tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32007192297780998122024-03-13T05:48:56.702-07:00So Long!SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-79679088549106460022013-02-06T06:21:00.002-08:002013-02-06T06:21:23.212-08:00The 'Dark Ages'<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Luckily I have an amazing support network- most of us PCVs
learned quickly not to rely on our counterparts or Peace Corps- but each other.
I have several fellow PCV who I know I can always say something as simple as
“he’s such an ass” or “just cried on public transport, again” and they will
know exactly what and who I am talking about and how to make me feel better. I
also know how big of a deal it is when another volunteer BBMs me royally pissed
off because her markers are missing, there is a creche in her house, or someone f’d up a row of the garden.
Because when you are having a bad month just stubbing a tow can spiral into a
full melt down. </div>
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And that is what I was having. A bad f’n month…which led to
another…</div>
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It happens to most volunteers at least once in service, my
friend recently referred to a couple months of my service as “the dark time”- I
can laugh at it now because I feel like I have done a 180 and loving life.
Peace Corps has this thing called the “Volunteer Life Cycle,” which I think is silly-
but it tells us when we are supposed to be happy and when we are supposed to be
miserable. My emotions and productivity have not really correlated to what they
predict and considering I changed sites half way through my service I think my
brain/cycle was extra screwed up. </div>
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When talking to a fellow PCV who
also had a long run of bad days prior to my dark time I tried figuring out what
it was that caused mine, got me through it, and got me out of it. As I
mentioned before, other volunteers were a key aspect. I share my shopping town
with one other volunteer who I can say without hesitation has been one of the
best influences I have had in South Africa and also my life. He is not only
great because I get zero harassment in town when I am with him (sure, we’re
married…) or because we can cuss like well traveled sailors and have a couple
beers on a Tuesday afternoon before facing the taxi rank again, but he is also
great because he is a friend. It is incredibly helpful for both of us to be
able to talk about village life face to face- and more importantly non village
life face to face… It sucked I had to move sites, and sucks that the new site
is actually more problematic than the last- but the silver lining is I now have
Sean as a shopping town mate, great mentor and friend. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJClZGwYTrs/URJlryyp9aI/AAAAAAAAC3g/GdtuF9DOS3M/s1600/IMG_2661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJClZGwYTrs/URJlryyp9aI/AAAAAAAAC3g/GdtuF9DOS3M/s320/IMG_2661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So where was I going with this?
Oh right, dealing with crappiness and what helps. Keeping busy and not lying in
bed watching a whole TV series in a weekend is one place to start and another
for me is working out. Being busy with training and my kids was at times
stressful but definitely helped me enjoy site. However, if I only worked out
and worked I don’t think I would be feeling this great. I cannot stress enough
how lucky I am to be a part of this Peace Corps community, I have made such
amazing friends from different walks of life. Some of the people I consider my
best friends range from a 24 year old fresh out of college male to a 70 year
old woman- with a huge range in between. I love that I talk to a woman who is
older than my mother (I suppose could be my grandmother) as a friend. No
reservations, just real talk. </div>
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My Peace Corps family has
helped in ways that I could never actually explain. It is an unconditional
love, support, and understanding that would normally come from years of close
friendship. We were all thrown in this weird alternate reality where we saw
each other at our worst before we saw the best. We literally all had horrible diarrhea
the first full day in country, it was an ice breaker- we cried, we laughed, we freaked out- we were a little crazy...</div>
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It seems like after I would get past one challenge another
one would slap me in the- so it was my friends who gave me the courage, confidence,
and strength to slap back. Whether in Peace Corps with a less than perfect
situation or in the states, bad days happen, bad months and sometimes years
happen. I think the difference might be that in PC it is pretty much guaranteed. I am so grateful for my PC family- SA23 and my friends from the other group, this really has been the
hardest but most amazing experience of my life. And I love SA23!!!! </div>
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SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-45486102579382280422013-02-06T06:01:00.001-08:002013-02-06T06:02:18.870-08:00Condoms with Gogos and a Slip N Slide<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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September and October were insane, I went back to the USA
and had amazing family time, got back to RSA for a week long camp GLOW, then
went to the city for a committee meeting where I gladly retired from being
chair of the Diversity Committee to only have to take on the role two weeks
later when both the new chair and secretary left early from Peace Corps to go
home. Then November rolled around, I was ecstatic for the election and denying
my birthday. The South African Postal System went on strike, so I was out of
two of my medicines as they are sent from the Peace Corps office. I figured I
could handle some of the discomfort and the ones I was out of I can live
without- I thought toughing it out was the PC thing to do. When I started
putting more energy into Community Health Worker trainings and I was getting
back to my normal site pattern I got sick. Apparently consistent vomiting,
blood where it shouldn’t be, and not being able to eat was cause for concern. </div>
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Shame. </div>
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All of a sudden I had to leave site (again), my supervisor
was not at all sympathetic and I felt not only sick but incredibly guilty for
leaving my GLOW girls and the community health workers (zero guilt leaving my
sup he can type CV’s on his own). </div>
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The PC officer was pretty sure I either had Schistosomiasis
or ulcers, either way I had to go to the city. I self diagnosed myself with
ulcers, I’ve had GERD since age 10 and with my meds screwed up it was the
obvious culprit. After a couple poo and blood tests the med officer ruled out
Schisto- so I was treated for ulcers. After about 10 days I could keep food
down and was on my way back to site. Yay! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vzz-gK2OEmU/URJgwqxxe9I/AAAAAAAAC2w/G-vsB-Qyhcw/s1600/IMG_4161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vzz-gK2OEmU/URJgwqxxe9I/AAAAAAAAC2w/G-vsB-Qyhcw/s320/IMG_4161.JPG" width="240" /></a>At this point my countdown for holiday and for being done
with Peace Corps was in the front of my mind. Time was flying and I had to make
sure to make the most of everyday, even if I had little motivation or will for
the org (primary project) and just wanted to work with my kids- I knew I needed
to at least try AGAIN at doing something meaningful with the NGO. I continued
doing CHW (community health worker) trainings that I had been doing weekly,
focusing on HIV and basic health care. I started doing the trainings because
they asked me to, and there was an obvious need. Randomly the project manager
demanded I train them every day, at first I thought maybe this was a good sign?
Was he suddenly interested in the well-being of our clients and wanted to make
this a legitimate organization? Awoa!! NOPE! My silly optimism tricked me once
again, he wanted to punish the CHWs because he knew they weren’t working all
day and I had a sneaky suspicion he wanted to punish me because as other
projects of mine grew I had less time to sit and be his secretary. After
several painful conversations it was clear that I would not 1)do these
trainings daily (for a lot of reasons) and 2)I would not do them by myself
(although I was predicting that is exactly what would happen). </div>
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I made a schedule of what I would be able to do and
explained how and when I would need help. I enjoy the CHWs and I enjoy
facilitating these trainings, I was not angry I had to do them, I was angry at
the lack of support from the people who are supposed to be my counterparts and
the fact that I was their punishment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-90hBfY9UELo/URJgy2vPaRI/AAAAAAAAC28/YnxYPrnypP8/s1600/IMG_4158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-90hBfY9UELo/URJgy2vPaRI/AAAAAAAAC28/YnxYPrnypP8/s320/IMG_4158.JPG" width="320" /></a>It is frightening how little many of the caregivers knew
about HIV and frustrating that I had to beg the managers to help me translate -to
only have them walk away a quarter through my training to go back inside to
watch movies on the new laptop. I was pissed at the fact this is supposed to be
my primary project, but as my anger wore off I started having fun. These
frustrations were not new nor were they a surprise, but still legitimate
frustrations. The Gogos (old women) and I would laugh, talk about sex, laugh,
talk about the weather, laugh at my attempts at Sotho, dance, laugh at me
dancing, talk more about sex, abuse, alcoholism, and HIV, and laugh more. Sex
talks are always educational, prevention/transmission of STIs/HIV or biology-
it’s not like we are talking about sex like we’re at brunch after a walk of
shame or something - just clerifying.</div>
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So there I was, punishing the CHWs because they don’t work
all day (does anyone?) and trying to catch up on several trainings I canceled
because I was on medical hold while also continuing with my other projects.
That countdown to holiday was also ticking away and my guilt for leaving for a
month was getting the best of me. I decided to do trainings 4 days per week and
meet with my GLOW girls officially (structured lessons) twice a week and
unofficially once per week. I was busy, but happy. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--WArMXhu2ec/URJg_TrLN5I/AAAAAAAAC3M/OJu9vNVlFIQ/s1600/IMG_4311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--WArMXhu2ec/URJg_TrLN5I/AAAAAAAAC3M/OJu9vNVlFIQ/s400/IMG_4311.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qXiMs6H13ds/URJgy4MLu8I/AAAAAAAAC24/mFfiE97Htvc/s1600/IMG_4172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qXiMs6H13ds/URJgy4MLu8I/AAAAAAAAC24/mFfiE97Htvc/s200/IMG_4172.JPG" width="200" /></a>Then I bought a large sheet of plastic I use as a Slip n
Slide. SJO!!! I am lucky to have a running tap in our yard so I figure I might
as well beat the heat with some fun. As the kids were running around and I was
sweating like a hooker in church- I got the plastic out. I put some dish soap
on it and they kids began to stare are me like the crazy lekgowa I am. I dumped
some water on the plastic, took a few leaps back, ran and dove on the plastic.
I flew past the kids not stopping when the 4 metres of plastic stopped….and
ended up in the mud. GAME ON!!!!! Before I could rinse the soap out of my eyes
Surprise and Boy Boy were in their underwear playing. Within ten minutes the
yard was full of children screaming and running around. It was, hands down, the
best purchase I have made at site. Better than a kettle or wet wipes-
seriously! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next couple weeks were beyond crazy- but great. I was
obsessed with a workout competition amongst a group of my friends so was
working out regularly, training going as well as possible, GLOW continuing
strong (despite exams at school), and having a blast with the kids. Since
school was pretty much done I didn’t have to harp on them about homework, we
could just play in the water and make jewelry! The best! </div>
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The day before I was to leave
for SA 23s Close of Service Conference I had a party for my GLOW girls- then
opened it up to all the neighbor kids. It was an amazing day with tons of
beads, dancing, slip n sliding, pizza, cold drink, and some small gifts. I was
very happy to leave for the conference then off on holiday on such a high note.
Although I did get a little choked up saying bye, which shows what a mess I am
going to be when I say bye for good-but I’m not thinking about that right now! It
was an amazing end of the year and now I am back at site trying to stay as busy
and productive before my final departure in 6 weeks! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"></span></span> </div>
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SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-21880594583034881952012-10-16T02:04:00.001-07:002012-10-16T02:04:53.602-07:00CAMP GLOW!!! Condom races and musical chairs!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was AWESOME!!!! I am not sure how to
fully explain all of the awesomeness but overall it was a success. The girls
had a great time, learned a lot, our venue was great, and we had fun. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wePsDWGxD1w/UH0hydntOUI/AAAAAAAACgI/k73du5CTEZM/s1600/IMG_3846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wePsDWGxD1w/UH0hydntOUI/AAAAAAAACgI/k73du5CTEZM/s640/IMG_3846.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">B</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">asic set up of camp:</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81Ufyolqo4g/UH0cpSdK76I/AAAAAAAACfQ/cmij7rGYPGk/s1600/DSC_6529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81Ufyolqo4g/UH0cpSdK76I/AAAAAAAACfQ/cmij7rGYPGk/s200/DSC_6529.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xOjftRo3Ec/UH0dfP3k6YI/AAAAAAAACfg/vxZFjMCSxak/s1600/DSC00075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xOjftRo3Ec/UH0dfP3k6YI/AAAAAAAACfg/vxZFjMCSxak/s200/DSC00075.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Four PCVs each raised money and planned
camp- me, Cate, Ethan, and Andrew. We each brought girls form our communities
totally 32 girls ages 15-17 (ish). Two of these PCVs were male, therefore were
mostly invisible during camp as this camp was all about empowerment and
leadership for young women. It was important for us to create a safe and
comfortable environment for these girls to learn, ask questions, and grow-
therefore it was all female. We still took full advantage of the boys free time
by having them help prep (blow up condom balloons, rinse tye die t shirts,
etc) and had one session about 'inside a boys head'. We also had four other PCVs come help as counselors, and they were phenomenal!
Kristina, Stephanie, Linda, and Teresa took time out of their schedules to be
pretty much ‘big sisters’ to the girls. We split the group of girls into four
teams and each counselor was the leader of one team. This was a huge help when
we talked about sensitive topics and needed smaller group discussions. They
also made sure the girls went to bed on time, lead energizers, made sure their
girls were showing up, and just made sure everything was running smoothly. Cate
and I facilitated all of the sessions and although we had a lot of fun with the
girls our role was more of the serious teacher role. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44itEixa8Xg/UH0clWi4IcI/AAAAAAAACfI/58n5dv9NCUM/s1600/DSC_6503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-44itEixa8Xg/UH0clWi4IcI/AAAAAAAACfI/58n5dv9NCUM/s200/DSC_6503.JPG" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We found it incredibly helpful to have each
counselor be responsible for 8 set girls, and build a relationship within that
team. Each team sat together, had bunks in the same area, and competed against
other teams. We assigned colours for the teams but then with the help of the
counselors they named their team, we had team green, The African Queens; Red,
Superwomen; Blue, indestructible blue?; and yellow, Yellow Fever. Not only did
we keep things running smoothly by screaming “LAST TEAM BACK DOES PUSHUPS” or
“FIRST TEAM READY GETS FIVE POINTS!” but we ended on a fun note with a GLOW
Decathlon. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzgl1b8taYA/UH0dEbNTp0I/AAAAAAAACfY/-OiK_pkd7-M/s1600/DSC00071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzgl1b8taYA/UH0dEbNTp0I/AAAAAAAACfY/-OiK_pkd7-M/s320/DSC00071.JPG" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a jam packed schedule with lessons
ranging from the immune system, healthy relationships, HIV transmission and
prevention, condom use, abstaining, early pregnancy and economics, myths &
facts of HIV, peer pressure and negotiation, sex, goal setting, aaaand bunches
of other stuff. We related pretty much every session to good decision making
and HIV while trying to make them as fun and interactive as possible. One of
the most important things for us was to continually empower these young women
and make sure they know they have the right to choose. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-laDnQIXCObg/UH0chiMlNUI/AAAAAAAACfA/jxBCPxz5ZsI/s1600/DSC_6435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-laDnQIXCObg/UH0chiMlNUI/AAAAAAAACfA/jxBCPxz5ZsI/s320/DSC_6435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Empowerment is a tricky thing, it’s great
to talk about- but how do you empower a group? Especially a group of young
females in a society where women are marginalized, there are few positive role
models, and abuse and rape are so high many people consider it normal. I am no
expert, I have just been pretty much guessing at everything I have done for the
last 21 months (thanks for the great trainings, PC, not) but from my humble
opinion information is the most important. Any theory regarding behavior change
involves knowledge so I figure that is a pretty good place to start. But, these
kids have information thrown at them all the time. School usually involved a
teacher talking or them copying notes from a book- that is if there is a
teacher- so we had to be strategic with presenting information. Then of course
you have to take information a step further. Motivation. Give them a reason to
use the information we are giving them and possibly make some changes in their
lives. I find it is not that difficult to pump the girls up, just be excited
tell real life stories, show how hard work pays off- but then they need the
tools. So not just telling them not to have sex or do drugs, but giving them
the tools to say no, fight peer pressure, and ways to negotiate. Not just tell
them to be faithful and use a condom, but show what happens when people have
many sexual partners and exactly how to use a condom properly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXkvwFikYbk/UH0d21sbKrI/AAAAAAAACfo/gEbRgHL_V7Q/s1600/DSC00078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXkvwFikYbk/UH0d21sbKrI/AAAAAAAACfo/gEbRgHL_V7Q/s200/DSC00078.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Condoms were one of the biggest hits. We
blew them up, we popped them, we raced to see who could put a condom on a
cucumber the fastest (and properly), and we had them practice. Condom
demonstrations are fun, debunking myths of them being too small (ha) and having
them handle both female and male condoms so they are not scared is interactive
and incredibly important. This is just one more way of giving the girls the
information and power to make healthy decisions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4aa2hDeCnZI/UH0iwSr6tVI/AAAAAAAACgQ/N6vFMsYTW2Q/s1600/IMG_3801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4aa2hDeCnZI/UH0iwSr6tVI/AAAAAAAACgQ/N6vFMsYTW2Q/s400/IMG_3801.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think another favorite for some girls was
taking the girls to the river. That was fun, but exhausting. Many of these
girls had never been in water over their head and being in a river caused a
little chaos. I had to revert back to my lifeguarding and swim teaching days
and lay down the law a couple times, but it was worth it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another huge plus for me was hanging out
with other PCVs. It was wonderful feeling productive and like I was doing
something that matters for the girls, but it would not have been possible if
the 8 of us were not able to come together. I have a feeling if PCVs were able
to collaborate more often or placed closer together all of our services would
be so much better. Pulling off this camp was stressful and a lot of work, but
so worth it! So thanks again to everyone who donated, wouldn’t have been able
to do it without you! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-77035756767148049422012-10-11T06:20:00.002-07:002012-10-11T06:21:05.822-07:00Some Perspective <br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">WELL, America was wonderful. It was pretty
much the same as when I left but my parent’s house was different, niece was
talking (a lot) I had a nephew & many other babies in the fam, and a lot of political ads. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A lot of people were asking if it was
weird, or if I was overwhelmed, or was I angry there is so much ‘stuff’- and
really, no. Home will always be home. Do I think there is too much unnecessary
stuff, DUH! of course, but I thought that before leaving. Some of my
perspectives are a bit different but I did not have a break down in the grocery
store when I saw several different kinds of lettuce or a whole isle of
delicious cereals, I laughed a little and was super grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That probably sums most of it up, I laughed a
lot and was super grateful. Oh, but America is really vein- is it really
necessary to have mirrors all over-not cool! But with that vanity comes pretty people-
the first thing I noticed along with all the English when I got to the ATL
airport was how clean and put together everyone was…besides me. And I do not like
automatic flush toilets, also not cool- the one in the airport really got me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although I felt like I relaxed a lot, I
actually did a lot. Several sleep overs with G, bachelorette party, wedding,
family party, Emmett’s first birthday, sleep over with Mal, exercise and coffee
with Brit and shawn, night with Nat, not one but TWO nights with Hill, Fiesta
Charras w the crazies, meeting SO MANY BABIES- it was great. I didn’t get to
see everyone but I enjoyed the time I did spend with everyone. I learned babysitting
two children is way more intense than one (sorry about the black eye E) and
above all family time is the most important. Just walking around Kohls with my
sister and mom, Meijer’s with my dad, pumpkin ale with my brother, watching
Mugsy be a multi tasking bomb ass mom- hot tubbing, sleepovers and family
dinners which led to doing nothing in the family room- that was the best. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The wedding, which I guess was the catalyst
that got me home- was great. Maggie looked stunning and I think we all had a
rock’n good time. I was glad I was in the bridal party so I didn’t have to
think about what to wear- and can I get an AMEN that the dress fit?! Whoop
whoop!!! I am very VERY happy for Matt and Mags, and am so happy to welcome
Matt into this crazy group we call family. It was also relieving to feel like I
could slip right back in the family even though I have missed a lot, so- thanks
for welcoming me with open arms! </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I felt a bit overwhelmed whenever I tried
explaining anything because there really is no explaining my life- especially
without sounding angry or cynical. At times I was probably too honest, and
other times I was probably straight up lying and perpetuating the romantic idea
of what everyone likes to think of our lives, but hey- that’s the shorter conversation
(‘oh yeaaa its great, I love it, people are so nice, I hug babies’). But the
truth is somewhere in the middle of hating it and loving it, I guess I am not
really even sure how I feel about everything. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I feel more motivated after visiting home.
