my new (and improved) host family

Here in Pan, I have a mom called Violet and a 9-year-old brother named Lebohan. I love them both already. Lebo is a typical kid, he loves cartoons and soccer, does well in school and works hard at his chores. Violet is in her mid-fifties, with above-average English skills and a super nice personality. Her husband, Michael, is in Joburg working. This family has taken me into their home and hearts. In fact, I have to explain that I need to do things on my own, be self-sufficient, like collecting my own water and cooking for myself. But I love them already. Violet gave me pink curtains and a yellow pee bucket, took me to town to buy kitchen supplies and insists on giving me tea or food every time I walk in her house.

We have a dog called Bobby, chickens and sheep. There are at least 3 brand new baby lambs that are adorable. Today my middle school Principal picked me up and introduced me to her whole school. I walked over to the primary school and met all the classes there too. Then David drove me to meet the police captain, the taxi drivers, some local tuck shops and the community library staff. Busy day. I'm waiting at home now for the guys who are supposed to be installing my security bars, but so far I've been waiting in vain. I'm trying not to be the flashy American with lots of stuff, but I've had my Kindle and computer out already. I'm assured that this is a safe village, but I'm acutely aware that I am different, I stick out. I'm pretty sure that when I travel I'll have a target painted on my back.

Random updates coming soon, and hopefully pictures. Stay tuned. :)

Official Peace Corps Volunteer!!

Until now, I've just been a Trainee.  But today we Swore-In and became Volunteers.  There were speeches by the American Ambassador to South Africa and the founder of Operation Hope.  It was a great day, inspiring and motivating.  Tonight I'm spending the night in Pretoria to leave on the bus bright and early tomorrow to my village.  I'll need to buy everything, like dishes and blankets and a bucket for my bucket baths.  I'm nervous to start work on Monday, but excited to meet the students. 

I have several blog posts to put up, but my phone is weird about blogger so I can't update regularly.  And today, while I'm online at the Peace Corps office, I don't have my flash drive handy.  So you'll read blogs about my first 2 months in South Africa much later.  Oh well.

Sala Sentle.  (Stay well.)

South Africa!!

I made it here! I've been here for about a month now and am adjusting pretty well.  I have a ton of things to say, but my internet access is limited and so you don't get much of a blog update today.  Just know that I'm safe, healthy and happy. 

A wonderful(ly busy) send-off

The first 6 weeks or so after graduation went by fairly quickly, I spent a lot of time cleaning and purging my belongings, preparing and having a yard sale, and moving back home.  I always had something to do, but I never felt rushed.  Then, these last 2 weeks hit me hard.  In less than 2 weeks I've been to Lexington, to Richmond 3 times, to Brodhead at least 5 times, so Bowling Green and Somerset and Renfro Valley.  I've seen lots of friends and took my nieces out for an early Birthday lunch and movie. A couple of evenings of fireworks was awesome and then I've had to settle down and pack.  That took forever!! I have no idea what my suitcases weigh, but I know that I'm only taking about half of what I'd like to have with me and I'm gonna have trouble carrying that much around with me. 

If I have internet access the next few days I'll try to post another quick update, but from what I gather I'll be so immersed in South African culture during the 2 months of training that I may not have another chance for a post.  Please bear with me, keep checking back, keep praying for me, and I'll regale you soon with stories of some of my adventures. :)

I am a pro at packing

For a short trip.  I can grab up everything I need for a week in about 3 minutes.  I can pack for a overnight camping trip in less 5 minutes, including food.  But for 2 years? In a foreign country? It's taking me a whole lot longer!!

I've been at home for the past 2 weeks, with all the stuff I want to take to South Africa still in my apartment.  Today I'm in Lexington getting caught up on the 87 emails I've yet to read, the novel that has become out group's facebook page and attempting to pack all this into 2 suitcases.  It's not easy. 

So far I've got a little over half of my belongings packed, but used nearly all my luggage space.  Then I read an email that says I'll leave one bag of "non-essentials" in a secured Peace Corps office and spend the 8 weeks of training in another village.  So this afternoon I have to unpack, cut a few things out, and repack.  I'm sure I'll repack again next week before I fly out, but I really want to have this organized today.  Wish me luck. 

I'll try to post again before I leave the country, but during training I it doesn't look like I'll have much internet access, so if there's a 2 or 3 month window please be patient and keep checking for updates!

Yellow Fever vaccine

Just found out today that I have 10 days to get a Yellow Fever vaccine.  :( I'm told it hurts a lot, and I'm not looking forward to another unexpected and expensive shot.

Earlier today, I sold my truck (Goodbye Chuck the Truck!), so I am stranded at my apartment in Lexington.  Kellie picked me up at the Courthouse and drove me around to run errands.  (Thanks again!) I'm catching up with roommate and procrastinating cleaning out my closet and cutting down the number of clothes I'm planning to take to South Africa. 

Yesterday I made reservations to go to Washington DC for Staging (orientation) on July 6th with everyone else who is going to SA with me.  Then we'll all fly out together on July 7th to spend the next 26 months in South Africa! :)

Last weekend I had a yard sale at Kellie&Josh's house and was happy to sell almost everything I'd hoped to.  I got pretty sunburnt, and my face especially hurt, but it didn't last too long.  My face peeled quickly and now my arms are all flaky and peeling.

Sorry this was all backwards chronological, but that just goes to show you the hectic state of mind I'm in these last few weeks in America.

June means that I'm leaving next month

And I'm seriously thinking about what to pack, and how to downsize everything I own.  Josh and Kellie have graciously loaned me their garage for the past two weeks and their yard this weekend so I can have a yard sale.  I've made at least 3 trips with my truck full of stuff to sell so far, and I figure I have 2 more.  I really don't want to carry anything back with me after Saturday, I'm crossing my fingers and pricing things low so I can sell it all!

I'm trying to decide what luggage to carry, I have a camping backpack that I'm considering bringing, but it is kinda big and would be easy to overpack.  I really really want to buy a smaller backpack, one rated for like 35-40 liters, but if I don't NEED it, then it's just a waste of money.  Maybe I'll do a practice packing session next week and decide once and for all if I need another backpack. 

As far as getting everything else ready, I have a packing list and a pile in the corner of my closet of things to go.  Bill gave me a great Swiss Army knife (the Explorer) as a going-away present that's already got a place of honor in my luggage. 

But before I go I definitely want to visit my sister in her new crib, take my nieces out shopping for a day and spend lots of time with friends and family.  I'm trying to figure out how to copy movies onto my computer and eagerly awaiting my Kindle in the mail.  Still, there's lots to do!