Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Ups, Downs, Twists and Turns

Since being back from the states I have been thinking about the things I missed while I was gone and the things I could wait to get back to...

Some of the things I missed:

Sunsets- I go outside and every night the sky takes my breath away with how beautiful it is. It is always something to stop and appreciate and I love that even with a bad day you always end the day with something beautiful

My Host Family- They have truly been like a real family to me. It is nice to know you have those people to rely on when you need them. They have taken me in and treated me like I was one of them since the day I walked in the door for my site visit. I am also lucky to have a second host family in Okahandja, my first family. It is very comforting to know that you have people all over the county that care about you and are looking out for your best interest!


The Car Wash- This is a local spot that serves the best Mahangu I have had yet! I remember when I first got here I was so over porridge and then when I left and I couldn't get it the first place I wanted to go was to Car Wash. I have to thank an old PCV, Justin, for introducing me to this place last March! I get one scoop Mahangu, a piece of meat and some mutete (wild spinach)... as we say in Kavango its "Utovara Unene"

It just feels right- I can say that while there are some crappy days and not too fun. Overall, at least once a day I am happy! I enjoy my job, walking around town, greeting people I know, understanding a bit about the culture and feeling like I fit in more than I did months ago. I know I am on the right path. While, I don't know what my next step will be yet (I think this is the first time in my life I don't have my life mapped out to what I am doing) I am fine with just enjoying what I have here!

Its not all fun and games! There are somethings that are not so good that you learn to deal with...
The language barrier- I will be the first to admit I have not gone over and beyond learning my language. Rukwangali is hard and I do not speak it often. I will find myself in many situations where people are just speaking a foreign language and I do not understand anything! I feel like I am missing out on things because I do not understand what is going on around me. If there is no one there to translate I am in trouble! People do communicate with me in English, but you can tell its not as simple for them as Rukwangali. There are things that just don't translate over

The heat!- I am from Florida and it gets hot there but I realized the difference. In the summertime in FL you are always going from an air conditioned car to an air conditioned house to a pool! Here you are lucky if you have Air Con and on top of that you walk everywhere and its usually in the hottest part of the day! During the summer I could not step out of the house with out breaking a sweat. You just sit in the heat too hot to move! Now the rainy season is coming but that brings mosquitos... YAY for malaria medicine!

An Ocean Away I think the hardest thing about coming back was leaving my family again. If I could bring my family and friends over to this side I would never leave. It was so great to spend time with them and get back in that crazy family routine we Balaguer's have. I wish I could share this experience with them and have them here with me. I miss so many things about home and most of them all go back to family and the good times we have had. I even miss working in the yard on the weekends! Sometimes I just want to get up and plant some pretty plants and flowers in front of my house and then I remember "oh yeah I can't afford that stuff"


A little more complicated...
The best and worst part of my day- I adore all my kids that I get to work with. They are all wonderful and have great attitudes and are just good kids. I enjoy coming to work knowing I will get to read with them or help them understand some hard math problem a little better. When they are with me it is always a great time. We laugh, learn and just enjoy the time we have. When they are not with me is when it gets hard for me. I don't know if they are being fed, taken care of or loved. The kids here are faced with so many issues I could not imagine facing at their age and it breaks my heart to think about them with out home, food or family to support them. Their positive attitudes are truly amazing. They may have the worst possible home situation, but you will not hear them complain about it to you. They will just come and enjoy their time with you.

Best Christmas Present Ever! One of the questions you have to ask yourself everyday is "Am I even making a difference?" It is so hard to answer that question because of some of the things you see. Is the impact you hope to have going to be lasting? Am I even making a positive impact? What can I do better? When I first started working with my kids last April they filled out an application to join the program. One of the questions asked them "What do you think the IYA Program will do for you?" Most responses fell under a dew of these... They will pay my school fees, They will give me food to eat at night, They will buy my school uniform, They will help me (insert something of monetary worth here). I knew I could not pay every learners school fees so I did not try to I just offered them a place to come in the afternoons where they can play, study and learn about anything they want. In December, we had our Christmas party and I gave the kids a questionnaire to help me plan for this year. I asked the same question as before "What can the IYA Program do to help you?" and the responses were the best thing I could have asked for most fell under these categories... Help me get better English, tutor me in Math, Help me with my sports. It was so rewarding to know that these kids don't look to me for just money they come to me to help them improve their skills. It truly was the best present I could have asked for. I just hope that I can do more for them this next year.