I am in the home stretch of being here and ready to rock n roll! It is natural
to talk more about successes rather than failures, so through talking to people
I was reminded of all of the things I have done. Yes it is true, my language
sucks and I have watched a lot of movies- but I realized I have actually done
some legit stuff. To me some of the successes really aren’t that big of a deal-
so what I did my job- but maybe if I felt a little more, I guess, proud of
myself, and cut myself some slack I would enjoy the little things more. I would
have more energy, hope, and motivation to do more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So.
Here I go. Cutting some slack. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bottom line. My family is amazing. I can’t
express that enough, I am very very very lucky to have my family and friends in
my life. So, thank you to everyone I saw and helped me not only raise money for
camp GLOW but reminded me why I am doing what I am doing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ke a leboga. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-70003895181280309462012-08-28T04:36:00.000-07:002012-08-28T04:36:04.098-07:00My Moms visit!!!
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is incredibly outdated, i kept wanting to put pictures in it but that takes much more internet strength than is possible... maybe soon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blog july 7 2012<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Its been about a week and a half since Mamma Spud has been
rock’n & roll’n in South Africa! It started June 28<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> with my
tired eyed bun headed self waiting at the arrival terminal in OR Tambo
international airport. Her flight landed at 720 am, meaning I had to leave the
backpackers at 545am to catch a train to take me to the airport from Pretoria.
I got to the meeting place at 715am and was more anxious than I remember ever
being on a Christmas eve or election day (maybe). A load of people exited the
sliding glass doors of freedom, it was fun to see so many hugs, smiles, and
kisses- and even better because that meant the good waiting spots were starting
to clear up. I sat back with my coffee watching people struggle pushing their
luggage through the doors to finally reach the point their loved ones could
come and help them, and watched some confused tourist look through the many
people holding small signs while they looked for their name on a sheet of
paper, clearly having no idea what company their travel agent booked them
through and where they are going now. As the flight trickled in and people left
I was able to find a perfect waiting spot against the barrier, near the edge so
I had easy access to step around but clear view of the glass doors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then, I waited. I watched other people run to each other and
hug, little kids running and jumping- and couldn’t help but cry. I was so so so
excited, happy, anxious, and nervous I couldn’t help but be a bit overwhelmed. 730,
750, 800, 830… jesus mom get here! Her plane was landed and according to the
info board overhead it said everyone had disembarked. As the people trickled in
the tapping on my foot and biting of my nails increased and I began imagining
my mom at customs not being able to remember where we were going. Or maybe one
of the suitcases full of donations was lost- ah! I was so nervous! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finally a little lady pushing a big cart appeared, I stared
at her and wasn’t sure at first if it was my mom. She looked confused, so it
must be. I began to run to the doors (security is a bit…lax) and I think I
scared the crap out of her. We were both surprised to see each other, actually
I think my mom was still confused at who was hugging her. Apparently she didn’t
realize she was already through customs and was shocked to see me. Ha. We may
have caused a small scene, but I think we did our excitement justice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I did not give my mom time to rest- we had a lot to do and I
had some work to finish up before I could relax. We took the Guatrain to the
best place in Pretoria, Khayalethu- the backpackers where I’ve spent more time
than I should admit. But the people here are more of a host family than I have
in the village, so my mom had to experience it! Since we had to rearrange
suitcases and get my mom settled we stayed in the private guest house rather
than the dorms (fancy I know) and it was great! We showered and immediately
headed downtown so I could turn in some paper work for my org to the department
and went to the PC office so I could take care of some medical nonsense. Looking
back that was a little cruel of me, but she saw a lot of my PC life right away.
The office, experienced tea with KZ, met one of the PC head people, saw the
general crappy shady-ness that is Pretoria, lack of customer service of the
department of social development, we even stumbled on a police station to ask
directions, and saw Bosman (my taxi rank when I travel in) and we rode the
train again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That evening was great, one of my dear friends also happened
to be in PTA so the three of us had a very delicious and fun dinner, drank
beer, and went through all the fun things my mom brought from home (And of
course ate chocolate). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cape Town<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next morning we took the Gautrain back to the airport
and flew to Cape town, and Cape Town was just fab, well it became fab after I
was done fighting with a taxi driver. We stayed at an adorable and very
friendly backpackers called Amber Tree Lodge. It was very exciting because two
other PCVs trip overlapped with ours so we were able to hang out with them for
a couple of days. We had an amazing wine tour that was SO much fun! The four of
us did a tour with AfricanStory and consumed a lot of wine, learned more than I
ever needed to know about wine, learned I really DO NOT like brandy, and ate an
amazing meal. We had a great tour group and seriously laughed the whole time!
My mom and I also did a tour all around the city, and on another day did a tour
around Cape Peninsula, and of course Table Mountain and Robben Island. It was
the most touristy week either of us has ever had! Considering we only had 5
nights there and there is so much to do I’m glad we did things through tours.
We could have definitely spent another couple days just hanging out and
exploring the great food choices, but we still managed to get to the markets
and eat a LOT of great food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was so excited with all the salad choices I think I think
I ordered a salad every meal, it was wonderful. Our favourite was a place
called Davinci’s on Long street and Fat Cactus on Park. Fat Cactus was a
Tex-Mex place and it was great. The four of us had a hilarious time there, we
showed up and the place was packed. Apparently there was some important rugby
game on, so we waited at the bar for a table, naturally, we got a pitcher of
margaritas and an appetizer. Margarita was excellent and so were are nachos.
Our table was outside, it was cold, and the service was very slow. So obviously
we ordered another pitcher of margaritas and another appetizer. My mom stuck to
Corona so the three of us enjoyed our drinks- the best part was they gave us
BLANKETS because it was cold. This place was the best. Then we got our burritos
(probably after 2 hours) and instead of tortilla chips we got normal South
African chips (French fries!) ha! Awesome. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">July 20<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> – rest of the visit!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back to Limpopo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was ready to head back, CT was great but I was out of my
element. I was overwhelmed with the city and my lack of knowing how to get
around, what best to do, and well, I guess just being a tourist. I was
exhausted! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we got back to Pretoria we stayed the night at
Khayalethu before heading to Limpopo. It was pretty crazy because a LOT of PCVs
were there for various reasons- but most because a group just got done with a
training. So my mom met even more PCVs and heard a lot of random stories and I
think hearing us all talk probably gave her a more intimate view of our lives
than she normally would have not got. Luckily for us, it was Pizza night! My
mom became BFFs with the Kreate Pizza crew and we had a nice evening with pizza
and beer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next morning we picked up our rental car (later to be
named PoloPot) and headed to Mokopane for Lunch at my old watering hole with
Seth and Cate- my lunch mates when I lived there- then to Polokwane. Being back
in Mokopane is always weird, I miss it in a weird way. Mainly miss the
familiarity and my shopping town buddies (Cate, Seth, Elizabeth). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Polokwane was excellent, as always. We stayed at Lyndas site-
as in, the Polokwane Game Reserve. Cate joined us and it was a party as three
other volunteers were there. So including Lynda it was 7 of us celebrating 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
of July. We didn’t have fire works but we had a great BBQ, plenty of beer, and
Lynda made homemade apple pie. My mom loved the reserve, because it was great
and Lynda is the best host ever, duh! We enjoyed driving through the game
reserve to see some game and also walking through it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">From Polokwane we went to Tzaneen for two nights. It was
really nice and relaxing, and we saw the giant Baobab tree! That was an
adventure in itself- just trying to find the damn tree! I got directions online
which I should have known would be sketch, but after many turn arounds and dirt
roads (where we prob should have had a 4 wheeler) we made it! The tree was,
giant. Ha, it was really cool- but the hype of having a pub inside it was a bit
false. There is a pretend bar inside, but whatever it was cool. My mom pointed
out how it would have been much nicer is there wasn’t piles of wood next to it,
and plastic signs on it- but hey, TISA! (This is South Africa) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After Tzaneen we went to Phalaborwa, the nearest town to
where I live. We drove through Kruger which was tons of fun- and of course
hilarious when we didn’t see ANY animals at first. We eventually saw a lot of
elephants, zebra, smaller game (different gazelles and boks) giraffes, and
hippos. The drive itself was also pretty fun. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was really amazing spending time in the village with my
mom, although it was a bit cramped in my little house and at one point we were
both miserable because we were sick- it was wonderful! She was such a trooper!
Of course she was great with the kids and they love her! I am very lucky to
have had her here, she brought so many donations that will keep my arts and
crafts fun times up for a long time! I wish I could borrow her brain and
motivation! She had so many wonderful ideas she showed me, and seemed to have
tons of energy to play and work with the kids. After being here this long I am
tired. Very tired, so it was refreshing to have someone so…fresh! I wish I
could have done more with her in the village while here, but the flu kept us
down for a couple days – but I think I still managed to give her a glimpse of
my life. She worked in the office with me and saw everyone else sitting and
doing literally nothing for hours. She was asked very awkward questions and was
begged for money/gifts. She saw the pure joy in the kids when you gave them
something as little as a piece of paper and crayons. She saw why I am in love
with my kids. She experienced the taxis- something I can never really describe.
And I think she had fun, I am very – very grateful I was able to spend three
weeks with my mom, doesn’t matter how old I am she will always inspire me and
make me feel better. I already miss her </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-71584043004492485902012-06-22T08:57:00.000-07:002012-06-22T08:58:38.908-07:00Bored and Annoyed<br />
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<span lang="EN-ZA">Ok, so these are a outdated a bit and written when I was having a rough week.... whatevs! </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">Blog June 7<sup>th</sup> 2012</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">The schools here suck. Testing time has
begun, which means it is like pulling teeth to get anything done, then, there
is a three week break- then a new term. It is week one of testing and the
school is already off the timetable, and no one really knows what is going on.
The grade 8 and 9 classes didn’t get the tests on time, so they aren’t going to
school- because why on earth would a teacher teach? Why would they want to make
use of valuable class time? My org supervisor hasn’t been in the office all
week, and it only takes so much time to argue with the cooks and explain how to
divide the food to make it last 13 days instead of 6… I know the bottom line
with that is when they cook too much food they get to take it home, then we run
out at the end of the month, then no one has to come to work. In the words of
the coordinator “It’s no problem, we’ll just close and not feed kids” yeaa…
actually it is a problem… Our funder is pulling out at the end of the month
anyway, so I don’t know why I continue to try and “build capacity”… capacity
shmacity. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA">But, that is why I work with the schools.
Department of Education is not exactly ideal, they are pretty horribly corrupt
and the system is broken, but at least at the schools there is some resemblance
of structure. I have also met a couple teachers who seem to be fairly motivated
and want to expand the clubs/after school program so that is a plus… but it has
to wait until mid July… </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">The only productive thing I will do today
is go to another organization and continue a nutrition/HIV lesson. It is funny
how projects start, I was leaving the school when three women (the org is next
to the school) came up to me and asked me to teach them. “Sure!” I said, then
looked at the “homework” they had to do (I think from a class the Dept of
Health is giving). The questions were pretty specific about nutrition and how
to treat different kinds of patients, so I asked if they had a book. Nope.
