Monday September 26th, 2011
11:26am
Firstly, I must thank everyone that made my birthday (over a week ago) super super special!! The cards, emails, facebook messages, gifts, and surprise shindig made me feel amazingly loved. I can’t express the gratitude to all of you for making my 25 years on this beautiful planet so fantastic. Cheers to a quarter of a century of knowing me or 5 days; either way, you make my life better! Thank you.
Now for the details: For all intents and purposes, my birthday celebrations started Friday night. There was supposed to be a highly revered DJ Cleo show at a unique performance venue, House on Fire. At the last minute, he cancelled and was replaced by two local DJs. We went anyway and joined the very large representation of Peace Corps Volunteers. Dancing to the very techno sounds of “house music” is sometimes challenging for us westerners, but we had a blast nonetheless. Some friends and I were even photographed and made appearances in both Monday’s and Tuesday’s newspapers. Under a picture of some of my PC friends dancing they wrote, “Fun lovers doing a popular Duran dance style”! I can tell you none of them had spent more than 48 hours in Durban in their life. Good reporting Swaziland Times.
Saturday’s Teen Club went well in Mbabane. Our “Stress” lesson plan has been well accepted by the youth. They especially like the session were they discuss physical stress relievers and get up and dance. These kids school me in sweet dance moves. :-P The other two sections of the lesson plan cover relaxation coping methods (ie breathing, tension/relaxation exercises, and guided imagery) and a game which looks at what helps and what does not help with stress (ie talking to a friend vs ignoring stressor or taking drugs).
I went to church on Sunday morning. I figured if there was anything I needed to do on my actual birthday, it was to go thank God for my life. Although I was told there was an 8am mass in English, I arrived to find out that it was a special day for the church and all services were going to be combined at 9am. It was a very long mass with the multiple translations and special music, but it was still a great way to start my birthday. I got home in the early afternoon and planned on having a relaxing day with the roomies. Unbeknownst to me, other plans were brewing. Under the pretext of work and gift giving my friends lured me downstairs into Kramessa’s place (apartment in our complex that houses PCV friends Kris, Cameron, and Vanessa :-P). When we returned to my apartment, I was greeted with a boisterous, “SURPRISE” from many of my closest Swaziland friends, decorations, and a table spread with wines, cheeses, and veggies of every type! They had planned a wine tasting party where we tasted an assortment of different types and vintages as Laura read about them out of a Wine Lover’s Guidebook! It was so much fun! They even made me a yummy pasta dinner and a cake in the shape of a popcorn kernel!! Hahaha. Do they know me or what?! :-) It was a perfect birthday.
Everyday since then has been an absolute whirlwind!! My 7:30a-4:30p days at Baylor turned into 7-dusk (~5:40pm) with working lunch breaks! This is Kim’s (my predecessor) last week, so I was trying to extract every bit of information from her that was humanly possible and didn’t verge on torture. On Tuesday the 5 volunteers from the UK that make up my Teen Club team arrived. Orientating them, getting my work done, giving a presentation with my Country Director and Brandon at an international High School for Peace Day (Wednesday), and attempting to learn more from Kim kept me hopping. Multiple nights I came home so mentally exhausted that I couldn’t decide between food, sleep, and a hot shower/bath.
Thus, this has my first opportunity to write a blog entry on my blissfully wonderful day off. I apologize for not responding to emails or facebook messages, and will certainly be more prompt with responses after my team is adequately trained and flying solo. Thank you again for all of your support, love, and happy birthday wishes!
Sorry - Photos to come
Monday, September 26, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Apartment Pictures (post- unpacking hurricane)
This is my bedroom! To the left of the frame is built in closet cabinets.
This is actually a "before" picture of the kitchen, but not a lot has changed. We did get a fridge/freezer and a toaster!
This is the den or study. :-) The other side of the room has two stuffed bookshelves.
This picture was taken in the middle of the living room space. Directly left, out of the frame, is our entrance door. To the right, the hallway to my bedroom, the den, and bathroom. The glass doors behind the kitchen table go out to our small balcony. In the corner is the small stairwell up to Laura and Brandon's room and bathroom. To the left of the kitchen table is the kitchen.
This picture was taken standing infront of the kitchen table facing the living room! My favorite spot to sit is next to the lamp on the couch to the left. :-P
Thursday, September 8, 2011
There Goes the Neighborhood
Wednesday September 7th, 2011
7:40pm
I am sitting on my couch, after taking a real shower, and conversing with my English speaking roommates about the 9-5 jobs we all recently started. Hard to believe this is still Swaziland.