Through the FB Eyes

I found an application on Facebook that compiled all your status updates...I just took 5 minutes to read through them and they made me laugh and remember some good times! You can see the good, bad and ugly days I have been through so far!I like that it can only go back as far as when I was counting down to Nam... ENJOY!

Mon January 25, 2010, 7:11 am: Had my toes in the sand... Wish i had my @** in the water bc my shortcut i think just put third degree burns on my toes... Ouch!

Sat January 23, 2010, 11:51 pm: Sunday Morning... Pj's, extra large cup of coffee, and Jack Bauer... Dang it's a good morning!

Fri January 22, 2010, 2:39 am: what about "free hour" means you can take my last dollar MTC!!! How am I supposed to send SMS'es when I keep getting "you have insufficient credit" messages!

Mon January 18, 2010, 7:33 am: Translated it was...'I'm telling you that white lady understands you'... I love the little kids who have faith in my rukwangali skills :)

Sat January 16, 2010, 9:21 am: EWA meeting = excitement and success :)

Wed January 13, 2010, 5:26 am: disappointment of the day: the orange I brought for lunch tricked me ... the beautiful, round fruit I longed to eat was moldy and rotten on the inside. I still tried to eat it, but it was too far gone :(

Tue January 12, 2010, 1:17 am: where did this nauseous feeling come from and why won't it go away :(

Mon January 11, 2010, 8:07 am: I think my new coffee mug is too much big... I am still wired and I drank the cup at 7:30 am :/

Sun January 10, 2010, 10:13 am: Its time for the holiday to end... Work starts again tomorrow morning bright and early!

Tue January 5, 2010, 12:26 pm: Home sweet Namibia! It was a great visit home but I am glad to not be on a plane or in an airport for a long while... Thanks everyone who made it great :)

Fri January 1, 2010, 1:18 pm: It's gameday!!!! Going to watch the gator game on a big screen with a glass of firefly! Happy New Year this is a great way to kick it off :) GO GATORS

Tue December 29, 2009, 9:28 am: hanging out in Jacksonville :) first thing on my list is see the beach!! second is get ready for Ashley Bridwell's wedding and watching a LIVE GATOR GAME!!!

Thu December 24, 2009, 5:09 pm: Christmas with the REAL LIFE Griswalds!!!

Tue December 22, 2009, 6:11 am: and the travleing goes on... heading to Gainesville for the day to chop off my hair, eat some YUMMY sushi and see WONDERFUL people!!!

Mon December 21, 2009, 8:13 am: tampa bound!

Thu December 17, 2009, 12:40 am: America Bound! Excited to touch my feet on American soil in 24 hours :) The best way to get in touch with me is to call my mom at 8132054958

Tue December 15, 2009, 7:10 am: All my bags are packed i'm ready to go ... Two days of travel starts tomorrow!

Mon December 14, 2009, 12:55 pm: Flying roaches?!? What's next Namibia?

Mon December 14, 2009, 4:52 am: just looked at the weather for home... why is it going from 80's and 70's to 60's and 40's just in time for me to arrive?!?! Cold Weather, what??

Sun December 13, 2009, 9:00 am: Nothing like playing with 4 adorable little girls to cure a hangover ... Seriously we baked a cake and are coloring and I feel much better

Sat December 12, 2009, 3:34 am: Its officially holiday! Enjoying this beautiful but hot day poolside soon to be in great company:)

Thu December 10, 2009, 8:18 am: Listening to some country getting excited to head home in a week!

Mon December 7, 2009, 12:03 pm: What happens when you put ostrich, crocodile, kudu and zebra on a plate washed down with a stella... HEAVEN!

Mon December 7, 2009, 3:57 am: End of Year Workshop... Looking forward to getting on a plane in 10 days!

Sat December 5, 2009, 6:54 am: In all lines of weather we'll all stick together for F-L-O-R-I-D-A! Go Gators! Wedding ceremony over now its time to celebrate!

Fri December 4, 2009, 2:15 am: last day in the office until the new year, last thing marked off my to-do list , last Friday Wine-Day with Rachel :(

Wed December 2, 2009, 5:41 am: Looked at some pictures from college today and 90 percent of them were somehow related to Gator sports... Some would say I have a problem, I say its a healthy obsession!

Tue December 1, 2009, 12:31 am: World AIDS Day!

Mon November 30, 2009, 1:42 pm: I'll be home for Christmas :) until then spending as much time with my family and friends here!

Sun November 29, 2009, 6:14 am: Starting the wedding week of my cousin at the flag raising... Kavango wedding number 2 Bring on the mahangu and nyama :)

Fri November 27, 2009, 3:02 am: Christmas Party with my kids :) I love my job!