Notes? Nope. “Did the department give you anything? Any notes, or a manual, any
book?” I asked, but nope, the department told them to research it. I suggested
going to the library, but that would involve transport money… After a couple
minutes I finally got the message across that I would not do it FOR them, but I
would gladly prepare some lessons for them. They got excited and said they
could open a classroom so I could teach… now… WHOAAA… I need to prepare! I knew
most of what I needed to know, but I need more than five minutes to become a
nutrition and diabetes expert. At least an hour… so anyway, I prepared a lesson
and went to the org the next day and got through about one third of it before I
knew it was time to stop. So today I will go back and hopefully the connection
between carbohydrates, sugar, and diabetes is still clear. Then, apparently, I
will be preparing a new lesson for next week (topics TBA-next week). </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">So I have about three weeks until my mom
gets here (YAY!!!), three long weeks. I will push through with going to the
school and hoping some girls want to meet, being a food nazi and rationing the
food so the kids can eat, and explaining the food pyramid (and too much pap
does not make you strong, it makes you fat and diabetic) to the other drop in
centre. What can I say, Peace Corps, saving the world since 1961. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">June 13, 2012</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">Two weeks until my mom gets here, thank
god! This week has been pretty crappy, thank goodness Wed in almost over. Peace
Corps would make lives for the volunteers a lot easier if they would explain to
our organizations that we are community volunteers, not pets of these
non-functioning organizations. PCSA sure is providing a lot of very
overqualified chair warmers and clerical worker. We are treated like children
while simultaneously expected to work miracles. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">Today was particular frustrating, actually,
it was the first time “maybe I should just leave” came through my mind as my
first instinct, which considering the last year you’d think I would have
thought that much earlier. As quickly as the idea of quitting came through my
head it left. I don’t want to leave, I am just annoyed. I think because I had
such excitement coming into this new site that when people do dumb stuff, lie,
or are just lazy I am even more disappointed. At least at my last site I knew
people were stealing money and they sucked, but now I have to go through all
the disappointments all over again. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">Thank god for my girls. I am in love with
the two little girls that live near me and I think when the new term starts my
girls clubs will be great. My garden project is on hold until next season, but
that’s ok- it will be better then- until then I am just hoping the Gogos don’t
burn my compost pile…again. So after a rather frustrating day I got back to my
house, snuck in the gate without my little girls seeing me, got in my house and
shut the door hoping for some peace and quiet. As soon as I got my hair in a
ponytail I hear shrieks of excitement and confusion at my door, the first thing
I usually do is greet the girls and give big hugs- this shut door was new to
them, and I felt way too guilty ignoring them. Five seconds after I opened the
door I was giving big hugs and smiling, what can I say- I’m so PC. </span></div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-4419443846308353912012-05-25T07:20:00.000-07:002012-05-25T07:21:01.833-07:00GIMMEEEE!!!!!!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">May 11 2012<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Donation list:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, my mom will be here at the end of June (HOLLER!) and I
figure this is a perfect opportunity for her to bring stuff to my site that
people want to donate. Over the last year a lot of people have asked how they
can help- and now is the time! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As most of you know at my last site my most exciting and
successful program was a girls club. Because an after school program focusing
on health education, female empowerment, HIV prevention, and decrease in risky
behaviour is in great need and is something I can do as a secondary project, I
have started a new girls club but also expand it to two separate age groups,
both from the secondary school. This means I need more supplies and ideas for
activities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Groups will meet once per week for about 2 hours and lessons
will vary with a main emphasis on HIV education/prevention and female
empowerment. I found the girls loved doing any type of arts & craft, and
the first time they used paint was beyond exciting! Arts and crafts allowed for
lessons to be fun and interactive, and let the girls express themselves, when
they would otherwise be very boring. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first week of September four other PCVs and I are
hosting a camp for the girls, each of us will bring about 8 girls for a week
full of awesomeness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">MONEY! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Money is not always exciting to give, but it is the best and
easiest way you can help. The money you donate will go directly to funding a
girl from my community to go to camp. This is also a great option for those of
you who are not in Michigan and wouldn’t be able to get supplies to my mom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How to donate: </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That is a great question, I am in the process of setting up
a account on PayPal where you can directly donate using debit or credit… but
that is not ready yet. All money donated will go directly to sponsoring a girl
for the Camp. More details to come </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Arts & Crafts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tie die (for 60 shirts)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paint<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paint brushes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Old magazines<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Crayons/markers/coloured pencils<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Colouring books<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beads/jewellery making tools/materials<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">School supplies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Notebooks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pencils<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pens<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Erasers <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Office supplies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pens<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Permanent markers <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Books <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kindergarten – grade 12 (English as a second
language) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And material to help teach English and reading<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Garden <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seeds (cabbage, beetroot, green beans, green
pepper, any legume, onion, spinach, carrots)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Toothbrushes/toothpaste<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Any and all will help! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shirts/screen print<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This would be for the camp; we want to have t
shirts made for the participants. If anyone has the hook up with getting shirts
and/or screen printing donated or discounted we could have them made at home-
and when I visit home in September I would get them and bring them back. It
would be about 50 shirts with screen prints, so in order to make the transport
worth it I would need it to be cheap cheap (ei, free or significantly
discounted).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Other stuff (this may or may not be just for me…sorry for
not sorry)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Crystal light/drink mixes (esp
gatorade/powerade)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coffee (I got a French press! So I can have real
coffee!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Healthy protein-ish bars (luna, cliff, mojo)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">New music<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">American-ish candy to share with my families <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">T-shirts/baseball caps that are anything
American (sport teams/universities) to give host families (3 babies, 2 ten yr
old boys, 15 yr old boy, 15 yr old girl, 2 10-12 ish girls, 1 old man, 3 women
30-60)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Games, cards/board games, but would need to be
small for travel purposes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most of these supplies will be for children at the Drop In
Centre (DIC), there are about 60 kids ages 5-18. I would use these supplies for
the office, the DIC, and my girls clubs. If you have a preference of what your
donation is for please let me know and I will do my best to respect your
wishes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All is well here! Just got back from an amazing vacation with Krystle and excited to be back at work! :) Any and all help will help!! Please look forward to more specific updates! </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">peace</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">sami</span></o:p></div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-84692018651580917902012-05-05T01:35:00.000-07:002012-05-05T01:35:27.635-07:00“It’s like being 16 all over again, but smarter”<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have had my new site all to myself for a while now, I
would say I am all unpacked and organized in my new home but anyone who really
knows me would be correct in saying that is a big fat lie. Whatever, I am
pretty much unpacked, it’s just the whole ‘organized’ part that I will never
really be. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The ball is starting to roll at work, I am continually
learning about the org so I can figure out what the hell I am going to do. I
have a lot of ideas and thoughts, but like my room, they are not entirely
organized- and I need some type of shelving to figure out how to make
everything work. The biggest project, which will also be the most complicated,
will be making the DIC (Drop In Centre) function. Right now there are several
women who come and cook for the kids… when there is food. When there is no
food, which unfortunately is semi often the kids do not come. We are currently
receiving some funding from AFSA (AIDS Foundation South Africa) which pays for
the food and some other things, but the food is not being managed well and runs
out before the end of the month. So, first things first, I made a food tracking
log and so we’ll be able to gauge if we are cooking too much in a day,
legitimately do not have enough food, or if it is mysteriously walking away
from the centre. Well that food chart hasn’t been filled out all month, so I
talked with the manager again and he said he’ll make sure with this incoming
batch of food the cooks track the food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">GARDENING!!! The org has a decent amount of land, two Gogo’s
in charge of the gardens, and secure water. What we don’t have: seeds. Oh yea,
and the little that does grow somehow never makes it to the kitchen, and the
little that is sold- well money never makes it to the financial manager. So
there is some serious work to do there. I am excited because I think I can get
some seeds from the Dept of Agriculture, and I met a funder who will donate up
to 20,000 rand in supplies from a builders warehouse place so I am pumped to
get started on all that fun stuff. I plan to do a couple workshops/hands on
sessions about composting and different gardening techniques to increase yield
and save on water. I feel a bit apprehensive because my plan is to completely
change the way they garden, so there will be obvious complications. I think I
might leave one plot to the Gogo’s to do what they normally do, then do one
plot my way and see what happens. Hopefully the veggies in the new garden will
be better and I won’t have to do much convincing. Considering they have been
using the same soil with little to no fertilizer for a long time I think it’s
safe to assume there will be differences. We are currently saving material for
the compost we will start next of next week, and after we have seeds and the
donations it is GAME TIME! Now that I know we will be getting funding I am
pretty pumped to start the garden project and hoping it will expand to having
sustainable gardens at other community organizations and schools- so I am
treating my first attempt as a trial run.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am still pretty intimidated and apprehensive on the whole
drop in centre front. There are no caregivers to work with the kids and no one
really seems to be in charge. I need to find a magic wand, possibly one with a
unicorn hair, because we are gonna need a LOT of money and committed staff, and
in my experience it is hard to depend on others unless the money is flowing. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was hoping I would have a bit more direction at this
point. I don’t really like working by myself or feeling like I am forcing
people to do things they probably don’t want to. It gets rather exhausting
trying to brainstorm ideas when everyone around you is looking for a better
job. It is a weird feeling being a month into this site being mine, but having
been here a year. Sean, the PCV who I share a shopping town with put a very
positive spin on it that “it’s like being 16 all over again, but smarter”. It’s
true. Getting a second chance, a do over- to go back and be 16 but with more
wisdom and insight. So that’s the cool part. But that crap part is getting
projects started and feeling productive. I feel like projects are ABOUT ready
to start and I am way anxious, I am about to be busy with fun stuff but what
I’m busy with right now is all the boring stuff. But since I am getting ‘to be
16 all over again, but smarter’ I knew I had to get the ball rolling on at
least one project that I would enjoy and would keep me busy that I could do by
myself, so when other people drag their feet or get busy with something else, I
can be productive. For me that is working with the teens and building a
compost. HOLLER! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Good thing I packed extra patience! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-65551919190598240752012-04-22T00:50:00.001-07:002012-04-22T00:52:06.429-07:00My normal is really fun<br />
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<span lang="EN-ZA">Friday, April 13th </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">*side note: I finally put
iTunes and all of my music on my dying little netbook, and iTunes shuffle is,
as always, making me happier than a normal bowel movement. So, after I
rediscover my love of Janis Joplin and Rascal Flatts what plays? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-ZA">Jukebox Hero, Foreigner.
Epic. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">So what do I do? Well,
obviously my first reaction is to make a fist, purse my lips, nod my head and
pump said fist. Duuuh. What’s the second thing I want to do? I want to text
Mallory Hick, and every other Alma friend from c/o 2008 who attended every
Kareoke night at the B-heart… then I remember I’m in South Africa, so I just
yell out every lyric and keep that fist-a-pumpin. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">*side side note: that reminds me of sometimes the littlest things
can make me miss home so so so much but at the same time not want to leave.
Hhmm.. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">A lot a lot has happened since I first
found out I was moving sites. I won’t try and get into the nitty gritty of where
I have been, what I have been doing, or god forbid…my feelings, but I can say
with confidence I feel great. I can also say I cannot flippin believe that it
is April, it is exciting (the weather is not f’n hot, just hot) but also
surreal and scary. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">If the universe forced me to one thing
since December, it would be reflect. I like to think I usually do an okay
amount of self-reflection, but apparently it was my time to do some seriously
thinking. The universe slapped me across the face AND in the baby maker and
made me doubt the one thing I’ve ‘just always wanted to do’, Peace Corps. I did
not question the organization as a whole, but I questions PCSA (Peace Corps
South Africa) and I questioned myself. I have wanted to do this since the first
billboard I saw in high school, and I went through a lot of crap (3 years, but
who was counting?) to get placed. I was confident that I was PC material. I
didn’t really know what that meant, but I knew I was. Theeeeeen I failed. I
didn’t walk into a small village knowing the language and save the world of HIV
and poverty. Shame. I was lonely, sick, hated my organization, confused, and watched
a lot of movies. Womp womp, I know, poor me. But not really. Tables turned, at
first for the worst. I cried. I cried on the phone, for heaven’s sake (to my
mom, my sisters, brother, dad, PC friends, shit- I could barely keep myself
together for my niece-she’s 2!) never a high moment in anyone’s life.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">Anyway, I didn’t start this blog entry to
re-hash my low points. I decided to write because I saw a really beautiful Gogo
(old lady) with a baby on her back passing by a group of goats that got chased
away by a giant pig. I was lost, sort of, greeting people on my way back from
work. I knew the general direction of my new house from my new organization and
figured I’d find it after I decided to take a ‘new route’. I was enjoying the
atmosphere, greeting friendly people that are getting used to seeing a new
face. I even greeted a goat, seriously, I guess I’m just so used to greeting
everyone. As I looked around and saw the dead cow hanging from a tree I
wondered whether someone was getting married or someone died. The Gogo doing
laundry shouted at me asking ‘O kea Kerabo’ (meaning she was asking where the
previous PCV was), I responded, and kept walking. I noticed a lot of work was being done to a
tuck shop, so this funeral/wedding must be a big deal. Maybe ill go on
Saturday, maybe I’ll sleep in. I kept walking. Then the Gogo, goats, and pigs.
I laugh, greet more, and keep walking in the general direction of my new home. I
feel good. I have pit stains and dirt all up in my Birks, but it feels right.
This is my PC experience; as per usual I’m just a little lagging when it comes
to my timing. I’m just getting started late. Dancing to the beat of my own
drum. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">I am not entirely sure what it was, maybe
it was the project manager at my new org being excited about my project ideas,
the friendly faces greeting me, pigs, kids screaming my name as I get close to
my new home, the fact that the sky looks so close I could touch it, or a year
of shit, gone- but I realize life is great. A change in perspective was not
just the Gogo’s and goats, it was everything. It was both conscious and
unconscious. If I were to still be at my last site, I would be fine- I would
consciously make it work. Things wouldn’t be great, but it’d be fine. Actually,
when I first discovered I had to move I wanted to try and stay, I think as a
self defence mechanism I never actually processed how crap it was until I was
able to step away. The universe gave me a second shot at this PC thing, and I
won’t let it go to waste. I cannot say I have regained all of the confidence I
had before, that I was born for this- but I think it’s better. I have something
to prove, to myself. This is harder than I expected, and what is hardest about
it are the things I did not anticipate. I am also gaining more than I imagined
from this, creating a sort of guilt complex of “I came here to help and really am
gaining more (thanks tax payers) more than I am giving.” </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">This is my normal. I walk 2.5 K to get to
work, I hop across a stream, I talk to literally everyone, I see animals, and I
love it. Everything seems very normal to me now, but ‘normal’ is so different
for everyone. I enjoy that my ‘normal’ is this, that my normal is always
different. I couldn’t remember a walk this happy in a year, a feeling that my
ordinary is actually extraordinary. </span></div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-84861239619902923702012-02-26T10:25:00.000-08:002012-02-26T10:25:03.973-08:00Mac & Cheese, Marula beer, & a passed out Gogo<span lang="EN-ZA">This post was written in several different days, I tried making it a semi linear train of thought while tying together several different points but I think instead it’s just a whole lot of words not really hitting any nail of the head, but whatever I hit something.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">It’s been about 13 months since leaving the states, and there is no better reminder of how far SA23 has come than meeting the new group of CHOP volunteers, SA25. I spent the second week of their training facilitating sessions, then went back for the second half of week three. It was enjoyable meeting them, as well as having the dynamic of having me, who is about half way through service, along with two other volunteers who are about to COS (close of service) mingle with the group who has only been in country a couple of weeks. The two 21’s there are two wonderful volunteers who I have met before and admire as well as consider friends. They have done great work and have great advice. After being here for over two years and having departure dates ready I can’t imagine being in their shoes- seeing everything come full circle with going back to PST and answering all of the questions that would seem a concern from years past. Hearing complaints that now just don’t matter, and the culture shocks that are now the norm. I was able to look back and realize I have come a long way from PST one year ago, but recognize I certainly don’t know it all. I enjoyed the enthusiasm of the 25’s with rose coloured sunglasses, and the attitude/advice of the 21’s making me realize I need to take advantage of the fact I still have<u><b> a whole year left at a new site with potential</b></u>, even if before I thought I <b>only</b> have a year left. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I also appreciate all of the awesome supplies I got from one of the PCVs COSing- score! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I still really can’t get my head around that it has been this long. Sometimes I wake up and I feel like it was just two days ago I was packing (well, pretending to pack) in my parents living room and working part time at a gym, and just a day ago it was PST and I was trying to figure out who would be my close friends and hating wearing long skirts. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-ZA">Other days I wake up and I feel like I have been in this country <i>forever</i>, and I hear someone else I care about is pregnant, getting married, divorced, sick, graduating, or living the same day to day I used to think is normal but that all just seems so<i> foreign</i>. <u>My sense of time is possibly more warped than my digestive system</u>. Not really sure how I got here, ‘here’ having more meanings than I can really put in words. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-ZA">‘Here’ is not horrible, it’s not great, it just…is. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-ZA">It is a place where a normal day might consist of locking my door and sitting in a bucket bath while watching a whole season of an American television show I would normally show little interest- I might feel completely lost and incompetent- I might have a baby on my back while drinking Marula beer with Gogo’s out of hallowed butternut- I might play Frisbee with kids- I might actually do some work at the organization- or I might just sit online and stalk friends and family and try and think what to blog about to try and impress the masses. </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">This week was a weird mix of all of the above and more. I said goodbye to my original community and hello to a new home. I cried and went through all of the ways maybe things could have been different, plenty of ‘<i>what ifs</i>’ and <b>regrets</b>. More tears were shed than my own and I wasn’t really sure how to handle that. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-ZA">Then, I arrived to Makhushane, a large village outside of Phalaborwa. The ride from Mokopane was about four plus hours and I learned that when people say Phalaborwa is hot, well, they mean it. I was received with a very warm welcome, something I never really had at my last site and my first couple days let some of that excitement I was trying to be cautious about creep up. Sometimes I wish I could put those rose coloured sunglasses back on, the ones that allow us to think service would be full of smiles and make a huge happy impact in no time with grace and confidence, but I guess it is good I recognize some immediate and potential problems and I can handle them. Is this new ‘home’ perfect, hell no- but if I thought anything would or could be, I would be delusional. It has great potential and I am excited. