family compound with us for reasons I don’t entirely understand. Actually the fact that she hasn’t been living with us the entire time is what doesn’t make sense to me. She is mentally ill and has other medical problems. She had been living in South Africa prior to this, but I don’t know in what she was employed. She periodically has “fits” where she laughs for no reason. That in itself isn’t awful and one gets used to it eventually. It’s not frightening or demonic laughter and is just something I try to ignore. Last week she had a fit where she started shrieking instead of laughing. I thought someone was harming her or that she was in pain, but nothing and nobody in our environment seemed to be causing it. She started writhing on the ground and rolling back and forth very fast. Between the yelling and shrieking she was spitting and making other strange noises and I was scared. Thankfully a volunteer was staying with me and we came inside and locked the doors. We watched her through my window until she sat up and looked straight at us. We didn’t leave the house the rest of the night to be safe because she took off shortly after looking at us through the window and ran away somewhere. She came back the next day while I was at the house alone reading and she appeared normal. I’m not sure what to do about the incident as of now, but I’m generally being cautious around her.
Today I am getting over a small cold that I hope will be gone by the time I leave for South Africa. I’ve had the cold almost all week and I think it’s because the weather has gotten significantly colder over a period of just a few days. The temperature has been dropping below freezing in my house at night. It snowed last Tuesday in my village. I didn’t think it would snow here in the lowlands! It’s not fair that I don’t get the beauty of the mountain scenary, but I still get snow. It’s not that bad though and I’m still happy that it’s not summer. :)
Well it’s time to take care of some work-related business on this lovely Saturday. Be well everyone! And watch the World Cup!!!!!!!! I still can’t believe Switzerland beat Spain…or that RSA tied Mexico, or Germany lost to Serbia and that the US tied with Slovenia last night. What the heck is going on? This World Cup has been full of surprises.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Wimpy Blogs
Sorry I haven't written a long blog in awhile. I haven't been in the capital long enough to write anything decent! I will next month though. I'll be in Maseru for a couple nights for training. I just want to write quickly that my address has changed. Our post office situation in my camp town isn't working out as planned so I will use our main office in Maseru as my address for the rest of my service. Don't worry about past letters and packages sent to the old address, I'll keep checking that post office regularly for mail, but please send all future mail to Maseru. Here's the new address:
P.O. Box 554
5 Bowker Rd.
Maseru 100, Lesotho
Southern Africa
Thanks so much!
And now on to the incredible World Cup Final. WOOOOO Spain!! I was so excited last night. I thought Spain had a wonderful chance at winning this World Cup. I wish I had bet money on it...lol. It's cold here today in my camp town. I think we're going to feel the effects of a cold front coming through the Northern Cape this week. I just hope the worst will be over by August. I officially now have one more year left here. I hope to get out the first week I am able to apply for a close of service date. :) Now it does feel like the home stretch.
I hope you all are enjoying a lovely summer. If I were there I would go to Cedar Point. I've been thinking about it soooo much recently! I think that's only thing I'm doing as soon as I get back to Ohio. :)
Be Well
P.O. Box 554
5 Bowker Rd.
Maseru 100, Lesotho
Southern Africa
Thanks so much!
And now on to the incredible World Cup Final. WOOOOO Spain!! I was so excited last night. I thought Spain had a wonderful chance at winning this World Cup. I wish I had bet money on it...lol. It's cold here today in my camp town. I think we're going to feel the effects of a cold front coming through the Northern Cape this week. I just hope the worst will be over by August. I officially now have one more year left here. I hope to get out the first week I am able to apply for a close of service date. :) Now it does feel like the home stretch.
I hope you all are enjoying a lovely summer. If I were there I would go to Cedar Point. I've been thinking about it soooo much recently! I think that's only thing I'm doing as soon as I get back to Ohio. :)
Be Well
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