Wed November 25, 2009, 12:48 pm: I am thankful for all the blessings in my life...my family at home and in Kavango who are more supportive and loving than I could ever imagine, my friends who understand me even when I don't and my kids who make me smile everyday even on the worst days! Happy Thanksgiving!

Tue November 24, 2009, 11:16 pm: Why can't I be the one who never loses anything? If anyone has an old ipod they want to donate to the dumb Kim lost her ipod in the rain fund let me know!

Tue November 24, 2009, 2:47 am: what would happen if I held the Kavango volunteers hostage and never let them leave?!?

Sat November 21, 2009, 5:21 pm: Is so lucky and grateful for the life i have and people that surround me

Sat November 21, 2009, 12:21 am: Give a cheer for the Orange and Blue waving forever! Get it Raider Regiment... Good Luck at State today rock the Trop! Happy Rundu Thanksgiving :)

Fri November 20, 2009, 12:48 am: Award Ceremony Day!!! Congratulations to all my Bronze kids!! (even though none of them have a computer to be able to read this I am still REALLY proud of them!!)

Wed November 18, 2009, 11:52 am: Do you believe in a one in one hundred billion billion chance?

Wed November 18, 2009, 12:05 am: realized this morning that I get distracted too easily if I don't have a daily to-do list written out...its OK I will be back on track after I go buy a cool drink!!

Mon November 16, 2009, 9:09 am: Has 3 offical weeks of work left this year! Where does the time go?

Sun November 15, 2009, 10:37 am: Now Understands why people at home are so excited about Glee!

Fri November 13, 2009, 11:06 pm: Daa, daa, da da dada GATOR BAIT! Gameday in SoCo... Its a visor throwdown

Fri November 13, 2009, 9:38 am: It was Carolina blue skies all the way to Katima :)

Thu November 12, 2009, 10:34 am: Had to move on to christmas music because there is no thanksgiving music ... Thats a lie i love Christmas music ... So excited for the holidays :)

Tue November 10, 2009, 7:48 am: Just walked into a moving SWAPO rally ... Whoops!

Mon November 9, 2009, 10:02 am: Is really proud of my orange and blue bookshelf made from care package boxes :)

Mon November 9, 2009, 3:37 am: loves checking things off my to-do list... means I am one thing closer to a much needed vacation with my family and friends!!

Sat November 7, 2009, 11:51 pm: Had a 6 legged walk spider in my house... Thought all spiders had 8

Sat November 7, 2009, 2:48 am: In all kinds of weather we'll all stick together for FLORIDA... Go Gators!

Fri November 6, 2009, 12:31 pm: I don't want to if you don't want to...

Fri November 6, 2009, 5:50 am: Friday :)

Thu November 5, 2009, 4:37 am: gets really defensive when people talk crap about my team and our fans ... don't make an assumption because you met one drunk obnoxious fan! I guarantee I can find at least one who wears your school colors too!!

Mon November 2, 2009, 9:30 am: Is so excited to be home! Please let the weekend come fast I need a Friday Wine-Day!

Sat October 31, 2009, 11:37 pm: was so glad to wake up and see my boys were back! I am SO PROUD to be a FLORIDA GATOR!

Fri October 30, 2009, 11:15 pm: Our love shall never fail, there's no other name so glorious... ALL HAIL FLORIDA, HAIL! subbing my traditional capt and coke and mayhem for a nalgene and workshop!

Fri October 30, 2009, 1:29 pm: Knows that my gator loves are showing those silly bulldogs how to party! Best weekend of the year!

Fri October 30, 2009, 2:08 am: is going to make the best out of this weekend ...

Thu October 29, 2009, 1:16 pm: Falling asleep to the grinch because Halloween movies are not my favorite but i still want something festive :)

Thu October 29, 2009, 3:05 am: what do you get when you mix finding nemo with really cute kids, pumpkin carving, fake fall weather and a box-o-wine... A WONDERFUL THURSDAY!!!

Wed October 28, 2009, 1:12 pm: My friends at home are going to be at fl/ga and my friends here will be celebrating halloween Nam style... Why do I have to miss both?! There better be some good pictures from both occasions

Mon October 26, 2009, 6:59 am: Feels like the wicked witch at the end of wizard of oz!

Sat October 24, 2009, 8:12 am: Come on Gators get up and go!

Thu October 22, 2009, 7:57 am: loves my sister and her random phone calls about my crazy family and happenings at home... they are my favorite!!