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I hate and love that I am starting over. I hate being the new kid in the hood. I hate the laughs when I greet is Sepedi and the demands of greeting if I do not. I hate and love meeting all of these new people. I appreciate that I have been taken in and am being carted around to meet important figures and to a funeral, but i just wish it all happened a year ago and I was already in the groove. However, the opportunity for a second chance is something I am trying to embrace. The same stress I get that no one knows who I am, and I do not know anyone- I will try and use to my advantage and try not to completely sabotage. I guess that is the beauty of changing sites during the scheduled ‘mid service slump’. Ha. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">So, today. After going to meet an Induna and two local police officers, and making an appointment to meet the chief my community ‘escort’ (sister? Friend? I dunno) finally took me back home where I climbed back into bed. I enjoyed finishing season two of glee and drinking a lot of warm (hot) water and eating a sleeve of 5 rand lemon crème biscuits and several apples. I worked up the nerve/energy to start using the frig is the main house so I finally had cold water around the time I talked myself into cooking a proper meal for the first time in a while (4 days?). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I am crashing the pad of the PCV who has been here the past two years and will be leaving in about a month. She is at SA25’S PST so I have full range of her kitchen. By kitchen I mean the corner of the room, so I went wild. I raided her food and used some Kraft mac & cheese powder. Holy moly, wonderful. I made myself some mac & cheese with green beans in it, with a side of canned baked beans. Talk about an American meal and a digestive disaster. I indulged in an amount my former health conscience self would have not approved of and drank my nalgene of cold water in no time. As I sat down to continue this blog of word vomit some of the kids came to get me. Apparently knocking (ie saying ‘gogo' before entering) doesn’t happen and they almost kicked over my chamber pot, sorry for not sorry kids. Well, it was time for me to go drink Marula beer with the old folks, and I am not one to argue against that. I walked across the street and joined the circle of family members, conveniently right next to a super drunk Gogo who wanted to test my Afrikaans. As I got the first ladle (hallowed butternut) of Marula beer I smiled and drank it in one chug, as that is what is expected. By number three I was wishing I didn’t finish that Nalgene of water right before, and by number five I was regretting that wonderful mac & cheese. An hour and a half later, one Gogo passed out on the ground, 6 ladles of Marula, and one baby pee stain on my leg I went back to my room with a bowl of weird fruit and a watermelon. My walk back led to a sprint to the latrine, which I am getting rather good at these days. Then I got a call from a caregiver from my old site, just seeing how I was and to tell me that they miss me, making me miss Mokopane- also making me blink and get the reoccurring feelings of ‘is this real life’ and the time loss come back.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">**Side Note Marula is a fruit which the locals make a traditional beer when it is in season. Fun Fact: all the the Marula that makes Amarula (the crème liquor) in SA is exported from the area where I live! Yowzers! They do something with it here in northern Limpopo then it goes to Cape town, then I dunno really know what happens, and all of that might be BS but I believe it. There is a lot of Marula here **</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">As much as I was enjoying bouncing back and forth from wallowing in my own self pitty to huge joy and excitement of getting to start over and a new site I have to realize I need to try and accept what this crazy boring confusing exciting life is. Hold on and let go, try and work hard and just chill. And when in doubt, just dance it out. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-91906442376125327372012-02-19T08:08:00.000-08:002012-02-19T08:13:38.873-08:00Soooo long, Mokopane. Stay dirty.<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Well Hello Blogity blog blog. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Waste of a year or lesson learned? Well, I am an optimist (and would never admit PC being a waste) so I guess I will vote for the latter. Lesson learned. But what lesson did I learn? Life isn’t fair? Some people suck? Shit happens? I hope that wasn’t the point. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">So what had happened waaaas… but I think this tale will be like a movie ‘based’ on a true story, no I won’t have someone much more attractive play me and make it more dramatic with a spin to make me look good… but the PC version will only tell you what well, is PC.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">It is no secret the organization I was assigned to as my primary project was not rainbows and butterflies. It was a very low functioning org (most PCV orgs are) with little work ethic and little interest in improving. So, why would they apply for a PCV? We are supposed to make the org function better and train people, in turn, making people have to actually do their jobs. Ah, there is the rub, the part where they are supposed to work. Well, my ‘counterparts’ were not shy at telling me they did not want to work. Oh great, this will be fun. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">We all come to Peace Corps with expectations, PC warned us to ‘not have expectations’ but I think that is stupid. We have to have expectations, of ourselves, of others, of work, living situations, we are human- we just do. After getting in country I began to understand why they want us to have no expectations, because we would have to lower them. Well, I did, and I did it with a smile and set realistic goals when I arrived at my site at the end of March, 2011. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">So, what happened? Why am I no longer working with the org? Why did I have to leave the community, even though I had established work with the schools and clinic?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Well, I was threatening. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Around October/November the Risk Management of South Africa along with Dept of health, and Dept of social development began an investigation looking into allegations of fraud and embezzlement. Around this time was a noticeable change in attitude with the managers, now not only did they not want to work but they were, well, mean. The project manager suspended a caregiver who she thought might have called the department, management was purposefully hiding things from me and the best part this all coincided with a campaign I just started. Sweet. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I had been in regular contact with my APCD (pretty much my PC supervisor) for months, she knew about the problems with the org and the general attitude of my counterparts. After every meeting or discussion I had with her it usually ended with me saying “but it’s ok, ill be fine.” It would be far too much to go into what exactly happened at the org and what people said, but my APCD and I decided it would be best if I started working at the clinic. I established a relationship with them, and it was agreed I would work there a couple days a week doing health education and plan campaigns (yay, what I actually want to do!). After pulling teeth at the org I had three small projects to do there, it would take maybe 2-3 days a week there to complete them in a ‘sustainable’ manor. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I tried to go over my schedule with the management, and well, they flipped their shit. All of a sudden I was on the defense and tried my best to explain why I do not need to spend every day there. First of all, I am a community volunteer, so, I work for the community. I also had almost nothing to do at the org, and after a year of trying to find things to do with little results it was obvious I needed to branch out more. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Cut to a couple days later and Kori comes to my site. She met with the management, and I was glad she came. I was optimistic about the meeting and thought we would get some things clear and maybe set a schedule and work plan. I of course I felt like I could do this with the org by myself, but it was past that point. I knew my org wasn’t thrilled with my plans of working so closely with the clinic, but I really didn’t think anything was seriously wrong. After sitting outside of the office where Kori was meeting with the managers for an hour a half I began to worry. What were they talking about? What possible could they have to talk about? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Well, they were explaining to Kori how I am horrible and they want me to leave. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Pretty much the deal is, they think I was involved in reporting them to the department, and now they were getting in trouble and wanted me to leave. It was of course not said that plainly, they first wanted to paint a horrible picture of me. They told Kori some pretty horrible lies about me, which I later had to sit through accusations and try and defend myself. Luckily for me, Kori knows me and some of the accusations were so ridiculous it was easy to see they were lying. The two best parts were 1) the reason they think I was involved in reporting them is because a letter was written to the department in English, so it was obviously me (REALLY?) and 2) they would say these things to me, and asked Kori to not tell me certain things they said (mainly the part about me turning them in) but after it was clear I was not going back to the org she spilled the beans.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">This led to me fearing my PC future and questioning, well, everything. The first thoughts that went through my head were leaving the clinic, girls club, and host family. Then I immediately thought about projects I had planned with a volunteer near me- then of course the horrible worry about what PC staff will now think of me. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Just like any situation I have been reflecting on what was said, and everything I have done the last year. Was I too pushy with them? Am I mean? Intimidating? Culturally insensitive? What if I had done something different? Did I fail? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Well, I had to answer all of those questions to head PC staff, which was tons of fun. It is no secret I sometimes care a little toooooo much about what others (especially authority) think of me, but how do I prove I am not a bad person? Shouldn’t they have to prove the accusation? Innocent until proven guilty? Well, I recognize the PC staff has a job to do, and they need to make sure I am not a horrible person and even though at one point I felt as though I was not being supported by PC- I am still here- so I guess overall it is understood that the org had a claim that was false which led to many other false claims. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Oh yea, and NO I did NOT write the letter or ever talk to department. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">So I headed to Pretoria, then I went off to facilitate some lessons to SA25 PST (the new group who is training now), and two weeks later it is today and I am back at site. I should be packing right now, but that does not at all sound appealing. The GREAT news is, I ALREADY have a new site!!! This must be one of the fastest turn overs for PCSA, two PCVs just left Pretoria after two months of living at the backpackers because they needed a site change! I am very lucky that this crappy situation happened when it did and VERY thankful to a couple PCVs who pretty much pushed for me to get this site. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I am taking over a site outside of Phalaborwa in Limpopo, this area is described as “the surface of the sun” by a fellow PCV who lives near there, but I don’t care. I am STOKED! It is currently the site of a PCV who is finishing up her two years there, and although she is not done she thought I would be a great fit so she did me a favour and talked to Peace Corps. There are still a lot of logistics to work out, but I think I will be moving later this week and we will be there together for a little while (couple weeks? Days? I don’t know) then she will move. I am sad to leave certain things, not only the things I listed previously but also the three PCVs near me and our Saturday castle dates and the friend, Leah, who is a missionary who works around here. But bottom line, this site is crap and I need to get out. I don’t know too much about my new site but from what I have heard it sounds wonderful, as in, there is a functioning board of directors. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I am also very grateful of all of my friends and family, I have a wonderful support network that I am able to cry/yell/laugh with them. It is also really amazing how much I rely on my fellow PCVs, although we have not been together that long I have found such amazing people and would have probably freaked out (even more) if I didn’t have friends telling me I am not a horrible person and I will get another site. We have a lot of time in our heads here in Peace Corps and it is a great to learn and grow, but sometimes we can be our own worst enemies. I am still reflecting on what happened and trying to figure out why and making sure I make the best of it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I haven’t told anyone is the community, but I am sure the past two weeks the project manager has said something, and I am sure I was not talked about it the best light. Tomorrow I will go into the org and clinic, pack up my stuff and say my goodbyes. Really not sure what I am going to say, should I give my side of the story to the caregivers I work with or just let it go? Should I tell management exactly what I think of them or just bite my tongue? And I am REALLY not looking forward to talking to my host family, that won’t be fun. And I can’t help but think how unfair it is I get to leave and go to a new site, but the caregivers at the org have to stay and all the of the plans for the kids for the next year are just, not going to happen. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">So again, I wonder what this past year really was all about. Oh the emotions. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-29842804873663483022012-01-26T08:34:00.000-08:002012-01-26T08:45:10.976-08:00500, 26 hours, 600 minutessssssHOOOOOOW DO YOU MEASURE, MEASURE A YEAR!? In condoms distributed? In boxes of wine drank? In international phone calls? In testing campaigns? In the number of solo dance parties or times I have watched Rent? <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Welp, it’s been a year since leaving the land of the free, I feel like I should have something epic to say or some profound motivational tear jerking story, but I don’t. I took a nap today, that was pretty epic. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Today is also my sisters birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATY!!! Also give a shout out to Papa, miss you! </span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">So one year ago I arrived in Jozi, struggled to carry my bags while sweating and wearing a stupid business casual outfit. We arrived in Mokopane to a group of singing and dancing people, I was exhausted and greasy. I felt like I should soak in all this wonderful culture but really all I wanted was to get in the shade, bathe, and go to bed. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">The last year has not been what I expected, but what ever is? Adjusting to food, fetching water, bucket baths, latrines, bugs, and transportation issues were very easy to get over. I feel like I have adapted to ‘village life’ fairly easily. The things I find difficult are hard to explain- and not being able to explain things to friends and family back home is one of the hard parts. I find it very difficult to work with the group of people at the organization I was assigned to. Gender, race, age, and language are just the tip of the ice berg. I walked into Peace Corps with all sorts of formal education, damnit I have my Masters of Public Health- I know things- then realized the org doesn’t need someone with an MPH, they need me to take viruses of their computers and someone to explain what a ‘goal’ is. The organization doesn’t need me, they need a new manager that doesn’t steal money, or blame others for the lack of function at the org, a coordinator that does his job and doesn’t abuse his position, and just plain doesn’t suck at life. Not sure where my MPH comes in there? I have zero experience in management or NGO development, but hey I am a resourceful person and know how to use google. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">After I discovered how much money is ‘missing’ from the organization (and also knowing where it went) and several situations of management blatantly dis respecting me, I decided I didn’t really want to work there anymore. So, I don’t think I will. I am starting to work at the clinic, which is very exciting! Health education, planning health campaigns, and working directly with people on prevention- that is more like it! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">So was this last year a waste? Of course not. I will still go into the org probably one day a week and work with the kids and caregivers because I am hard headed and can’t let go of that part of the org. Just because some people suck, doesn’t mean the kids don’t deserve a better place to go! After being here a year I completely understand why our service is two years. It has taken me this long to get a better understanding of what is going on. It has taken the year to really understand the culture and how the history of this country has moulded the people today. I have also had small success at the org and the World AIDS Day event was pretty successful. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-ZA">Not only will I be changing where I will be working, but I recently moved homes. I hated my last housing, and there is no questions that Peace Corps should not have put me there in the first place. I, however, got rather complacent and it took me being scared for my safety to finally demand a move. I am now living with a very friendly family and very happy. The young girl has woken me up far too early several times for various reasons, but I still like her. I also have to now cross a river to get to work, which has proven to be eventful, but makes the day more fun! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">The year has definitely had its ups and downs. I have had plenty of days where I wonder ‘’what the hell am I doing here” and others when I think I will never want to leave. Some of the best experiences have not been saving lives and bonding with a family (I wish, and now a potential since i live with a fam) but have been the other PCVs I have met, what I have learned about myself, and small conversations/activities with community members. Who knew I would travel half way around the world with intentions to help a community and absolutely fall in love with other Americans? Many of the other PCVs I have met are amazing and inspiring! I also have a lot of time in my own head, I think the mix of mid-twenties, first time not in school, and being thrown in a crazy different environment has forced me to do so much self-reflection that I am really sick of myself. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Do I hate it? No, actually I love it. I love the challenge, it is not easy or glamorous but it is worthwhile. The work I am doing is hard to quantify, I do not see a lot of results. That is one reason why it is hard for us to talk about what we are doing, or having a lot of really satisfying experiences. But I know the girls who now know that abuse is, in fact, illegal is a start for something positive. Or now the caregivers know how to properly use a condom, they will hopefully teach others, that is also a start. I can give a lot of small stories like that, but most of the day to day things are difficult to explain.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">So what is next? Well, I love LOVE my girls club, they are hilarious and beautiful. They also have so much potential and a thirst for knowledge- so I will continue to work with them. I will grin and bear the org once in a while, trying to get some people to quit, and give others training so they have little excuse to not do their jobs. Another volunteer and I want to start a way for learners who are about to matric to get internship, teach them how to apply to schools/scholarships, and set up a way for them to apply for jobs. With several other PCVs, we will put on a camp for young girls and teach them how awesome it is to be a young female. At the clinic I will be doing all sorts of health ed, but my goals there are, before I leave, to have a functioning and sustainable HIV support group, peer educators, and a support/educational group for young mothers. I also got pretty involved with Peace Corps stuff and am the chairperson for the Diversity committee and helping train SA 25 so I think I will stay busy. Who knows, maybe I’ll run another marathon… </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I guess I have done more than take naps and read Harry Potter. </span></div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-32647866302865596982012-01-14T03:10:00.000-08:002012-01-14T03:10:36.633-08:00You donate, I run, a child gets an educationAs I believe most of you know I am a fan of running. I am not fast or competitive, or really even look like a runner, but I enjoy it. Running has changed dramatically since living in SA but for the most part I have continued on, even completing my first ever marathon through SOWETO in November! WHOOP WHOOP! And the next race I do will have a little more meaning...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CuG8Mv6UPTc/TxFgxgcBI5I/AAAAAAAABjU/iUu4kX0NEJ8/s1600/IMG_1753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CuG8Mv6UPTc/TxFgxgcBI5I/AAAAAAAABjU/iUu4kX0NEJ8/s640/IMG_1753.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Longtom Committee with two of the KLM scholarship recipients who just graduated and are now off to University! From right: Veronica (PCV), me, Sandile Tshabalala (KLM scholar), Jordan (PCV), Alan (PCV), Uplands staff, Gugu Nyathi (KLM scholar), </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<a href="http://www.klm-foundation.org/our_scholars/sandile_tshabalala.html" target="_blank">Sandile's story</a><br />
<a href="http://www.klm-foundation.org/our_scholars/gugu_nyathi.html" target="_blank">Gugu's story</a><br />
<br />
Although I live and work in the community of Danisane<b> </b>I will also be helping raise money for another long term Peace Corps project. The KLM foundation was started by two former PCVs and each year sends a worthy learner from a rural area to one of the most prestigious schools in southern Africa, Uplands College. One way we raise money to be able to sponsor a learner for 6 years of tuition and board is through the Longtom Marathon. This is a very exciting time for PCVs as the majority of us participate and one of the only opportunities we have to see each other.<br />
<br />
Please check out the KLM website for more detailed information on what exactly I am raising money for: http://www.klm-foundation.org/ for the general organization site, and to meet the learners currently being funded through KLM and the Longtom fundraiser:http://www.klm-foundation.org/our_scholars/meet_our_scholars.html. I was lucky to be able to visit this school and meet several of the learners KLM is sponsoring one on one, and after listening to their stories I can promise you this is a worthy cause!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.klm-foundation.org/" target="_blank">http://www.klm-foundation.org/</a> <br />
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The marathon is either a half or an ultra, 21.1 K or 54K. I will be participating in half marathon. After the marathon I did in November, and the hike I went on this December, I thought my mom might actually come here and slap me across the face if I did the ultra, and really that is just a lot of K’s.<br />
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The race is March 31st in Sabie, Mpumalanga Province. This is a personal goal for me to train and completing the race, but also to help a worthy cause of helping a child receive a better education. I have committed to not only running but to also raising a minimum of $100.00, and any amount you could spare will be appreciated and helpful. All donations are also tax deductible. To donate money please go to the KLM website to make a donation, just click on the 'donate' photo. Make sure to put my name in the white box where it asks for the Longtom runner you want to sponsor so it goes toward the minimum I committed to raise.<br />
<br />
If you have any problems with the website let me know, if you tend to get equally frustrated with websites feel free to send a check, see below!<br />
<br />
The online donation is preferable, but if you need to mail in a check, please make it payable to "Kgwale Le Mollo (US)" and send it to:<br />