Although, it didn’t take me long to realize that it wasn’t America anymore. Two weeks ago tomorrow I opened the door to my apartment, after a brutal 36 hour / 3 continent trip, to find stacks of tiles, cement, a pile of ripped up carpet, a broken window, and two men welcoming me back. After months and months of discussions with the government run organization in charge of renting out these apartments and multiple promises that all of the renovations and necessary fixes would be completed by my move-in date, I found out all the work started one day before I arrived. I was exhausted. I was homeless. I REALLY missed America. Things like this just don’t happen in the fantastical land I had played in for a month. Damn Swaziland. Humph.
Luckily, I have awesome friends who put me up for the night with a bottle of wine (three sips of which and I was unconscious), a bed, and a snuggie(yup, care package items to Africa are crazy). Supposedly the gentlemen working in my apartment were going to be finished the following day… which then became the day after that at 1pm…. which turned into just after 3pm on Saturday. By 6:30pm I, 2 saints masquerading as my friends, and an awesome Peace Corps driver had carried all of our bags and furniture (4 PACKED trips in a good sized truck) up 3 flights of stairs into my new home.
Laura and Brandon** missed out on all of that fun, but certainly had plenty waiting for them when they landed in Swaziland the following day, Sunday. The subsequent few days’ activities included intense unpacking, cleaning, furniture arranging, household item shopping, and general nesting. Our efforts really paid off, because now this apartment is by far my favorite place in Swaziland… just don’t tell my hut. :-P
For me, work started on the 2nd of September. I guess I have not done an adequate job of describing my new position, because of many inquires while I was home. Summarized: I organize and put on support groups for HIV+ teens (10-19) at 4 different sites around the country. These support groups are called “Teen Clubs” and include games and activities, an educational topic and lesson, and food before the youth return to their homesteads. Baylor, the medical university in Texas, has clinics in multiple African countries to aid in the treatment of maternal and pediatric HIV and associated illnesses. Teen Clubs and a handful of other smaller programs I’m working on are a part of Baylor’s psychosocial support initiative. My official title is Teen Club Coordinator, and I will manage all other volunteers that come to Baylor to assist with our youth programs. In Swaziland, this program is just about a year old with lots of opportunity to develop and expand. After the first few days on the job, I’m as excited as ever to be a part of that growth.
I hope everyone enjoyed Labor Day! Monday I was working, but here everyone got September 6th off for Somhlolo Day (Independence Day). There weren’t any fireworks or huge national events, but everyone enjoys taking a day off of work. I celebrated Swaziland’s end to British colonization by going for a hike with a few other friends up Sibebe Rock, which is a famous mountain very near the capital city. Unlike my previous Swazi abode location, I am up in the mountains where temperatures stay cooler and not every plan has two inch thorns. The views were beautiful, and the rock climbing was quite adventurous. Happy Independence!!
So, all in all, I have to say I’ve had a pretty productive first couple weeks back on the African continent. Even with the rocky start (and end ;-) CORNY!!), I’m glad to be back and continuing my service in Swaziland. I think it is where I’m supposed to be, for now.
**Honestly, the BESTEST roommates EVER!
Move-In Day Pictures
Bedroom
Living/Dining Room (and Laura and Brandon's Bed)
Den
A beer with the awesome roommates in our new apartment on our first night.
7:40pm
I am sitting on my couch, after taking a real shower, and conversing with my English speaking roommates about the 9-5 jobs we all recently started. Hard to believe this is still Swaziland.
Although, it didn’t take me long to realize that it wasn’t America anymore. Two weeks ago tomorrow I opened the door to my apartment, after a brutal 36 hour / 3 continent trip, to find stacks of tiles, cement, a pile of ripped up carpet, a broken window, and two men welcoming me back. After months and months of discussions with the government run organization in charge of renting out these apartments and multiple promises that all of the renovations and necessary fixes would be completed by my move-in date, I found out all the work started one day before I arrived. I was exhausted. I was homeless. I REALLY missed America. Things like this just don’t happen in the fantastical land I had played in for a month. Damn Swaziland. Humph.
Luckily, I have awesome friends who put me up for the night with a bottle of wine (three sips of which and I was unconscious), a bed, and a snuggie(yup, care package items to Africa are crazy). Supposedly the gentlemen working in my apartment were going to be finished the following day… which then became the day after that at 1pm…. which turned into just after 3pm on Saturday. By 6:30pm I, 2 saints masquerading as my friends, and an awesome Peace Corps driver had carried all of our bags and furniture (4 PACKED trips in a good sized truck) up 3 flights of stairs into my new home.