Wed October 21, 2009, 6:12 am: Loves the progress her book club is making

Tue October 20, 2009, 9:26 am: Is dreaming of the salt air breeze and the sound of waves crashing on the shore!

Mon October 19, 2009, 3:22 am: I know I'm not going and I shouldn't be counting down but I can't help it... 12 DAYS UNTIL FL/GA!!!

Sun October 18, 2009, 9:03 am: Is hoping my kittens can find their way home :(

Sat October 17, 2009, 7:57 am: Where palm and pine are blowing. Where southern seas are flowing....there's no other name so glorious ALL HAIL FLORIDA, HAIL!

Tue October 13, 2009, 11:48 am: Is hoping for good hiking karma

Mon October 12, 2009, 4:25 am: is really nervous to walk to the school right now...I was sweating walking to the office at 7:30 am!!

Sun October 11, 2009, 4:19 am: I think watching little kids dance can make anyone smile :)

Sat October 10, 2009, 3:43 am: Da da da da dada...GATOR BAIT!

Wed October 7, 2009, 10:57 pm: loves mornings when I wake up and I am 100% happy with where I am and what I am doing!!!

Wed October 7, 2009, 4:59 am: Damn its freaking hot here!

Tue October 6, 2009, 7:18 am: Is loving this afternoon... First one of my kids is remarkably better on her reading then when we first started book club 2. My host cousin who is maybe two years old saw me for the first time in 5 months and remembered me then got sad he had to leave me and 3. I am waiting in the que to get a package from the Searcy's :) tuesday afternoons are good to me!

Mon October 5, 2009, 5:10 am: Is thinking that my kids took the no school day to a no kayec day :( lets hope some come

Sun October 4, 2009, 3:39 am: Loves my secondary projects ... I love little girls when they do ballet!

Fri October 2, 2009, 10:03 am: Home sweet home!

Wed September 30, 2009, 10:46 am: The smell of rain on the road always makes me think of summertime

Mon September 28, 2009, 10:53 pm: whats going on outside is not helping the motivation that needs to go on inside! This water falling from the sky and making me just want to go home and lay in bed and watch my two favorite men Scoffield and Bauer!!

Sun September 27, 2009, 7:49 am: Sunday = 24 day!

Sat September 26, 2009, 11:31 am: Give a cheer for the orange and blue waving forever! GO GATORS!

Fri September 25, 2009, 8:12 am: Feels like the mom from troup beverly hills at the end of the movie when they walk across the finish line :)

Thu September 24, 2009, 4:14 am: getting ready for the 1st annual Rundu Bronze Expedition!!! 50 kids, 20km hike, 2 hour boat ride and tons of fun!!!

Wed September 23, 2009, 5:14 am: Wonders why almost all the new music i got sounds like stuff taken from an old song?

Tue September 22, 2009, 9:32 am: Is so excited there will be ANOTHER girl in our family come Feb. I hope she gets her parents style and the my good looks ;)

Mon September 21, 2009, 6:46 am: Was really impressed to see the police stop to get the trash off the road until he threw it to the side of the road and drove off

Mon September 21, 2009, 3:33 am: Namibia's morning radio show: Soluja Boy, Talk about Sirumbus, Georgia on my Mind and wrapping up the session with Kwaito music!!

Mon September 21, 2009, 12:32 am: Now instead of breaking everything I touch I just lose it...I knew I should have named my camera maybe it wouldn't be hiding from me now if it had a cool name

Sat September 19, 2009, 3:24 am: Grace's olympics :) then on espn mobile the rest of the night :) GATOR BAIT!

Wed September 16, 2009, 5:50 am: Wants a old yellow rocking chair sitting in the sand with a firefly and lemonade in my hand

Tue September 15, 2009, 5:22 am: Has the sunshine but i am missing the ocean and a cold drink in my hand!

Mon September 14, 2009, 4:56 am: Really wants to spin something preferibly a rifle but my broom stick at home might have to do

Sat September 12, 2009, 7:16 am: 2 bits, 4 bits, 6 bits a dollar... All for the Gators stand up and hollar!

Fri September 11, 2009, 8:59 am: Is finally attempting the harry potter marathon with peggy :)

Thu September 10, 2009, 6:07 am: My kids always make the days so much better ...'usili' 'what does that mean?' ' its true' 'whats true?' 'usili' ... Oh our conversations make me laugh

Thu September 10, 2009, 12:16 am: HAPPY BIRTHDAY to two of my favorite people... BIL and my PC Namibia Gator!!! I love you George and Peggy!!!

