Across the Atlantic: December 2009

Kavango Won't Be The Same

It is already time for the 26 and 27'ers to finish their contract and leave. They are slowly leaving a few at a time. Kavango is going to be losing 7 volunteers. It would be OK if these people sucked, BUT they are great people and have been great friends. Since I first arrived at the airport they have been so supportive and understanding. It is hard to imagine this place with out them. Its like they were my parents teaching me about Namibia and now they are making me fly on my own. To say goodbye to the townies we went out to Kavango River Lodge to have a nice dinner and watch the sunset... it was a great place to spend some time together.

Rachel, Kerri, Kathy and Me

Kerri and I ... I can not begin to put into words how much this girl has done for me!! She is hands down the most amazing, kindest, positive person I know!

One of the best views in Rundu

Thank goodness Kathy is not leaving me too!!

A Proud Mama

I can't believe it is the end of term!! On the 20th of Nov. my first group of Bronze members graduated to SILVER!! We had an awards ceremony and celebrated their completion of the year with medals, certificates, mama bears and cake!! The picture is of my first class. They are wonderful kids and I have loved working with them I can not wait to see what next year will bring for us. They will become the mentors to a group of new learners who will take on the role of Bronze participants next year. They make my life in Rundu so much better. I was telling another volunteer, Peggy, that I can't imagine my life here with out those kids. I don't think I would be half as happy as I am. They are a wonderful reminder everyday to smile and be thankful for all that I have. Most of my kids go with out food, new clothes and both parents to love them, but what I love most is no matter what life is throwing at them they are always respectful, positive and motivated. Did I mention that I LOVE these kids??

The week after the awards ceremony we had a Christmas party with the kids and I let them do a photo booth type thing so here are some of those pictures... how can you not think these kids are so cute??

Thanksgiving Three Times Over

It is tradition to have a Rundu Thanksgiving and we did not forget that tradition this year! There is an RPCV, Patrick, he was in group 12 or 13 and met the love of his life, Terri, and has stayed here to raise his beautiful family. He owns a lodge and hosts the volunteers for Thanksgiving. The deal is he provides the turkey and the volunteers make the sides. We had cornbread, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, gravy, pumpkin pie, apple pie and of course turkey. After everyone ate we played a game of football. I was on team "High Five" and even though we did not win it was too much fun. A few days after we had Thanksgiving #2 where we ate the leftovers...then on REAL thanksgiving we had another one!!! Its no wonder my pants are too tight this week!! It was a lot of fun and it reminded me how thankful I am for the life I have been given. I love the path that I am on right now and can not imagine being anywhere else!!