<br />
KLM Foundation (US)<br />
c/o Bowen Hsu<br />
461 So. Bonita Avenue<br />
Pasadena, CA 91107<br />
Please make sure to include a note that your donation is on my behalf.<br />
<br />
Thanks so much for your support, and especially for supporting the child who is chosen next year to attend Uplands College. I'll let you know how the weekend goes, and how many funds we, Peace Corps volunteers, collected.<br />
<br />
peace<br />
SamiSamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-2328048510279725062012-01-13T02:30:00.000-08:002012-01-13T02:30:28.210-08:00For the first time, people were not staring at ME<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">So, why weren’t they staring at me? I mean, I was in Mokopane (my shopping town) on the ‘black’ side where I usually endure the normal calls in Afrikaans for money or for someone to help me hold my stuff (um, no thanks) as I walk through the gauntlet. But I also was staring at something else, trying to figure out what was in front of me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">A white woman was wearing a Sepedi dress and walking with a black man. The black man was holding a very adorable little girl who appeared to be coloured (mixed race). </span></div><ul><li><span lang="EN-ZA">Side note to my Merican readers, saying coloured is not offensive or like saying it in the states. It is the racial class- what is said when referring to a person who is mixed race.</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">When I initially saw this woman my first thought was ‘she must be some foreign white lady here for a couple weeks volunteering or something. Then I realized these two people were probably a couple and maybe this is their child, and was shocked and thought ‘well probably not, since I have never seen an interracial couple in South Africa.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Then I mentally slapped myself. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I realized that after being here a year I have grown very accustomed to the ‘us’ and ‘them’ attitude that I have always tried so hard to fight. Some parts of South Africa are much more integrated and have a higher ‘coloured’ population or just more mixing of people than Mokopane, and Limpopo as a whole. When looking on the map to see how race is distributed it is obvious to see Limpopo is mostly black with some specs of white. In the towns, such as Mokopane, there are people who are not black but groups are not frequently mixed. When I asked someone at the organization why it is like that she simply explained “the Indians own the shops, and there are some china shops and the white people will go to checkers and pick n pay, but not to the black parts” ok, that sounds simple enough, but doesn’t really answer any question, especially since it is now 2012, nearly 18 years post-apartheid government. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">So as I walked behind the couple and child I realized the first thoughts that came to my mind were drastically different than what I would have thought a year ago. I could see the people sitting on the sidewalks and passing by not only pointing but making loud comments. Some people cheered the man for ‘getting a white woman’, some laughed, and some just starred with a confusing look. I was happy to see them, it was in a way a relief. I know in bigger cities there is more integration, but there simply is not in Mokopane. Another plus that even though this was very weird to people, it wasn't a bad thing. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I have no idea if these people were in fact a couple or even if they were South African, but it doesn’t matter. Everyone around reacted as if they were, including myself, and the reactions say a lot. I was surprised and happy and what bothers me is a year ago I probably would not have noticed. Now a year ago I was in the states, and race relations there are much different. Growing up in Lansing I never really had to deal with race relations to the extend as here. After almost a year of getting beat over the head about Black, White, Coloured, Indian, American, African, Afrikaner, blah blah blah and how we are all different and seeing the separation I can no longer be naïve and think race doesn’t matter. It would actually be ignorant for me to try and think so. Does this mean I think people are pre determined to be a certain way or one is better than the other? Of course not, but it means that race is so ingrained into society that it will take several more generations before we see true integration. It is no doubt I get marriage proposals, told I am beautiful (even on particularly nasty days), or other forms of admiration because I am a white American. When I have conversations with people and they want me to find them a white person to marry, then I ask why, the answers always prove how far the country is away from race not mattering (keep in mind I have lived in a rural area-not a city which would be different). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Then, I see a couple (well, maybe a couple) that is not going with social norms, a white woman and a black man. I have to remind myself that the United States went through this period as well. However, I am sure we can all agree with the much different histories it is not the same, but comparable. So, just like the States, South Africa will undoubtedly take several decades to change the social norm, and some areas will be much more advanced than others. America is still fighting racism and working toward equality, I mean, Brown vs Board of ed was in 1954 and still today no one can deny (well, people try) that things are not equal. I very often get frustrated and upset when it comes to gender and race and despite small victories hope I will never get too used to the disparities, I fear too many people are ‘used to it’ therefore accept it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">And hopefully when I get back to America I won’t be shocked when I see people of different races together. That would be awkward.</span></div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-15590298031670894842012-01-11T10:42:00.000-08:002012-01-11T10:42:11.470-08:00Part Two- new pants and back to reality<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:RelyOnVML/> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i6YRHYpCD3Q/Tw3JfnOjHJI/AAAAAAAABic/lV2WrSjghnU/s1600/IMG_2614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i6YRHYpCD3Q/Tw3JfnOjHJI/AAAAAAAABic/lV2WrSjghnU/s640/IMG_2614.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKWV1MOQc0E/Tw3DJav0UvI/AAAAAAAABhk/DD0VXEnCaW8/s1600/IMG_2573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKWV1MOQc0E/Tw3DJav0UvI/AAAAAAAABhk/DD0VXEnCaW8/s400/IMG_2573.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our own beach!!! just watch out for cow pies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">After a week of being a mountain person and enjoying the company of Charlie, Kelley, and Cathy it was time for me to join up with another group for my second vacation. I joined with another group of PCVs and we spent some time jumping around from backpackers and places seeing the most spectacular views and enjoying each other’s company. Two of the backapckers we stayed were rather remote, one of which we had to be picked up from a worker in a hefty bakkie- and was one of the bumpiest rides I have ever had the pleasure to be on. This BPs was probably my favourite; the staff and other guests were all great and had a very chill and friendly attitude. The best part was the view, making the rough ride worth it. We were on top of a hill looking over a beach, and since I know my words could never do it justice hopefully the pictures will give a glimpse of the awesome-ness! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W3z-MxJnvfc/Tw3Dz-8LSzI/AAAAAAAABhs/4Li12LwgAjc/s1600/IMG_2574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W3z-MxJnvfc/Tw3Dz-8LSzI/AAAAAAAABhs/4Li12LwgAjc/s200/IMG_2574.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCrN4i8N0l4/Tw3CltEQtzI/AAAAAAAABhc/QvC545m8ibQ/s1600/IMG_2570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iCrN4i8N0l4/Tw3CltEQtzI/AAAAAAAABhc/QvC545m8ibQ/s200/IMG_2570.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rdzJv8JoGdQ/Tw3Efb-hEMI/AAAAAAAABh0/ADNbbbLxOU4/s1600/IMG_2579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rdzJv8JoGdQ/Tw3Efb-hEMI/AAAAAAAABh0/ADNbbbLxOU4/s200/IMG_2579.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--f11hAHRVho/Tw3InPhKT5I/AAAAAAAABiU/22MfWsX1QOU/s1600/IMG_2605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--f11hAHRVho/Tw3InPhKT5I/AAAAAAAABiU/22MfWsX1QOU/s320/IMG_2605.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anything But Clothes party!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">We had several relaxing days a couple of random nights. One backpackers threw an ABC party, meaning Anything But Clothes. Given the crowd that was at the BP we were not worried too much about looking ridiculous or not wearing enough. Most of us decided to use trash bags and duct tape, sounded simple and that it would properly cover the essentials, however, with the high temps and humidity it proved to be a bit…sticky!<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span>oh yea, I also got awesome pants. </span></span></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3QH2xoeHDM/Tw3IIsxrjTI/AAAAAAAABiM/IgGsos5Ag8k/s1600/IMG_2603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3QH2xoeHDM/Tw3IIsxrjTI/AAAAAAAABiM/IgGsos5Ag8k/s320/IMG_2603.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the owner...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dRqMIAiFByg/Tw3HsWzZ1CI/AAAAAAAABiE/GFEtSRcADNU/s1600/IMG_2594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dRqMIAiFByg/Tw3HsWzZ1CI/AAAAAAAABiE/GFEtSRcADNU/s320/IMG_2594.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking a bit...trashy</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mDEt_TgE8Bk/Tw3KcYU6IVI/AAAAAAAABis/MMFy5z8l1ME/s1600/IMG_2620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mDEt_TgE8Bk/Tw3KcYU6IVI/AAAAAAAABis/MMFy5z8l1ME/s200/IMG_2620.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bunny chow, and my new hat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-19bR8Zh0juE/Tw3J_3MQOuI/AAAAAAAABik/AVi6Afsl9F8/s1600/IMG_2619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-19bR8Zh0juE/Tw3J_3MQOuI/AAAAAAAABik/AVi6Afsl9F8/s200/IMG_2619.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the gang!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Durban was a great time, consistent hot showers and a bed and going out in the city with friends makes me feel almost like I am a normal person. Wearing clothes similar to what I would wear in the states, and being able to walk in the city at night- speak English quickly and drink beer from a bottle and not skirt around cultural issues- very refreshing! We also ate aweome Bunny Chow (Indian food, bread and curry stuff- 1/4 loaf for 8rand!) oh and i bought the best hat EVER at the indian market! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA"> </span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bmz7IgTwk94/Tw3LTR74szI/AAAAAAAABi0/vWq8KCXb5_E/s1600/IMG_2628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bmz7IgTwk94/Tw3LTR74szI/AAAAAAAABi0/vWq8KCXb5_E/s200/IMG_2628.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">really?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">It was wonderful being around so many PCVs and seeing so much of this beautiful country. I was sad to leave Durban knowing that many of the friends I was leaving I would not see again until April, but ready to get back to site. I didn’t necessarily miss my org or the village but feeling a bit guilty being away for so long, running low on Rand, a bit sick of packing and unpacking and lugging Diego around- and my towel was really dirty… </span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9M4wzfMoC-g/Tw3MiM0d-eI/AAAAAAAABjE/VRmJQ-WQwh8/s1600/IMG_2635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9M4wzfMoC-g/Tw3MiM0d-eI/AAAAAAAABjE/VRmJQ-WQwh8/s400/IMG_2635.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view on the way home...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rtLOyT2IKJo/Tw3L8I6mOqI/AAAAAAAABi8/jwGtAIt5orY/s1600/IMG_2632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rtLOyT2IKJo/Tw3L8I6mOqI/AAAAAAAABi8/jwGtAIt5orY/s200/IMG_2632.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NO AFRIKAANS HERE!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Getting back to Sandsloot was not nearly a as dreadful as I imagined in my head. Because I high tailed out of the village after a couple of bad weeks I was afraid that feeling would come back as soon as I stepped off the taxi. I entered the rank with my huge bag, sweating and wearing my awesome new hat and pants, passed through the first gauntlet ignoring the propositions and obnoxious comments and smiled when I saw the friendly Gogo who never lets me pass without a smile and a greeting. I walked to my section of the rank which is much more enjoyable than the first because all of the drivers know me and make sure to put me on the correct taxi. I greeted Man (yes a man, but that is his name, Man) who was happy to see me because according to him, “aaaaaaaaaaaah it has been tooooooo long” and was pleased when everyone escorted me to an almost full taxi (meaning not a long waiting time until departure) and I got a decent seat for all of my stuff (meaning not the back row). On the way back to the Mapela area, I hoped we would turn into Sandsloot- but apparently my taxi karma is running low and we zoomed passed the Sandsloot dirt road and headed to a village across the tar road. Damn. I was going to have to walk. I reached my house an hour later and was quick to throw my bag off. I saw my host sister Matletlula- only living at this new house two weeks before leaving she is still apprehensive with me, but I managed to keep a conversation going with her for a record 4 minutes. After searching Diego for my keys which is now dirty and smelly I entered my room and took a deep breath.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">It was a very hot day and I just wanted to sit in my bucket bath drinking water until bed time. I went in the main house in hopes to put a water bottle in their freezer and after the customary “gogo” (kind of like saying ‘knock knock’) I entered and looked around, then, I scared a Gogo (yes-same word but means grandmother). After 20 minutes talking to her I learn she is Linky’s (the woman I live with) mother, and she is super cute. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">After some time trying to lower my body temp by squatting in my bucket bath I decided it would be a good idea to face the sun again and go get some cold drink. Still being loyal to the tuck shop where I used to live I reached the river separating Sandsloot (new home) and Danisane (old home) and realized it is, in fact, rainy season and the river is significantly higher than when I left, meaning my normal rocks I jump on were covered. Well, after my hike I consider myself a pro at crossing rivers so I went for it…and slipped. By the time I made it to the tuck shop I was pretty covered in mud and could care less when I saw a beautiful site…an ICE CREAM MACHINE! Yes, in fact this tuck shop in a village of 1300 now has a soft serve ice cream machine, R2.50 a cone. SCORE! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I enjoyed a simple conversation with the worker Nora and was sad to find out the other worker was in the hospital after being sick and losing her unborn child. I had a couple conversations about her baby before leaving and when she said she was going to the doctor over the holidays (a day when the tuck shop was closed, because she has been working every day for months so could not go) and was hopeful when I got back that everyone would know how far along she was, and of course hoping her health was better. She was not sure how long she had been pregnant, but by the size of her stomach and when I first noticed a bump I was guessing about 5-6 months. After trying to ask questions, trying to figure out how a pregnancy that far a long could go so wrong when she has been regularly visiting the local clinic, I realized the questions were far too technical for anyone to understand what I was saying- and those questions normally are never asked. It was simple, she got sick and the baby died, it happens, it’s sad but she will be ok. And that is that. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I still have not been able to talk to her and will not bombard into her home asking questions as that would be incredibly intrusive and very far from the cultural norm. The normal thing to do with a death is simply give money for the funeral costs, but in this case I am not sure what will happen but will certainly try and keep in the loop. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">On the way back to my house I enjoyed greeting the old man I used to live with and all of the people on the way. As I almost hopped on the first rock to cross the river I heard yelling from the centre, and saw two people waving me to come to them… it was one of the coordinators and one of the caregivers. This was my first day back and the last place I wanted to be was the centre, but, I had to go. When I got up to the centre with my fake smile and happy greetings I learned they wanted me because a report was due to the department and they couldn’t figure out how to make the house work. They also needed in another room which they could not figure out how to open, so essentially I was there to plug in a mouse and unlock a door. What can I say, Peace Corps, doing valuable work daily. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">As soon as they were set I went back to my house. Now I remembered why on my travel days I normally hibernate in my room! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cCzVRBmMMBo/Tw3NVyDLnAI/AAAAAAAABjM/H2gvzVsehDY/s1600/IMG_2648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cCzVRBmMMBo/Tw3NVyDLnAI/AAAAAAAABjM/H2gvzVsehDY/s320/IMG_2648.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A friend welcoming me back...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Anyway, the previous couple weeks had been a world wind of all sorts of stuff. Although the first day back brought bad news and annoyance, it also brought an unexpected good feeling about my site. I actually enjoyed it. The stress and BS from the weeks before vacation had faded away and I was glad to be there. I was also excited to go to work, mostly because I was and still am anxious to see if any of the threats of people quitting be followed through and to see how everyone’s attitudes would be. I have learned a lot the past year and my romantic view and expectations about my service came crumbling down, which is a good thing. Now that I have a better idea of who I am working with and what I am up against- I am excited about 2012!! </span></div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-56777410132639237362012-01-09T03:55:00.000-08:002012-01-09T03:55:46.168-08:00The Adventures of Diego and Tinyiko Part One- the Epic Hike!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">After a pretty stressful couple months I was able to take a deep breath, pack up Diego (my backpack) and head out to see other PCVs. The last couple of weeks before leaving for vacation were not all butterflies and rainbows, but I survived as I led a successful but crazy World AIDS Day event and the backlash of negative attitudes from management after the Department of Risk Management and Labour concluded an investigation of fraud and corruption. Although I am unable to really discuss the investigation for obvious reasons, I can say the centre was not a fun place to be. Although as a PCV I have little to do with anything that was happening with the department I was exempt from being on the other end of anger and short tempers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A0--pRq5rSs/TwrEg4l1xBI/AAAAAAAABfk/g6SjIF5wFUs/s1600/IMG_2313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A0--pRq5rSs/TwrEg4l1xBI/AAAAAAAABfk/g6SjIF5wFUs/s200/IMG_2313.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day one, at Kelley's site!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">As I left Limpopo into Kwa Zulu Natal all of the problems of the last couple weeks left my mind and I was excited to see some familiar faces. After meeting up in Richard Bay and grocery shopping for our hike four of us started the first part of our vacation in Salt Rock/Shakas rock near Bolito. It was very relaxing as we stayed at The Secret Spot Backpackers, walking distance to the beach. We enjoyed the backpackers and staff (ROZZ!) and friendly animals which we named (and I think some other guests might have thought those the real names, whatever) but the best part was meeting up with another PCV and her family. The Croffut family treated us to a wonderful dinner and wine, and we appreciated their love and hospitality more than we could explain! It is always fun to meet other friends families, and they were just as fun and kind hearted as Sam, so we had a great time! The other wonderful part was the beach and we found slush puppies, which, well, I can’t even explain our excitement about our ‘slushie americanos’. </span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unBZdvLqtZc/TwrF7-h4acI/AAAAAAAABfs/W1jlvY9nAI4/s1600/384559_10100816176876898_10733867_60234437_1633389083_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unBZdvLqtZc/TwrF7-h4acI/AAAAAAAABfs/W1jlvY9nAI4/s200/384559_10100816176876898_10733867_60234437_1633389083_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelley, me, Sam, Cathy, and Charlie </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I was out of the village, out of Limpopo, and not going to think about Peace Corps stuff for three weeks.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rByTxWye5Gk/TwrQXU9hrdI/AAAAAAAABhU/RcnWXgvXsSo/s1600/IMG_2357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rByTxWye5Gk/TwrQXU9hrdI/AAAAAAAABhU/RcnWXgvXsSo/s200/IMG_2357.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nice officer showing us to the trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">After departing Salt Rock it was time to head to the Underberg area where we would start our epic hike. After a day of traveling and 7 (yes, 7) taxis and some questionable taxi rank meat we finally made it to the Sani Pass Backpackers. We all had large backpacks with hot/cold clothes and food for a week, sleeping bags and tents. At this point I was wondering how I would be able to survive hiking up a mountain for four day with all of this stuff when I struggled getting in and out of a taxi. We camped at the backpackers in effort to save money, so of course it stormed. After a wet night with little sleep we headed to the trail head. Walking from the backpackers to the trail we had to go a couple K down the road, luckily for us a cop stopped informing us we passed the start, and he very kindly showed us to the trail. That should have given us a clue how the rest of our hike would go! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">The route we planned was partly on the Dragonhead Trail and party on the Sani Pass trail in the southern Drakensburg mountains. We estimated about 30 ish K to the top, sleeping in two different caves and on the escarpment. Trails are not marked and much of it is overgrown. I was a little nervous considered I have never really hiked in the mountains, especially not for four days. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">up, up and up</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Day 1 was both beautiful and difficult. The day started (after finding the trail and leaving the cop) sunny and hot. Right away we found ourselves crossing the river several times and when the trail would fade in and out I realized how hard this would be. After a couple K our spirits were still high, and I was blown away with every view. The Draks are a bit different from Limpopo, and I was loving every sight. After hiking straight up several different times in the heat we took a break. I was dehydrated and did not snack enough so was feeling pretty sick. We looked at the map after questioning where we were and realized we were, well, off track. The straight up we just did was not necessary and we needed to get back to the water and turn a different way. We got back on track just to find ourselves questioning ourselves again. We climbed through a cave where we had to jump over crevasses and pretty much swing on a tree to make it across, well I did because my legs are short! Once again, we went a couple K out of our way and had to back track but eventually found the trail we needed. It was afternoon at this point and the rain clouds were coming. After a couple more K and cold rain we reached a point where I thought to myself “no F’n way”. The hike at this point was still beautiful, but we found ourselves several time scaling rocks and on all fours. I had a more difficult time with some of the larger rocks as there was no way I could simply step up. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA"><i><b>“This is NOT hiking, this is CRAWLING!”</b></i> I snarled to Charlie, who thought that was rather funny and was able to snap a pic of me where you can only see my backpack… </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Cathy was doing a great job leading, and made it up the part that I was cursing. I could not hide my fear as I could picture myself slipping and falling back and taking Charlie down with me. It would have been exponentially easier without a giant pack, but would have still been a challenge. Using hands and feet we had to pretty much rock climb to the top of this peak, Cathy at the top helped me spot where to hold on to and assured me I wouldn’t die. “If you can grab even a flat surface, it’s enough to hold onto” she said, and knowing she has climbed plenty and I had to choice I went for it. I did my best to climb the boulders and kissed the top when I made it safely. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cave, night 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">After a couple more hours and one more time getting off course and back on, we were on the lookout for our cave. We knew it was not marked so did our best to get our eagle eyes out. We were freezing and wet and nervous to pass it. Cathy and I thought we saw potential caves, so we put our packs down and did some exploring while the other two looked in another direction. Cathy found a cave, but it was so difficult to get to without a pack and coming from it would be nearly impossible with our stuff we knew it couldn’t be that one. We met back with Kelley and Charlie and luckily Kelley found a trail leading up to what we hoped to be the cave. It was around 4:00pm and had been hiking for 8 hours gaining considerable distance and elevation. We saw a pile of rocks where the trail either continued forward or went straight up to our potential cave, we started hiking up for about another 15 minutes through thick vegetation and were beyond relieved to see another person. A shirtless man with a pop belly greeted us and confirmed it was the cave. There was another group sleeping there for the night. Comparing stories we realized how far out off the way we went and some of the straight ups we did were not necessary, but we made it! The cave was huge and I was so happy to be in a dry slightly warmer place to sleep. Most of my stuff stayed dry, but even with my rain cover for my bag some stuff was wet. Not exactly sure how far hiked, we estimated 15-20 K. After more trail mix and peanut butter we were all in very good moods in the cave. I was proud to have completed the day but also nervous for the rest of the trail. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_1SV9fXeJY/TwrIwQaJwYI/AAAAAAAABgE/maiZlK6u-O4/s1600/IMG_2401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_1SV9fXeJY/TwrIwQaJwYI/AAAAAAAABgE/maiZlK6u-O4/s320/IMG_2401.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day three, heading down</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Day two started wet and my stomach was not great. Despite using iodine to clean my water I had diarrhea and was dreading the day. I drank as much water as possible and took some anti-diarrheal pills I luckily packed but still felt horrible. Every incline was more difficult and I quickly fell behind. The group was patient was did not complain when I had to run off the trail. The morning passed bringing more rain and I luckily began to feel better. By noon, after five hours of hiking, I felt almost back to myself and kept with the AD pills and water. Our hike began harder between fatigue, cold rain, and an increasingly tougher terrain. Then came the realization of just how wrong we were. We missed a turn, but where? There was no other trail, anywhere! We were told there would be a pile of rocks and a faint trail to the left, but nothing. We continued forward hoping to catch on to another trail that would lead us to the same destination, just more difficult. After a couple more K, crossing waterfalls and rough rocky climbing we had to re-evaluate our plan and make some decisions. <span> </span>We were pretty sure we could keep going and make it to the escarpment and sleep there for the night but knew it would be very tough and miserable. We had been hiking for about 6 hours, were cold, wet, and the fog was only getting thicker. After considerable debate and weighing the risks we realized we had to turn around. With a sense of defeat we had to completely change our plans, and add more K’s to our hike. There were so many if’s, “if it wasn’t raining so hard” “if it wasn’t so cold” “if it wasn’t so foggy and we could actually see two feet in front of us” “if we KNEW what was over that peak” “if we weren't racing the sun” so, although a part of all of us wanted to risk it and keep going, we knew the safe and responsible choice was to go back to the cave we slept in the previous night. On the way back we tried to find the other trail, and although I think we might have that was also too risky to go on that one as if we were wrong we’d be pretty screwed. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">We made it back to the first cave before the sun set and did our best to get circulation back in our hands and feet. I felt horrible, although relieved to be safe in a dry cave I was still recovering from being sick, muscles hurt, my feet were cut and bleeding (as were charlies) and was frustrated that we weren’t going to make it all the way up. After stretching and sitting a bit I began to feel better, and our feeling of defeat faded away as our circulation came back. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Day three started early, we would be back tracking to the base of the mountain. By now, we had a better idea where to go as we remembered all the wrong turns we took we were determined to stay on the right trails and make it back early. Our spirits were in good shape, by now we accepted the fact we were going back and decided to take public transport to the top of the mountain to the chalet in Lesotho where we planned to stay. We went down much more than we did up which was much more difficult that I expected. Charlie and I had wrapped our feet and I was wearing my hiking boots in stead of my hiking sandals which helped a bit, but they still hurt pretty bad and going down hurt much more than going up. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3EEPnyIPEFk/TwrJLPg8u1I/AAAAAAAABgM/zer3yBdWpig/s1600/IMG_2404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3EEPnyIPEFk/TwrJLPg8u1I/AAAAAAAABgM/zer3yBdWpig/s200/IMG_2404.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">near the bottom</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Every steep part we went down I remembered two days going up and seeing it from the top I couldn’t believe we did it all plus the parts when we were off course. Because the whole day before was continuous rain the trail was very muddy and slippery. There were parts when we all had to go down on our butts, even those with long legs! Some parts going down were equally as frightening as going up, but mostly I accepted I was going to fall and get muddy. And I did, we all did. Our ankles were tired and everything sore. Most falls didn’t hurt too bad and I was able to avoid some by voluntarily getting on my butt- but some were unexpected and not so graceful, and getting up with a giant wet pack is not always easy. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ySz5SAC8nHg/TwrJwkYZDDI/AAAAAAAABgU/SmDSiQ_MuLI/s1600/IMG_2418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ySz5SAC8nHg/TwrJwkYZDDI/AAAAAAAABgU/SmDSiQ_MuLI/s320/IMG_2418.JPG" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-ZA">We were tired. We had to be close. We wanted to just be done. When all of us felt especially beat we could see the beginning of the trail in a distance giving us the boost we needed. We knew we only had about a half an hour left and trekked on, we made it to the flat bush by the river leading to the road and were ecstatic, then, it happened. <span> </span>My stomach. It had been 6 hours since my last AD pill and I guess when they say take them every 4-6 hours they mean it. I was fourth in the line, closest to Cathy and yelled “um. Oh god. Hold on.” And they saw my pack fly off me as I ran into the bush. Kelley and Charlie were in the front and didn’t know what was going on, most likely frustrated that we were stopping so close to the road. I emerged from the bush and said “shit. They aren't kidding about every 6 hours” which I guess explained why I stopped and the annoyance suddenly turned a little funnier. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">customs, haha</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">We made it to the road, walked a couple K to the nearest hotel and paid for transport to the border of Lesotho, then took another public transport from the first border check up the mountain to the next border check then to the backpackers both times paying much more than we wanted. It took over an hour to get up the mountain, and we understood why it was so hard and expensive for us to find transport. The road up was less than, er-developed- but because of that is was beautiful. I couple times we thought we might roll backwards off the mountain and were going through thick fog. The four of us have been here long enough, however, to just accept the shady transport and enjoy it. Despite it being a bit uncomfortable, the way up was pretty fun! It was pretty sweet to see the way up in the hiking perspective and the driving perspective! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LESOTHO!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">We finally made it to the top! We were in Lesotho, bruised, sore, and cold. It was Christmas eve and we were finally able to relax! We originally planned to camp while there, but we were so cold and everything was wet! Our options were either the Sani Top Chalet which only had expensive rooms left, or a minimal backpackers that was affordable. We chose the backpackers, which is close to the warm chalet home of the highest pub in Africa. The backpackers and chalet is located in a very rural village area with no electricity, but it is beautiful! We spent time in the pub by the fire and drank hot cocoa and tried the local beer, and cooked with the propane stove. The pub overlooks the mountains and we were able to see several rainbows. We were so exhausted we went to bed early and woke up Christmas morning to clear skies and sunshine. We enjoyed our Christmas breakfast at the chalet and went for a walk through the village. On the way back from our walk we saw the clouds coming, we got back just in time for hail!! It wasn’t exactly a white Christmas, but I guess hail is kind of winter-ish?! We couldn’t believe how cold it was, and it is there summer! I can’t imagine the winter! </span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rainbow!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sani Pass, elevation 9400ft</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">It was a very relaxing beautiful day. I didn’t really think too much about the holiday as I was sad not being with my family, but I appreciating the experiences I had had so far. That evening before our fancy dinner of rice and beans I was able to call my family (service in one little spot outside) which was nice. When I reached them they were opening presents, even though sad I was not there with them I appreciated the opportunity to talk with them!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our walk on christmas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">feet.hurt.so.bad</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">We spoke one of the owners of the chalet and learned more about the area, and also learned more about how far we had actually hiked. We realized we almost made it to the top, meaning we essentially hiked up AND down the mountain, then drove back up. We agreed no regrets the day we turned around, and after thinking more about all we did I really have no regrets and although being lost and turning around, I do not feel like we failed. It would have been awesome to complete our original plan, but we saw beautiful scenery and hiked a LOT of kilometres! Our group got along great and I have countless wonderful memories with the four of us. </span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">highest pub in Africa!!! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">The day after Christmas we went we got back down the mountain and were off to Durban. I loved Lesotho, despite the cold, and I think that week was by far the most beautiful travel weeks of my life. I was proud of all of us for making it and looking back even the tough parts seem enjoyable now. Although sad to see the mountains go I was excited to head to Durban, meet up with more PCVs and start part two of my vacation! </span></div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-57411019484966476272011-11-09T08:24:00.000-08:002011-11-09T08:24:10.196-08:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Bloggity blog blog. Wudup. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I ran a marathon on my birthday, it was pretty legit. It was in SOWETO which is kind of a big deal. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">“Soweto is a symbol of the New South Africa, caught between old squatter misery and new prosperity, <br />
squalor and an upbeat lifestyle, it’s a vibrant city which still openly bears the scars of the Apartheid past<br />
and yet shows what’s possible in the New South Africa”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA"><a href="http://www.soweto.co.za/html/i_overview.htm">http://www.soweto.co.za/html/i_overview.htm</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soweto_uprising">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soweto_uprising</a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soweto">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soweto</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Anyway, it was a great time! I clearly have recall bias since I finished the race without breaking anything I am really only remembering the joy! It was a very challenging course, lots of hills. I walked most the up hills and not ashamed, it was hard. It was certainly a birthday to remember! I wrote “it’s my birthday I can walk if I want to” on the back of my shirt, causing a lot of people to wish me happy birthday and several people even sang to me. Running through Soweto was different than any other race I have done, the crowd support was amazing! I was offered beer plenty of times, and once a man even tried giving me his lit joint, I couldn’t help but crack up when we started to trot with me and ask ‘heeeey want some fire, take some fire’ haha! I respectfully declined and the runner next to me said ‘that’s why I love this race’. My favourite times were the groups of kids cheering us along, I heard cheers and songs in several languages and one group of girls yelling ‘GIRL POWER’ to me and another female runner. I have to say it was also the first time I had kids begging for water and energade after the water stations. <water and energade were in little bags that you pop and drink, not cups, so a lot of ppl grabbed several and carried them> OH and the first time I have seen cold drink (pop-soda) at the water stations. I drank some pepsi at one station but stuck to the water after that. Between aid stations there were plenty of spectators outside of their houses with water, salt, and some even had Vaseline! I most certainly took advantage of that- shame there was no sunblock b/c I got fried! It was the first time my thighs and shoulders had really seen sun, so yea, nice and red. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Speaking of sunburn, now I am really confusing some people. Some people in the community were surprised how quickly and drastic my skin colour changes, then when I got back from the race my face was red, now it is pealing. One woman at work looked at me like I was dying, ha. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Anyway, it was also a wonderful weekend because I was able to spend time with other PCVs in Pretoria then the other 6 who ran the race. I swear, seeing other PCVs is better than weeks of therapy! I am very grateful for time spent with my friends, being able to drink beer (FROM THE BOTTLE!), speak English quickly, cuss, vent, and not have to explain myself is a treat to say the least. Being in the city still really messes with my mind, and probably always will. I live in one of the nicest houses in the hood and we have to fetch water and just got electricity to the whole house, people are very poor, most have little formal education and opportunities seem dismal. Then, you go to Jo-burg or Pretoria (or any city for that matter) and the disparities smack you in the face. Joburg is one of the largest metropolitans in the world, in the top 40 I believe. I think it is a good thing that it is confusing and disturbing, it should be. We all know that people throughout the world live very differently, the rich and poor is a huge gap blah blah blah, but having these two worlds so close together highlights how f’ed up it all really is. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I am not really putting my thoughts together very well, it’s hot and I am pretty spastic right now. Moral of the story, it was a good weekend. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">In other news, I GOT A GRANT YIPPPYY!!! It is for World Aids Day and 16 Days of Activism. I am a little nervous about it because it will be a lot of work between now-dec 10, but it should be good. This is the first large project I am doing, it will be a lot of health and gender empowerment education, some fun activities like painting murals and doing pledge activities and stuff. Hopefully my ‘counterparts’ step up and do some legit work. I am also hoping that some of the gender stuff I do will eventually lead to a support group for females regarding gender based violence/discrimination and all that fun stuff- but we’ll see. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Work has been weird. I decided I needed to take about ten steps back to try and get anything I do with to work. We are now rewriting job descriptions and re-structuring everyone’s day. And by we, pretty much me. I really thought I would be further along with progression on the org by now, but whatever, I guess that is why we are here for two years. After the holidays I have high hopes, that is when a lot of the changes I am trying to do will be implemented. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Now I am just rambling, but that is my update. I’m still here, doing well, sweating a lot and always talking to myself and usually confused. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">peace </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA"><span> </span><span> </span></span></div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-52468640190055726062011-10-02T07:17:00.000-07:002011-10-02T08:24:17.162-07:00"Me, I like the testicles"<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkt7Obu8q0s/Toh3hFgvAuI/AAAAAAAABF4/jJ4SZQG0P44/s1600/IMG_1552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkt7Obu8q0s/Toh3hFgvAuI/AAAAAAAABF4/jJ4SZQG0P44/s320/IMG_1552.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SOME of the food, in the new not-so-done kitchen</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span lang="EN-ZA">I woke around 4 am clings and clangs, chops, and fire. The women were up early, beating the sun by about two hours to finish preparing all the food for the Baloyi family reunion. Lucky for me the outdoor light and little bit of cover from the blowing winds is just outside my door, so the women were chatting about not having enough green pepper and ‘why the hell did she shop at pick’n pay not fruit ‘n veg’ at my door. Because I am a firm believer that too many cooks is just silly, I stayed in bed until Emily knocked on my door because she needed a box of food that was in my room. I opened by door, with my messy bun on my head and not wearing pants (that’s another story which I will not get too much into) trying to smile and give a proper morning greeting, that I think just came out as a grumble. I gave Emily the box of stuff, which turns out was spices and fish- which was also great to wake up to in my 10x10 room with windows closed. Then I grabbed some pants and a headband and went to try and help. I looked around at all the food and realized they must have been up for hours. Turns out the two older sisters were up at 2:00am to finish prep. “That is just silly!” was my response, but they didn’t seem to understand my disgust. The night before I snuck into bed around 10:00pm, I had been helping chop things and clean for a couple hours and they told me it was someone else’s turn. With six women, all with children ranging from 9 months to 25 years the house was pretty busy and I was fine to escape into my room. Especially since my bed time is usually 8:00pm. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I have learned that when groups of women get together to prepare for an event, there will be a lot of sitting around and observing, but everyone pitches in. I tried to compare the preparation to Thanksgiving, which usually requires a lot of preparation and experience to know what to do when- but it’s just not the same. First of all, turkey- you leave it. Come back, spew some juicey water on it, leave it. The night before you have to do a lot of prep, with the stuffing and all, and (at least at my house) someone wakes up either throughout the night or very early to keep it juiced. At least I think. My role usually is the day before chopping and day of chopping. For some reason my cooking skills and experiences tend to cease after chopping. But that isn’t what I was trying to explain, where was I? oh yes, night before prep. So anyway, the Baloyi sisters live all over, spread between three provinces. They arrived Friday afternoon and I was relieved when I greeted them they spoke English and welcomed me with smiles. We sat around for a little bit, I slowly got the little ones (2 babies, 1 toddler, 4 other kids) to not be afraid of me, bubbles worked the best, and sunglasses. The sisters talked about money and made sure all that was straightened out, and from what I gathered just caught up. That is when it was time for me to go across the street to funeral prep. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA"><b>Funeral, wedding, and reunion on one street in one day.</b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Kiddie corner to my house a young girl died about a week ago. I did not know her, but I am told she was a very bright nice beautiful girl. She managed to pass her matric (final national high schools exam) which is a very rare thing in Danisane, and was in tertiary school, even rarer. As described by Mr. Baloyi (the eldest son of old man, owns tuck shop) her boyfriend was garbage and running all around with other girls,<b> ‘she probably got infected’</b>. It is customary (mandatory really) for women to help with preparation for the funeral. I often see Gogo’s carrying the giant black cooking pots and water barrels to someone’s house to help. I have never actually helped, and it’s not that I don’t want to, but I haven’t felt like I’ve had an opportunity. I live with an old man who takes little interest in me- or just can’t really take interest because of language- so I never have anyone telling me what is going on or what I should be doing. But that day, Mma Baloyi (wife of Mr. Baloyi-project manager at my org-doesn’t live in Danisane but it town) was still over to help with prep. So she told me we had to go to the funeral or else the women would talk about her- so off we went. I put on a skirt and covered my head with a scarf and we went to the house to help. We do the normal greetings, with extra greetings for me, because people still think it’s funny and start to chop some cabbage. <b>“AWOA, TINYIKO”</b> is the immediate response, which is normal, no matter how small I chop it, it’s not small enough. I give my normal sassy response to Mma Baloyi and tell her to her to<i> ‘pump the breaks I got this!’</i> She laughs, makes fun of me in a language I don’t understand, Gogo’s laugh, we are all happy. I manage to chop about half of what Mma Baloyi does, but speed doesn’t really matter, ever. We are chopping at a table with about 10 people around it, but only two of us working. After one woman gets sick of watching me do everything wrong, she takes over for me. After looking around at another group of women around the fire and big pots, and another group sitting around something else –and of course the men sitting around drinking away from everyone else- I realize there really isn’t work for all 30 of us, but still we HAVE to be there. Paying respect, I guess that aspect of community and Ubuntu is not dead, and I think it’s a beautiful thing. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">So Mma Baloyi and I start to leave to get back to our own prep but stop when we see the funeral home minivan approaching. Soon everyone is gathered around singing, men on one side women on the other. I recognize all these songs by now, but still just stand there pretending to understand. The mood at the cooking tables was pretty happy, but the mood goes south very quickly. I never met this young girl, and I do not know the family but damnit I get all choked up. As the coffin comes out and a few men carry her into the house I can see a young boy crying, which is rare. I have only been to a few memorials and funerals, but I have only seen tears from a few people at the actual grave. I have to ignore the songs and the people around me to regain my composure. I start to realize all the little ones running around which just reinforces the idea that funerals and death are all too common, and it has become a normal part of the culture. However, seeing the little boy wipe his eyes, then another, a bit older girl, crying- reminds us even though it is common, it is still tragic. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">So, we are now back at my house and I am more comfortable in my jean knee length shorts and start the prep! I take a seat and start on peeling some potatoes. Two large bags of potatoes at my feet made me really happy that I invested in a peeler. Hone looked at me and said ‘those are too hard to use, I like this knife’ <i>well you go girl, I like my peeler</i>. We peel away as some of the other women cook that night’s dinner and chase around some of the now 7 kids around. Before I know it there are about 20 of us around doing all sorts of things, but I just stick to the one table going from potatoes, to carrots, peppers, beetroot, then cabbage and onion. I satisfy my duty long before it is all done and another sister takes my knife and tells me to rest. I have a Skype date with Mal, so I don’t refuse. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Shortly after I went to bed the chopping and chatting dwindled down, and just as I thought it was going to be a quiet night, the drums and singing start. Oh yea, funeral, all night prayer service, across the street. Although I enjoy drums and all, not gonna lie, when it gets to be too intense in the middle of the night it can be a little creepy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1371030397"></span><span id="goog_1371030398"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YP6uiAigKGI/Toh887-8FrI/AAAAAAAABGE/zNeUa7cRlkY/s1600/IMG_1553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YP6uiAigKGI/Toh887-8FrI/AAAAAAAABGE/zNeUa7cRlkY/s320/IMG_1553.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm...Mbuti</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span lang="EN-ZA">So now it is event day and I am back outside ready to help, but I see I am too late- chopping is done, damn. Emily informs me she has been up since 200am, <b><i>jyo</i></b>! Was my response. I spend a lot of time sitting with different people around pots of whatever, and try and help clean. I am happy to see Mr. Baloyi and family around 6am, and go to investigate what animal will be slaughtered. There it is, a goat hanging from the tree and about 5 men standing around to skin and dissect it. This is ‘man’s’ work, but that never stopped me before so I head over to see how you dissect a goat. Not that I really make it a habit of seeing the face of what I will later eat, but it just seemed like the Peace Corps thing to do. Mr. Baloyi quizzes me on different parts, and I am happy I went through anatomy so I could surprise him with correct answers. After I correctly identify the liver he tells me that is only for the men, and I am fine with that. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GoRRzRZR1ms/Toh9yEggU3I/AAAAAAAABGI/JV443e35AUo/s1600/IMG_1560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GoRRzRZR1ms/Toh9yEggU3I/AAAAAAAABGI/JV443e35AUo/s320/IMG_1560.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old man and Mr. Baloyi</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>“Me, I like the testicles.”</b></i></span> Mr. Baloyi says with a boyish smile. Luckily I know him well enough I don’t have to mask any reaction. The look on my face makes him laugh and he goes into detail of why he likes them, I told him he could have the balls and I don’t want anything to do with them. We laugh then start talking about the intestines. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BeFXYfCjOr0/Toh-g5MRskI/AAAAAAAABGM/AT0BaSWsHjE/s1600/IMG_1597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BeFXYfCjOr0/Toh-g5MRskI/AAAAAAAABGM/AT0BaSWsHjE/s320/IMG_1597.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mma Baloyi and I, CINA! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><span lang="EN-ZA">I stand by the giant vats of pap, then the ones of meat, then other random items, and then finally decide I am useless. I take pictures of people which seems to make them happy, and get ready. I put my South African skirt on that Mma Baloyi gave me, and even some mascara. Big day. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">After sitting around with some women, pretending to know what was going on, Mma Baloyi said it was time to go to the wedding. Wedding? Okay. So three houses past the funeral was a wedding, we stood around for a while and watched the wedding party come in. They were very beautiful, and the choir was also great. After a couple songs and more standing around, she said we were there long enough and needed to get back. Again, just showing face to make the community happy. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">First the funeral, tragic life ending- then wedding, celebration of two families coming together- then reunion, continuing the family bonds. All that in a span of about 6 houses. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0mLgSMdWMd8/Toh06fRdh4I/AAAAAAAABF0/D8RkPwZuHLw/s1600/IMG_1576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0mLgSMdWMd8/Toh06fRdh4I/AAAAAAAABF0/D8RkPwZuHLw/s320/IMG_1576.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some sisters, grandkids, great grandkids... </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span lang="EN-ZA">The next 2 hours are me sitting around, I blow bubbles for the kids which makes the coolest person, EVER. A little four year old girl, who I named princess, had an exceptional amount of energy, and questions. She is Mpho’s (one of the younger daughters) daughter. They live in Pretoria therefore her English is impressive, and she was not afraid to use it with me. She asked “what are you doing” “why” “why” “why” “why” after everything. Although that can be an annoying trait, I thought it was cute. Like many children, she was surprised when she discovered I do not have any kids. “Why” she asked, and everyone laughed. Well, “I am too young” is not an option considering the people around me. “I am not married” certainly is not an option. “I don’t want kids” might be worse than saying I don’t go to church. “Well” I say with a laugh “if I had kids, I would not have been able to come to South Africa.” She thought about that for a couple seconds, then, “why”. Eish. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5s1tOhV--IQ/ToiBtRtgQ1I/AAAAAAAABGQ/XpS05RWFxtI/s1600/IMG_1647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5s1tOhV--IQ/ToiBtRtgQ1I/AAAAAAAABGQ/XpS05RWFxtI/s320/IMG_1647.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvlEn0NXtuk/Toh5pw3_QFI/AAAAAAAABF8/GMwJS-vJ28Y/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvlEn0NXtuk/Toh5pw3_QFI/AAAAAAAABF8/GMwJS-vJ28Y/s200/IMG_1648.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CINA! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span lang="EN-ZA">The rest of the day was fun, before I knew it there were at least 50 people around. Men were circled up drinking tall boy Black Label beer or the traditional brew I was jonesing for- but never got. The core group of women were busy finishing getting everything ready, and I took periodic breaks hiding in my room. Dancing started after we all ate, somehow Mma Baloyi whisked me off, got my skirt off and put me in her shebelani (the big skirt) and I had all eyes on me (and camera phones) when I was doing the Shangaan dance. After Mr. Baloyi announced that I do, in fact, live here some more people came up to me to greet me and ask questions. Many of the men got progressively drunker, and since the Baloyi women don’t drink, we just hung around dancing, dancing, and dancing. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-udfmMVbGUUg/Toh6lo7aiaI/AAAAAAAABGA/uHfMSSATt5Q/s1600/IMG_1641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-udfmMVbGUUg/Toh6lo7aiaI/AAAAAAAABGA/uHfMSSATt5Q/s320/IMG_1641.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the Baloyi sisters showin me how it's done</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">The sun set, the music kept going, and I was tired. I finally took the shebelani off, mainly because i did not want to battle that in the latrine. A lot of the families began to head home, but a lot stayed to keep going. Everyone had a lot of fun, but I wanted so bad to point out how only a hand full of people did all the work- and if they just agreed to have food ready later, we could have all got a lot more sleep. But, that just isn’t how it works- so I kept quiet. As the women started to clean, many of the men remained drinking. I uploaded the 200 pics I took throughout the day and burned all of the sisters a cd. They were all very happy, and I no longer felt bad for not getting up at 2:00am. I praised the hardest workers for what a wonderful day it was, and snuck off to bed. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">There was still a lot of cleaning left to do when I went to bed, but having no idea what to do and feeling in the way I didn’t feel bad. When I woke up this morning around five, to more clinging and clanging and old man yelling about something and church music blaring on the radio- I refused to think it was necessary to be awake- so put the pillow over my head and didn’t brave the outdoors until around 700, and decided these women are crazy. I like sleep too much to be a part of this family.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Well, around noon Sunday morning, all the family was gone. They will be back in about a month for one of the sister’s wedding, and we will do it all again. I was a bit bummed to see them go, it was fun having a host family for a weekend. The event also made me miss my family more, but I am grateful to have been a part of this reunion. I look forward the November 12<sup>th</sup> wedding, and I’ll make sure to have plenty of bubbles for the little ones! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Oh, I never did get to why I didn't have pants on. But I think I'll save that for people who understand chamber pots. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-74641607765126189812011-08-26T05:38:00.000-07:002011-08-26T05:38:33.424-07:00Sassy Sami and the Secondary School<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">It’s hot. Damn. I want some cold drink, think I’ll go get some Tab.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Reasons why that thought is all sorts of weird:</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span> </span>“cold drink”</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>It is going to get a lot hotter</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Wanting cold drink </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span>4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Tab </div><div class="MsoNormal">Eish. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So the week or so I have had some blog moments, but chose to not relive them. I have spent some time at the secondary school which was overwhelming, depressing, but also exciting, hopeful and fun. A teenager fell in love with me and another called me fat. I made and devoured French toast, puked my brains out (not in that order), and had some very good conversations with several people at Bathuseng (the org I work for) which were very frustrating but overall promising. <span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Secondary school:</div><div class="MsoNormal">Arranging work at the secondary school has been less than awesome. The broken appointments and general poor attitude from admin and teachers should have given me sufficient warning to how this last week ‘observing classes’ would go, but I still show up every day refusing to accept the bullshit as normal. Tuesday was my big day with the 12 grade learners, so I show up to the school at 8am and stand in the back of ‘assembly’ (all the students stand in the courtyard and someone prayers, they sing some, most don’t pay attention and sometimes there are productive announcements) waiting for classes to start. The first class I am supposed to be a part of is at 9am, so I sit in a random room a couple teachers share as an office. <teachers don’t have their own classrooms so they keep their things in an office> The teacher that I am supposed to be with is not around, she is still at home. No one is surprised or seems concerned. I ask the other LO teacher (who I am supposed to be observing later that week) what we are going to do about it. He seems to think I will teach that class, and all of her other classes (including Afrikaans and geography). I am very aware of how many the schools work and classrooms filled with learners and no teacher is normal, but, I like to be a pain in dumbasses and ask questions. I ask what would happen if I was not there, where her lesson plans are so I could teach a proper lesson, and ask if it is against any rules for a teacher to not show up without warning or reason. That didn’t go very far. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Next thing you know I am standing in front of a classroom of 12 grade learners, ages ranging from 17 to 20-something. The room had broken windows and an aluminum/tin door that did not shut, and on that windy day was very annoying. We ended pushing 3 bricks and a desk to try and keep it from disturbing us too much, but I couldn’t help but think about when these kids start eating me alive it will take longer for my crying lekgowa ass to escape. Luckily for me, the students were great. It took a solid 25 minutes for me to get them to answer any type of question, I tried not to push too much and made sure to explain what I was doing carefully remembering the general teaching style is lecture and silence from the class. After we went around introducing ourselves and giving one fun fact they lightened up a little, and I got some information from them. We talked about school, challenges, successes, what they want to do after they finish secondary school, and what they want to change in the community. Most people do not make it to 12<sup>th</sup> grade, there is little incentive to stay in school and plenty of reasons to drop out, so these learners are more likely to be model students simply because they have made it this far. It was wonderful to hear what they want to do after school, most said either doctor, nurse, or social worker and several explained that the community needs these services and they wanted to be the ones to help. I am not a pessimist by nature, but it was also a little sad when we were talking about it because there was a clear disconnect between what they wanted to do and what they thought they could do, and although I think they have the ability to become a doctor- it is not likely. Especially when no one is willing to teach them. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">An example of the defeated mindset was when we were talking about school conditions and one girl said “I am not mad at the school, we are in a rural village, we can’t have things like other places.” AAAHHHH!!!!!! Was how I wanted to react, but I chose to contain myself. That mindset is so widespread, and I am afraid has gone from the apartheid generations to the first free generation. I think many young people understand they deserve better, but I think people have been desensitized and there is little fight or motivation left. So maybe the ones who know they deserve better do not think it is attainable, or have no idea how to reach it- so feel hopeless. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">SO ANYWAY, after that class was lunch. I sat and ate my apple, and about 1/5 of the food they put in front of me. The teacher finally showed up, and informed us that she will not be attending the rest of her classes because she doesn’t want to, and she thinks I will teach, this was of course was not in English and I had no idea what was going on. Again, I found myself in a classroom by myself. So for the next two classes had discussions with the classes and actually did really well with one of the classes. I had them do a little exercise about how they can all solve a problem in the community, next thing you know I am like some motivational speaker that the learners are listening to and asking questions. Where did that come from? Not sure but it was cool. After the last class I found the teacher and tried having a little discussion. Fail. Worthless. </div><div class="MsoNormal">When I went to the school today to observe another LO class, the morning prayer went to 830 which is dumb but typical- class starts at 8 so the first period many times just doesn’t happen. So go to the teacher I am observing. He asked what the plan was, and I reminded him. He then informed me that there is no LO today, its PE b/c it’s Friday. That of course made me chuckle because he is the one that told me to show up at 8 for LO. Worthless. Part of our convo went something like this: </div><div class="MsoNormal">Him: today is PE because it’s Friday, I don’t know what we can do. Maybe you can teach them, you know aerobics, no?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Me: yes, I do know aerobics, however, I did not prepare anything because you told me I was observing your LO class this morning.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Him: but there is no LO class today, its PE</div><div class="MsoNormal">Me: I understand that. Why do you need me to teach PE, who is supposed to do it?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Him: I am. Its my class. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Me: ok, so it is your class. Not my class. I do not understand why I should teach it. I will observe LO next week, and we can all meet again and discuss the next step of our plan. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Him: you are leaving?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Me: yes. I came here to observe LO because you asked me to help make the classes better. Since there is no LO class I am not going to waste my time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The rose colored Peace Corps goggles that most new PCV wear, the ones that can make lazy co workers look hardworking, well those faded away about week two at site, but I still refuse to accept the irresponsible behavior that is standard at too many organizations and schools acceptable. I have been walking on egg shells, trying to be so damn culturally sensitive and not offend anyone since I got here and I am kind of over it. Being a horrible worker is not a cultural difference, and I feel no need to be sensitive about that. I am 100% aware that the reason many of these problems are around is because of the history of South Africa. Let’s be real, the white people really F’ed things up. It is the old oppressive government at fault for the horrible education system and much of the poverty, but continuing to excuse this attitude will not help anyone and the young generation needs some role models. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, so I have a lot of work to do at the schools. As much as I would like to give some of the teachers the bird and leave, the students deserve teachers. If I can help them study for their national final exam which decides if they graduate (8 ppl passed at this school last year), then great. Maybe I will meet some other teachers that are motivated and we can work together. Maybe stars will align and some of the not so amazing teachers will improve, I have to try. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So that was my week at the secondary school, sorry for the rambling. I could have gone on for a couple more pages, but I’ll stop. Now on to a brief summary of the good things that happened at Bathuseng this week! YAY! I had a really good discussion with Mma Baloyi (manager) about some major changes that need to happen at the org. I explained my frustrations with the organization and certain people and she was supportive. Without getting into the details, it was really good. Done with egg shells. </div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-19108633509760444112011-08-21T03:18:00.000-07:002011-08-21T03:18:36.972-07:00extrordinarily ordinary<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b>August 17, 2011</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I need a date book</div><div class="MsoNormal"><but don’t send me one></div><div class="MsoNormal">Reason #26 why I need a date book, I just remembered I am a Master International student and I have all sorts of stuff to turn into USF. Whooopsies. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Reasons 1-25 range from </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>#5 to make me feel important</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">#7 because I am working at 2 different schools, Bathuseng, and trying to write two different grants all while refusing to lose sleep or miss an appointment </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"># 11 I am supposed to be training for a race in November and another in March</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"># 13 So people think I am busy</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"># 3 Something else to doodle in </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So I guess with all this extra money that <i>I do not</i> <i>have</i> laying around I will make my way to a stationary place, I hate datebooks. It’s a big commitment, usually a whole year! Oh life is such a struggle. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Things are starting to pick up a bit. The secondary school wants me to help with grade 11 and 12 ‘Life Orientation’ class. By ‘help’ I mean take over, but I am learning from my peers and standing my ground. Explaining ‘sustainability’ and the Peace Corps goals as reasons why I won’t take everything over gave the teachers and principal a glazed over look, but what the hell, I tried. Not to mention I have zero training, but that doesn’t seem to matter. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">From what I understand Life Orientation (LO) is a catch all for subject matter that teens need but are not getting in other subjects or from home. Things such as health, stress management, possible career choices, human rights, and any other subject you can think to throw at teens. I am excited for this subject; I think there is a lot of potential to make it interesting and really helpful. I am most excited about the health stuff and the potential to throw in some gender/youth empowerment and gauge interest for after school clubs. Maybe I’ll actually use my degree? Maybe. High hopes for now, hopefully they don’t eat me alive. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The primary school principal wants me to work on the curriculum for a couple different subjects, it’s not looking promising. There was an education volunteer here from 2006-2008 and after talking to her I realized they asked me to do exactly what she did. Not only is that school not my primary assignment, but I have no education training and reinventing the wheel seems semi-pointless. Mah. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My workshop series with the OVC carers is going well. Not exceptional, but good enough. We have been working on goal setting and program planning. I had to extend the number of sessions after I realized just how foreign these concepts are. Now I know why I am here for two years. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Another reason why I love it here: the OVC carers are sick of fetching water, so they hook up three different hoses to stretch across the road to the municipal tap and fill up a giant Jojo bin intended to catch rain water. But sometimes still walk to the tap and sit there for 45 minutes to get away from the Centre when our staff pissed them off. They also fill me in on the dirt of what is going on. You go girls. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">August 21</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"> It's Sunday. whoop whoop. lived another week. This next week I actually have some legit stuff to do, tomorrow I am supposed to be meeting with a couple teachers from the primary school, too bad the principal still hasn't told me what time this meeting is. Tuesday I will be shadowing the secondary LO class and working out a teaching schedule. They asked me to lead the morning prayer and sing, i said no. They thought I was joking, i then said 'absolutely not' and i think they got the hint. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">OH. so friday was supposed to be the carers first planned activity with the kids. didn't go perfect, actually almost didn't go at all. i ended up just playing frisbee with a bunch of kids while the carers played volleyball amongst themselves. ill write about it later and post some pics, despite it not going how it was supposed to i had fun. at one point there was a baby on my back. whats not to love?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My favorite carer is on leave for the next two weeks, she speaks the best english and actually has interest in improving the centre, i think i might alter the workshops while she is gone, do some review of what we have been doing. i also am giving more responsibility to the coordinator, so we'll see how that goes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a 'bagobe' (pap) lesson wed, haha. The favorite carer (Mokgadi) is coming over and we are going to cook pap, i am also cooking her an American breakfast. Should be interesting. I am not all too concerned with learning how to cook but I figure since i ultimately don't have a host family or anyone around me ever i should try and weezle my in somehow. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-81974454244585448262011-08-03T02:31:00.000-07:002011-08-03T02:31:00.704-07:00Oh hey, I'm still alive<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">Bloggy BLOG BLOG. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I realized I have not written in a while, and I am also behind in e mails to friends and family- this is mostly because I don’t really have anything exciting to say. BUT I suppose I should give a general update on life. I have received some more questions from people making me realize I have done a poor job of trying to explain what I am doing here, how my living situation is, and just how I am in general. I will do my best to explain this with an edited version of life in PC SA. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am now out of the ‘Lockdown’ phase, which was our observation phase. During that time we had to complete a needs assessment. I did mine pretty well, there are a couple things I could add too to make it better, but I am confident that it good enough. I turned this in almost two months ago to Peace Corps, considering this was supposed to be a big deal I hoped it would be at least read by someone, commented on and maybe we would get a little feedback, however, this has not happened. <span> </span>I guess I am still in grad school mode, and need to snap out of it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">ANYWAY, so lockdown is over, ‘real’ work begins. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The first mountain for me to climb is getting the DIC (drop in centre for orphans) more productive. We currently have motivated caregivers and (some) food to feed the kids. Drop in centres are supposed to also work with the kids of life skills, fun activities, homework – and other things like that. Apparently once upon a time this centre did that, but now there are no activities and kids are not coming consistently making it difficult to start activities. So, this is where I come in. The caregivers told me the biggest challenges are 1)the inconsistent timing of children coming/kids not coming at all & 2) not sure what to do with kids/having no activities. Seems to me if we can get some activities going then maybe the kids would have reason to come, and they wouldn’t come just to eat shortly before we close. So, that is what we are doing. So I am doing a series of workshops with the caregivers about all of that. I am focusing a lot on planning and goals. I hope to eventually have them making daily lesson plans, weekly and monthly plans. This is something that is pretty standard for DICs, but has not been done here. I am also trying to tap into my creative side and am teaching them activities we can do with the children that do not need resources. For example, we are saving newspapers and will have a fashion show and contest who can make the best wardrobe out of newspapers. We are also making a volleyball net out of old plastic bags. I have to admit these ideas are not original- they are out of an awesome book I bought. It is exciting though, after the first workshop I did with the carers about the importance of play and how to facilitate they were already playing with the kids that afternoon. </div><div class="MsoNormal">One very, very important step I am taking is meetings with another DIC. A PCV (I would like to give a shout out to Elizabeth/Metja of Moshate) who is another SA 23- her and I are having monthly meeting between us and our respective OVC/DIC Coordinators. These group meetings make it easier for us to share ideas and I think make it easier for the staff members to express ideas and learn from each other. It also holds them/us accountable for changes we say we will make. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Another project will be working with the primary and secondary schools. This, however, will be challenge to say the least. It is exciting but scary. The primary school wants me to pretty much get the teachers to teach and implement lesson plans, haha, oh yea no problem. The secondary school I think wants me to teach, which I am very willing to do if we can get the schedule to work out. I would most likely be teaching some health stuff which would be awesome! BUT we’ll see. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Long term project for me is a mentoring/afterschool program. This is a major project that will take a lot of planning, and I will need to get a grant. My plan is to train some of the secondary school students to be mentors, have them mentor some of the primary school kiddos and ppl here at the centre- and also have them be able to train more mentors. This will also be an afterschool program focusing on all the fun stuff that we should be focusing on. Ya know, female empowerment, physical activity, passing school, HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, fun stuff, sex ed… all that good stuff. There is currently nothing to do here, so, kids have sex and drink a lot. The sex ed is sub par and there are very few good role models. The challenge right now is finding some good counterparts to work with- once I can figure that part out I can write the grant. Oh yea, and I have to find a bunch of other donations and plan it all. No problem. But this will be the big project that when I walk away from here, if it is successful and looks like it can run without me being here- I will be happy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What other questions have I had? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Missing home-Yes, I miss home, a lot. August in MI has always been my favorite, this will be my first time not spending at least half of it there. Shame. I miss everyone very much, but feel very lucky I have access to the internet so I stay semi connected. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What do I eat?- A lot of rice. A lot of eggs. A lot of beans. A lot of apples. A lot of junk food if it is around, although I am really trying to cut that out. I recently did some real grocery shopping, so i have had some more veggies, and made some wonderful hummus. I cook over a propane stove which is pretty awesome. My workout regimen is improving, so that is also good- but damn, I miss running on bayshore. I MISS ELTON (my bike) SO MUCH!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Water/bathing- I fetch my water using 3 buckets and a wheelbarrow. It isn’t too far away so not bad. I go usually every other day. The municipal taps are spread out around the village, but rarely work so I go to a house that has a bore hole and buy it for 1R per bucket (25 L). The family is nice, doesn’t really speak English but sometimes they don’t make me pay which is cool, but really that price is super low so (for me) isn’t a factor. My limiting factor for water is laziness. I use buckets to bathe, I have got myself down to using very little water. It is a pretty pathetic game I play seeing how little water I use. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">How is language going?- its not. My tutor is not nearly as awesome as our language teachers during PST and the ppl at my org are more interested in learning English than teaching my Sepedi. I understand this, and support it. They have to write all reports in English (which is stupid), and if they ever want a better job need to have better English, so it is important for them to know English. I am still trying to learn more, but am struggling. My PC experience would be DARASTICLLY different if I spoke the language, it’s frustrating, but whatever I guess that’s life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What else have ppl asked? I don’t remember. But please feel free to continue inquiring about whatever, I am happy to answer!!! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">6 months down, 20 to go. </div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-53705646742276156022011-07-09T05:36:00.000-07:002011-07-09T05:36:03.707-07:00Why movies are great~this again, was written over a month ago, but still very very relevant~<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">6 June 2011</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Why movies are wonderful</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I have realized it is probably a good thing that I do not have electricity in my room, because then I would never have to turn my computer off to charge it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I never used to be a TV or movie person, two hours was just always too much of a commitment when I was busy or just really didn’t like sitting doing nothing. Movies always have something bad that happens, and even when there is a happy ending, those 20 minutes of wondering if the person will live or couple get back together was just too much for me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Then, I moved to South Africa. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I sit in the office from 8-4 listening to a language I do not understand. Very little is explained to me, but why would it be important for me to know a missionary group is coming or the department is doing checks today? I pretty much am always “in the darkness” as the financial manager describes me. Sometimes I know the people around me are talking about me, but I have no clue what about. I have gotten pretty good at figuring out when the yelling is in anger or excitement. When the slaps are out of love or hate- or just simple dominance. But still, it’s a lot of hours not knowing what the hell is going on.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">After work I usually run, or if my stomach is not cooperating I just lay in my room. When I run it is more laughter, usually at me but whatever. Kids follow me and I have a grand ol time with them. But it is another hour of not understanding what people are saying and all eyes on me. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">When I am at my home it is me, the old man, and the 4 dogs. I have a better chance of having a conversation with the dogs than the old man. I have a lot of time to think, and talk to myself, a lot. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Then it is either read or a movie. These are better options than actually talking to someone- as internet and airtime was cut in my budget when congress cut ours. I got a bunch of movies from another PCV that are now waiting for me on my external hard drive every night. Really any movie that is in English will do the trick. It is 2 hours of not thinking about anything important, understanding the language, and no attention on me. 2 hours lost in a completely different world, which will most likely have a happy ending.<span> </span>Who knows, by the time this two years is up maybe I’ll catch up on all those movies that people are generally disgusted that I haven’t seen. Or I will just watch ‘Beauty and the Beast’ ‘Overboard’ and ‘Rent’ 600 times in the next two years. </span></div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-54252889867594314962011-07-09T05:35:00.000-07:002011-07-09T05:35:03.165-07:00This is very, very outdated. My badThese are blurbs i wrote at work and never posted, my brother kindly reminded me i have been absent from my blogging! Another actual update is to come soon.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">23 May 2011 </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Well, the CNA (community needs assessment) is not going how we all talk about it hypothetically in class. Thanks for the preparation, GH2 & Peace Corps. Ugh. O well, I am concentrating more now on the org I work for so I know what I might potentially be doing. I have a lot of potential thoughts and ideas, so that’s super duper. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I recently met a couple students (excuse me, I mean, learners) at the secondary school that were pretty sweet. I was interviewing them about the community/school and all that jazz and asked why there were no youth/mentoring groups or any clubs or anything. We talked about it for a little bit, then all of a sudden the one guy was like “wait, why are you asking?” I explained some of my ideas about working with the school and again what my role is and he was pretty stoked- he started talking about how he was once in prison but got his act together and now hopes to graduate next year and he would love to try and help the youth and all that jazz. I then realized they are older than what I thought someone in 11<sup>th</sup> grade would be, have been through a lot- and both very passionate about helping the community- score for me! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">We did some fun gardening last week, which I enjoyed very much. I loved being outside- too bad I was unaware of these gardening plans until we started working…wrong day for a silk-ish blouse! Ha! By 10AM I was already covered in sweat, fell in a bush, and the project manager had to pick thorns outta my ass. It was pretty humorous! To try and make our fence more secure we went searching for aloe plants, and dragged them back to our place. Ha, the thorns that will keep predators away also cut up my arms nicely. BUT they for some reason think I am fragile and whenever I do something they think I am incapable- so I of course had something to prove. Fun stuff. Then we ate bagobe for lunch, and I got a wicked stomach ache. Come to think of it, I’ve had a stomach ache for four months. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I am getting really good at Minesweeper. I am a beast, really. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I read ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ in less than 3 weeks (all while also sleep > 8 hr/night). I clearly did not rack up enough miles last week. What can I say, it was a real page turner- all 600+ of them. I really do recommend it to everyone! I know that the history of South Africa is not exactly common knowledge, and I have done a half ass job of explaining certain important aspects, but really, read the book. Nelson Mandela is the bomb diggity. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">All my friends are graduating and getting jobs. In what world does it make sense that I have friends who are doctors, nurses, and a lawyer? Weird. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA"><as an update, my CNA is done, and i actually think i did an ok job on it> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">5 June 2011</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Sup, world. Howzit? Sharp? Great. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">This past week was pretty interesting. Monday I was not well, I puked in front of the old man on the way to the latrine. I was better mid-day, which is pretty typical. I have been having some other GI issues, but I’ll be fine. I’ll prob suck up my pride at call medical soon. Mom- don’t worry. I am fine. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">I got amazing packages this weekend. All I’ve done today is watch movies I got from Cate read Time magazine, read about Natalie’s life (amazing), and eat junk food. Sorry, church, I just couldn’t do it today. Anyway, nothing but love for coop (Natalie) and my momma. Thanks a ton. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Oh, last weekend Cate E and I were on a taxi to Polokwane, I don’t really feel like writing about the whole epic experience but I will talk about the taxi. So, the rank we got off is pretty gnarly. You gotta have your ‘Don’t F with me face’ on and walk fast. Well, a nice young gentleman was being a pain in our asses, let me set the scene: So we are obviously targets for ppl wanting to ‘help’ us, b/c ya know, we glow, but it’s just really annoying and many times the people are very pushy. So he is standing inside the taxi at the door and says:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Man: “Hey where are you going….blah blah”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Cate: “no where, we got it”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Man: “blah blah pushy pushy blah…HEY Lekgowa”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Cate: (as she is passing by him with me behind her) DON’T call me white person. (exits)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">Me: (as I pass by) “and its MAkgowa” then I step down</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">…E quickly exits…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-ZA">This was obviously followed by laughter. Oh, and makgowa makes it plural. This story doesn’t do it justice. Eish. </span></div><update- my stomach is better><br />
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</div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-58831020676545053932011-05-10T10:02:00.000-07:002011-05-10T10:02:29.893-07:00RUN, LEKGOWA, RUN!!!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">Had some pretty epic runs the last two days, unfortunately, in both sense of the word. But let me stay censored and positive. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday I was not excited about going for a run, and was thinking about how it has changed. I think most of my favorite runs have been in Florida. Running to the sun rise on Bayshore was always great, even with the tunnel that smelled of piss and corndogs and the sometimes gross smell of the water- I loved it. Especially the Gaspirilla Pirate Ship, I always was say something about “Grrrr I shall find my booty” when passing it. Other favorite runs were of course any race I did, and nothing will ever top Ragnar, Miami --> <span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span></span></span> Key West. Even though I was recovering from the flu and the seven mile bridge was the bane of my existence, it was epic. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Running was always my time. I would drown out my stress with some horrible dance/rap music and run for miles not thinking about anything that mattered. Honestly, I usually would day dream about ridiculous things- sometimes completely fictional fantasies and other times, a lot actually, would think about Peace Corps. Wondering where I was going, and then later worried about my rejection and medical holds. I thought about what it would be like, what continent I would be on and what language I would speak. I dreamed up the programs I would start and relationships I would form. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now that I am struggling to communicate and working on a needs assessment that is much easier in theory, my runs are much less stress relieving as they are stressful. I think I have finally figured out the streets to avoid because of Taverns and Shebeens, but now am facing my fan clubs and jokes. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday’s run was so cliché ‘PC’ it was cheesy. If only there was a camera I would be plastered on a billboard with the slogan “Never have to say ‘I should’ve’” My glowing Lekgowa-ness would radiate on the 17 little South African children giggling and following me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As I approached my usual spot where I turn I heard “LEKGOWA” which is normal, but this time saw a crowd of children running at me like I was Angelina Jolie and Madonna all rolled up into one miracle worker. One little toddler had a stick. It was scary. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The kids ran with me for a couple minutes-I slowed down to try and entertain them for a bit, and as I could hear the toddler with the stick wheezing I had the realization I might kill this little pot licker so i stopped. Some of the laggards caught up and I did some stretching with them, jumping jacks, and other random stuff. I told them I was going to keep running, combining my little Tsonga and Sepedi, and instead of them leaving they continued with me. We ran a total of 1.5 miles together, it took forever. I kept stopping for the little ones, sometimes carry a couple at a time. I tried talking to them and got some of their names. We laughed, me out of nerves and confusion, then at me. The sun was setting so I tried telling them they needed to go home, so I ran in the direction where they met me- and told them to stay. Actually I think I said sit, but whatever. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway. It was fun, I enjoyed being around humans as after work I am always by myself, but I thought about how much my runs have changed. My 1 to 2 hours of alone time I enjoyed so much in Tampa is now my time of constant attention, drunks trying to run with me, constantly calculating where to go to avoid masses just to find a pop up Shebeen I have to go around, and having to greet everyone. <span> </span>A lot of “where are you going?” “why are you running” but mostly laughs and me ignoring the not so funny ones . Oh, and I can’t forget the cows. Oh the cows. I do find myself laughing, a lot, during my runs!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span></span>I love the kids, the ones that are used to me know I will high five them- so I often have lines of cheerleaders with their little sticky palms out- giggling as I say ‘Thobela’ and slap all the hands. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess it’s ok that running is no longer my mental time, as that is now pretty much every other waking minute. If I am not running and not at work I am alone so I have plenty of time with my cluttered mind space. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have to admit it is hard to get out of the door sometimes, knowing all eyes are on me. Today I went a new route and was happy to not have kids follow me for more than 3 minutes- I enjoy my Lekgowa Kitima clubs, but I really wanted to get in a good workout. I also very much enjoy seeing the progress of people knowing my name, and gogo’s not looking so shocked to see me, but rather pleased to greet me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I miss wearing my running shorts and listening to my iPod, but the sunsets I see over the mountains and laughs I share I guess trump that. I also love the rough terrain to change things up a bit. Today’s new route had its pros and cons, but the sunset was especially amazing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The area I am in is so small and sun setting earlier everyday so I find it difficult to get a long run in, but soon I’ll figure it out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For now, I’ll be proud of my 3 miles, and call the days where I don’t go too far b/c of my Lekgowa Kitima fan club ‘integration’. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200719229778099812.post-89593890506659785582011-05-01T08:59:00.000-07:002011-05-01T08:59:33.874-07:00If rhymes were a drug, I'd sell em by the gram<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">I would like to give a shout out to Mr. Garfield- don’t worry I’m taking wonderful care of your daughter.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><span><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have had a lot of time to evaluate my music selection. I am a little disappointed in myself. Much of my music got corrupted, and more is on my laptop that I don’t use because it needs a power source- so I am left with only my iPod. It does not have nearly enough Elton John or 2Pac- this got me thinking. I think Elton and 2Pac would have been great together. The little stunt with Elton and Eminem was overrated, but I think Elton and 2Pac could really do something good. It would rival the Aerosmith and Run DMC duo. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is what I think about. Epic cultural stuff. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I started working on a remix to “You Don’t Know Me” by TI, I really don’t have to change too many words. We can call it poetry right? Hippy Peace Corps stuff-I mean, I’m wearing my birks while doing it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This all spawned after a solo dance party in my room, but my friend Samantha explained that we should call it an “exercise session” I like it, makes it sound way less pathetic. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span></span>But really, I have been thinking how PC could make training more useful, and a couple of us were talking about it when we met in town. Cate had a great point- PCVs need to talk more about what to do when there is nothing to do. Tips like, spread your laundry out for three days, or never cook more than you need, because that means the next day making dinner does not take NEARLY long enough. I think that should be our classes contribution to PC-SA. So far other things to when you have nothing to do include learning how to fold clothes like they do in the stores and practicing how to French braid. I have found that it is important to make yourself FEEL like you’re doing something, like “man, I REALLY need know how to properly make a bed to be a good PCV, I will spend an hour doing it” or "I did NOT sweep the dirt outside well enough, I must do it again". I think maybe we should put a book together, call it, “Where there is no stimulation” and it really is NOT supposed to sound dirty. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There have far too many holidays in this last 2 weeks, I have had one work day that was about 3 hours long. I guess I could do something productive, like study language, but dance parties are way more fun. I am trying to integrate, went to church this morning. That was 4 hours of my day, and it is kind of fun. It’s like a free concert every week. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hhhmm…what other PC things have I done? My run on Friday had 12 giggling children screaming ‘LEGKOWA’ so I stopped and did a little impromptu workout session with them- that was fun. Then my asthma was worse than when I was an overweight 7 year old trying to play soccer. Eish…love the air quality! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ok. Met my blogging quota for a while. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is my life. Now I will go make dinner. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">xoxo</div><div class="MsoNormal">peace</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sami aka Tinyiko, but mostly Lekgowa</div>SamiIrenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864668854381326926noreply@blogger.com0