Wed September 9, 2009, 4:43 am: Is thankful for a life of florida summers they were just a warmup ... Its Almost 100 out and the summer is just beginning

Wed September 9, 2009, 4:39 am: Is thankful for a life of Florida summers because it is almost 100 degrees out and the summer is just beginning

Mon September 7, 2009, 8:46 am: Watching my favorite Christmas movie ... The Grinch! I blame it on a mix of looking at flights for christmas and living with a dr. suess themed glow for a week :)

Sun September 6, 2009, 2:40 am: Loves lazy sundays with the kittens and prison break

Sat September 5, 2009, 5:46 am: The only thing that could make not being able to watch the season opener... I have a flight and i will be home dec 18

Fri September 4, 2009, 10:01 am: Gators got that ramma jamma ohh Ahh!

Mon August 31, 2009, 11:25 am: Is at the state hospital with a learner and some dude with a massive gash just broke down a door and came at us like a zombie...wtf!

Sun August 30, 2009, 4:12 am: The gator nation is everywhere ... Some one just said don't tase me bro!

Sun August 30, 2009, 3:24 am: Some one just said don't tease me bro ... The gator nation is everywhere

Mon August 24, 2009, 1:55 pm: Is really disappointed that with the time difference the first game of the season is at midnight here... Freaking night games I liked you more when I was in The Swamp at noon sweating my face off!

Mon August 24, 2009, 6:48 am: And kerri are amazing party planners :) Grace's olympics 2009

Fri August 21, 2009, 1:28 am: is going to make her half day of work a quarter day!

Wed August 19, 2009, 3:01 am: does not understand Namibia cell phones how can predictive text recognize MVEMJSUNP but not something simple like absolutely?!?!?

Tue August 18, 2009, 11:18 am: Oh Armageddon how do you get me everytime

Tue August 18, 2009, 5:31 am: maybe got a little too excited about my French Press and drank too much coffee this morning!

Mon August 17, 2009, 9:16 am: Is really excited to have the first night alone in my house!

Sat August 15, 2009, 6:25 am: Vacation was amazing and I am really sad such a perfect week has to end

Wed August 5, 2009, 1:38 am: I miss my Gators... The fall won't be the same with out those Saturday's!

Sun August 2, 2009, 5:48 am: I just paid 50 to see harry potter...it might be the best money i have spent here :) i heart windhoek and superspar(its a grocery store but no comparison to publix)

Thu July 30, 2009, 1:57 pm: Happy Birthday Jess! I love you!!

Sat July 25, 2009, 11:07 am: Is sooo excited I can't wait for Feb to come :)

Fri July 24, 2009, 10:48 am: Kavango was cute until he shit on my clothes, but i still love him :)

Wed July 22, 2009, 5:19 am: Takes it back ... 2 days of work

Wed July 22, 2009, 4:33 am: FML!!!!!!!!

Wed July 22, 2009, 4:24 am: Hump Day!!! 2 more days of work!!!!

Mon July 20, 2009, 12:02 pm: Is already in love with little Kavango...I will be the best aunt in the whole world :)

Mon July 20, 2009, 4:37 am: is keeping busy to distract myself instead of watching the minutes pass by :)

Fri July 17, 2009, 2:03 pm: Camping and getting ready for capture the flag tomorrow :) Go red bulls

Thu July 16, 2009, 6:43 am: Is getting pumped about extreme capture the flag!! Any tips or suggestions would be very helpful :)

Tue July 14, 2009, 2:32 am: reason 256 I need to learn Rukwangali...communicate with the people in the post office to see if they are laughing about my empty piece of cardboard or the silly white lady who has hope I might actually find my book!!

Tue July 14, 2009, 1:05 am: Namibia postal workers could make it a little less obvious when you steal from my packages... just cutting me the top of the package...Who would mail a piece of cardboard for $20.... uggghhh!!!!!!

Mon July 13, 2009, 2:50 am: Monday... how did you come back so fast???

Fri July 10, 2009, 6:55 am: is going to do absolutely NOTHING this weekend and I can't wait :)

Wed July 8, 2009, 12:50 am: wants to be on the beach with a glass of firefly in one hand in a good book in the other!!!

Mon July 6, 2009, 4:25 am: how do the weekends go by so fast?!?

Fri July 3, 2009, 7:15 am: Is so excited i can't contain it ... Happy 4th of July!

Tue June 30, 2009, 4:35 am: I want to work, but I don't want to be at work ...

Mon June 29, 2009, 3:52 am: just updated my to-do list and my calendar and somehow I got really busy!!

Sat June 27, 2009, 6:32 am: Is treating myself to a harry potter marathon :)

Fri June 26, 2009, 8:53 am: Why is fourth of july still a week away :(

Fri June 26, 2009, 5:36 am: is working late on Friday and coming in tomorrow too!! I am going crazy!!

Thu June 25, 2009, 1:00 pm: Is watching Twilight AGAIN! Dang you Rachel for forcing me to watch this again and making me want an Edward! You suck but I love it :)

Wed June 24, 2009, 8:23 am: finally found a book I have been looking for since high school that I read in 4th grade... The Worldwide Dessert Contest GREAT KIDS BOOK I recommend it !!!!

Tue June 23, 2009, 6:11 am: Is inspired by my kids to shave my head!

Mon June 22, 2009, 8:35 am: Something about this monday is just not right

Sun June 21, 2009, 11:20 am: Is really proud of my dinner tonight in honor of my dad... If peace corps teaches me anything it will to be a good cook!

Sun June 21, 2009, 5:28 am: Wishes I wouldn't have accidentaly erased my dads new number... If someone has it please share it with me so I can be a good daughter and wish him a happy fathers day!

Fri June 19, 2009, 3:16 am: is ready to get back to Prison Break... how dare work interfere like this!

Thu June 18, 2009, 12:35 am: needs a good long running playlist...any suggestions?!?

Tue June 16, 2009, 7:52 am: does writing letters to people and coloring birthday cards count as a productive day?? I vote yes!!!!

Fri June 12, 2009, 2:03 pm: Is finally letting my inner dork come out :)

Fri June 12, 2009, 2:38 am: is listening to Jimmy Buffett... makes me want to be sitting on the beach with a margarita in my hand!!!

Thu June 11, 2009, 4:11 am: how is it not the weekend yet?!?

Tue June 9, 2009, 12:02 am: thinks its worth it to get up at 5 am to see the sunrise this morning!!

Fri June 5, 2009, 4:47 am: really needs to keep up with the news!!!

Wed June 3, 2009, 6:16 am: Wishes i could have some of my dads chicken soup

Tue June 2, 2009, 1:54 pm: Can't fall asleep because the all dog alert going on outside ... No one here would want to steal a hundred puppies unless they were going to eat them and for that to happen i would have to be on the east side of the country so what the heck is going on!

Tue June 2, 2009, 2:29 am: feels discriminated aggainst... how can you only rent to Namibians?!?

Sun May 31, 2009, 11:51 pm: is sad the weekend is over :( counting down until Vic Falls/Chobe Trip!!!!

Sat May 30, 2009, 4:58 am: Is sitting by the pool with a capt and coke enjoying good times with friends ... Happy birthday brother!

Wed May 27, 2009, 11:41 pm: is it the weekend yet?!?!

Wed May 27, 2009, 4:39 am: dinner two nights in a row... I LOVE my job!!!

Tue May 26, 2009, 9:35 am: If Imitation is the nicest form me flattery i am so happy... My little host brother is making a sandwich 'just like kem' and he is not eating it with porridge

Sat May 23, 2009, 10:15 am: Macaroni and cheese, chocolate covered pretzels and 24 hours of Jack Bauer... Nothing else needs to be said

Fri May 22, 2009, 8:47 am: Has found her movie watching soulmate :)

Tue May 19, 2009, 2:23 am: is wondering why we stop playing games like capture the flag and crab walk soccer?? Its a good thing I work with kids and still get to play :)

Sun May 17, 2009, 3:07 am: Is inspired to do a top 5 and a bucket list!

Tue May 12, 2009, 12:24 pm: Pretty much has the best job in the world... Climbed okondeka and went on a game ride with some cool namibians :)

Wed May 6, 2009, 9:38 am: Has made passion fruit rice krispie treats(i didn't know the marshmellows were flavored) for her family, hand washed a load of clothes and is about to make dinner ... Who would have thought i would become domestic when i moved to africa!

Tue May 5, 2009, 10:11 am: Is sad they don't celebrate cinco de mayo in namibia but glad we celebrated workers and cassinga day which gave me a long weekend with good company!

Fri May 1, 2009, 3:44 pm: Asked 'would you rather eat your cooked finger or your raw eyeball?' Nick replied 'depends if there are spices' ... Would YOU eat your eyeball for a million dollars? This is why I love nam 29

Fri May 1, 2009, 1:51 am: Is excited for the long weekend...a visit from Friends and a family wedding!

Thu April 30, 2009, 1:43 am: Needs help with my computer... It says i am connected to the local area connection but when i pull up the internet it won't open and it says its not connected ... Help!

Wed April 29, 2009, 7:42 am: Is in a much better mood after watching the kids have so much fun :)

Sun April 26, 2009, 9:38 am: Is excited i just killed a wasps nest with twenty tenants outside my bedroom door!

Thu April 23, 2009, 9:06 am: Is starting the countdown until reconnect with camel paks :)

Fri April 17, 2009, 7:35 am: Officially a Peace Corps Volunteer! Yay nam 29

Mon April 13, 2009, 10:38 am: Is super happy that my brother just put the theme song from this years fl/ga on my phone...now i can listen and think about my favorite college friends:) oh good times makes me miss home a little though

Mon April 13, 2009, 6:18 am: Is speaking rukwangali at an intermediate low ...clearly a mistake on the part of the tester

Sat April 11, 2009, 12:30 pm: Sitting under the african stars with the best group of people ... Big brother, my northern girl, the boyfriend, snake and mopey :) my favorite people in the world

Sat April 11, 2009, 12:25 pm: Is looking at the stars with the best group in africa ... Love nam 29 and my big brother :)

Thu April 9, 2009, 11:46 am: Is skipping sunrise service with the fam... Sunrise service means starting at 8 o'clock until sunrise

Tue April 7, 2009, 10:28 am: Ame kwa kulironga Rukwangali... I'm studying rukwangali every possible chance i get before the language test on thurs!

Mon April 6, 2009, 10:59 am: Is actually excited about porridge tonight:) good old maize meal and water ...yum!

Sun April 5, 2009, 5:32 am: Is lying in bed sick :(

Sun April 5, 2009, 5:30 am: I'm at my host families in okahandja,namibia...finishing training in two weeks then we get sworn in and can start our jobs

Sat April 4, 2009, 11:43 pm: Is not a fan of being sick...at least it happened on a sunday where i can lay in bed all day! Darn flu shot

Sat April 4, 2009, 10:34 am: Enjoyed the host family appreciation day ...mac and cheese, fresh farm goat and a horrible attempt at a thank you speech in rukwangali but i enjoyed the after party so much more :)

Fri April 3, 2009, 4:59 am: Enjoying a cup of REAL coffee thanks to ashleys family in the states :)

Wed April 1, 2009, 5:22 am: Is sitting in the dentist office in windhoek with half a numb face wishing i was at training... What a horrible april fools (i found out this morning that yes they do celebrate it here)

Sat March 28, 2009, 12:54 pm: is excited I didn't get too lost in Windhoek today...got some sun, met some cool people, took my first free hike!!

Thu March 26, 2009, 10:49 am: needs to practice her Rukwangali so I can pass my language exam tomorrow morning... all I can say is my name is and I like peanut butter because it tastes good :) wish me luck!!

Wed March 25, 2009, 10:25 am: Really has got the balaguer curse of breaking things... I just chipped my tooth :( what's next ?

Mon March 23, 2009, 2:15 pm: is happy she got to talk to some people from home tonight!!!

Fri March 20, 2009, 1:10 pm: will be half way done with training this time tomorrow... one month down 26 to go!!!

Thu March 19, 2009, 10:14 pm: Working on independence day?! Absurd!

Tue March 17, 2009, 12:27 pm: Had a good st.patty's day but thinks its sad that all i could tell namibian's was we year green and drink green beer...

Sun March 15, 2009, 9:54 am: Has mixed feelings about sitting in training for 5 weeks!

Thu March 12, 2009, 9:21 am: Is sad i can't be with my family during this sad time for my sister and her new family

Wed March 11, 2009, 12:47 pm: Is living the cycle of ups and downs and i am glad to end the night on an up!

Sun March 8, 2009, 9:33 am: Is in rundu excited to start an after school program :)

Sun January 25, 2009, 7:45 pm: has a plane ticket to Africa in 25 days!!!!

Mon November 17, 2008, 8:38 pm: is leaving in 3 months!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, January 11, 2010

Home for the Holidays

So I survived the long trek home and back... even with the week of travel it took to get there and back I am so glad I got to go home and see my family. It was a crazy, busy,relaxing, fun time with my family and friends and I would not have wanted to spend my holidays any other way. I did a lot of traveling around FL and made it up to South Carolina. The weather was cold but I have already forgotten how cold since it is hot and humid back on this side! Tank tops and skirts are back again! A lot of people went out of their way to make a special trip to see me and I can not express how grateful I am to those people. I am so lucky to have such great friends who I love unene!! I did learn when I was home a few things... 1. people can not read Rukwangali (roo-kwan-gal-e) so I am going to phonetically spell out my words from now on so hopefully this will help you. 2. Now matter how far or long I have been away some things will never change. 3. The Beer is so much better on that side!!

Some fun events that made going home special...

1. Getting off the plane to my dad telling me I need to keep up with the music scene because there are some good songs that I am missing!

2. My first American beer at Sticky Fingers and me grossing my family out at the table when I licked Ketchup from the table...some things in life you just don't waste!

3. My "last" Christmas with the Cherrys... I promise you will get a year off from me NEXT year!

4. My friends from GA driving 4 hours (both ways!) to come visit me for a few hours. Charlotte, Jenny, Kristen, Stephen and Mrs.Young...That meant the world to me to get to see you guys and I can not thank you enough. You guys are the best friends a girl could ask for!

5. All the yummy home cooked food (thanks Aunt Gladney, Maria, Mom and Jenn)I think I will have to fast for the next two weeks to detox from American cooking!

6. Dinner at Dragonfly (YUM!) with some of my college friends and my favorite old students! THANKS FOR COMING OUT GUYS I LOVED SEEING YOU!!

7. Jenn putting the bag of marshmallows on the oven and them getting melted to the door!!! CLASSIC!

8. Mom giving me a big butt jar of change she has collected with Maria for the past year... thanks for the $88 bucks please keep collecting!

9. Seeing Mimi in the nursing home looking happy and alert! She remembered me, always a plus!

10. Sitting on the couch with Amanda, Justin and Chris cracking me up... man I miss long practice days with you guys!

11. Watching a live GATOR FOOTBALL GAME!!!!

12. The oyster roast and starting the fire "all by myself" (the logs were wet it was not my fault!)

13. Being able to watch Urban Meyer change his mind 50 times on LIVE TV!!

14. Spending time with the Castanoody's in the car... "He is a D something, something K" - Johnny "I see" -Jamie :) "You are getting my daughter is going to listen to Bob Marley, that is scary" - Jamie "That is great"- Me

15. Not being able to stay up until midnight on New Years... WOW that will have to change I am only 23!!

16. Drinking FIREFLY when ever I got the chance!! YUM,YUM,YUM!!

17. Driving a car to Gainesville for the day all by myself!!

18. Eating everything on my "I want to eat when I get home list" (thanks for everyone who helped me complete that list)

19. Ash and Pete's wedding @ the library

20. Spending my last few minutes with my family in a circle of rocking chairs just laughing and enjoying our time together!

It was a great trip home and it was a nice break and really helped me to appreciate my job and life here in Namibia. Again thanks to everyone who I saw and made some more great memories for me to think about on those lonely days over this side.

Thanks even more to MOM and JB for getting me home.. YOU GUYS ROCK!!!

Family Weddings... LOVE THEM!

My last few weeks in Nam at the end of the year were very busy. Somehow my schedule was filled with family events and work events up until the time I left. One of my cousins got married in a village right out side of Rundu(Roo-un-du) called, Kaisosi (Ka-e-so-si), it was a good time. This time no one is my family was in the immediate wedding party so there was not all the craziness there was last time for Aunt Betty's wedding. I will start from the beginning since this time my family took me to ALL of it!

A week before the ceremony...

My family picked me up at my flat to take me to Church. It was a Catholic Mass and even though it was in Rukwangali (Rook-waan-gal-e)I still knew what was going on thanks to the many masses I have attended. I would answer in English and I think my host mom was proud that her daughter knew when to kneel and stand. I am not a total heathen! At the end of mass they announced the wedding of the bride and groom! After church we had a celebration procession (this happens a lot at weddings) to the brides homestead. We got here at 10 and we were just going to hang out until 4 to start the next event. My mom offered to take me home and pick me up, but I wanted the full experience so I sat around on the homestead and listened to people talking about different things. At 4:00 the meme's who were cooking snuck me into the room to feed me. Then we took a procession to the bride and grooms house and hung the flag outside to symbolize the start of the celebration! After a lot of dancing and cheering I went home at about 9 or ten at night. The food was good, the people were great!

The next Saturday...

My family picked me up at 8 am for a day of festivities. We went to the same Catholic Church for the wedding had the ceremony which was a few hours then went to a lodge nearby to take pictures. The reception took place at Rundu Secondary School (I got a little mixed up and went to the wrong wedding reception.. whoops! At least it was a wedding reception!) The ceremony was hot b/c it was in a small room with bad ventilation and about 200 people. It was a great wedding I think the pictures show it better than I can explain it.