Laura and Brandon** missed out on all of that fun, but certainly had plenty waiting for them when they landed in Swaziland the following day, Sunday. The subsequent few days’ activities included intense unpacking, cleaning, furniture arranging, household item shopping, and general nesting. Our efforts really paid off, because now this apartment is by far my favorite place in Swaziland… just don’t tell my hut. :-P
For me, work started on the 2nd of September. I guess I have not done an adequate job of describing my new position, because of many inquires while I was home. Summarized: I organize and put on support groups for HIV+ teens (10-19) at 4 different sites around the country. These support groups are called “Teen Clubs” and include games and activities, an educational topic and lesson, and food before the youth return to their homesteads. Baylor, the medical university in Texas, has clinics in multiple African countries to aid in the treatment of maternal and pediatric HIV and associated illnesses. Teen Clubs and a handful of other smaller programs I’m working on are a part of Baylor’s psychosocial support initiative. My official title is Teen Club Coordinator, and I will manage all other volunteers that come to Baylor to assist with our youth programs. In Swaziland, this program is just about a year old with lots of opportunity to develop and expand. After the first few days on the job, I’m as excited as ever to be a part of that growth.
I hope everyone enjoyed Labor Day! Monday I was working, but here everyone got September 6th off for Somhlolo Day (Independence Day). There weren’t any fireworks or huge national events, but everyone enjoys taking a day off of work. I celebrated Swaziland’s end to British colonization by going for a hike with a few other friends up Sibebe Rock, which is a famous mountain very near the capital city. Unlike my previous Swazi abode location, I am up in the mountains where temperatures stay cooler and not every plan has two inch thorns. The views were beautiful, and the rock climbing was quite adventurous. Happy Independence!!
So, all in all, I have to say I’ve had a pretty productive first couple weeks back on the African continent. Even with the rocky start (and end ;-) CORNY!!), I’m glad to be back and continuing my service in Swaziland. I think it is where I’m supposed to be, for now.
**Honestly, the BESTEST roommates EVER!
Move-In Day Pictures
Bedroom
Living/Dining Room (and Laura and Brandon's Bed)
Den
A beer with the awesome roommates in our new apartment on our first night.
Michigan Vacation
August 29th
When I arrived in Traverse City’s airport at 3:15pm on July 21st, I carried with me a list of activities, foods, and needs that I was sure the paradise of America, which had been epically constructed over the past two years in my head, would fulfill. Thanks to my fantastic family and wonderful friends my expectations were absolutely blown out of the water!! Being a fudgy (tourist) in your hometown is such an experience. To capture the last month at home I tried to brainstorm the list of activities I partook in while I was home. The resulting list was the product of that venture, and shocking as it may be it is not completely comprehensive. Note: sleep was not present. :-P
ATE & Drank… a lot
Saw Elvis perform (yup, he’s alive and plays at nursing homes!)
Williamsburg Theatre – Music Medley
Crocker Family BBQ
Baseball Games
Swimming (day and night - - - lake, bay, river, and mote)
Sailing
Jet Skiing
Kayaking
Canoeing
Parasailing
Winery tour and tasting
Wine & Art Festival
TC Film Festival
SVSU Theatre Production of ‘Suds’
Nerf Gun Fight
Pillow Fight
Dancing
Josh Groban Concert
Grand Rapids Zoo
High Ropes Corse
Card Game that had to do with selling German Beans
Cooked and consumed delicious Greek Food
Made new friends (including sister’s awesome boyfriend!)
S’mores and Wine party
Shopping
Got pampered
TC Friday Night Live
Tobias Family Get-Together
Bag Pipe and Drum Line Concert
Craft and Art Market
Played Tennis and Ping Pong
Roller Bladed & Biked TART Trail
Ran 5k for NICU
Built Sandcastle
Cedar Point
HAD A BLAST!!!!!!!!!!
I loved seeing those of you that I could, and I can’t wait to get back to see everyone that I couldn’t this time as well. Thank you so much for making my visit home such a grand one. Honestly, getting on the plane to come back to Swaziland was very difficult, and I blame all of you. :-)
See you tomorrow…
A wonderful night of dinner theatre with these lovely women!!
Josh Groban Concert in Grand Rapids!
Nikki raising the new ride, Windseeker, at Cedar Point
After a 5k run, the only logical thing to do is go jump in the bay and make a sandcastle.
Had to get out and walk our canoes at one point on the Platte River
When I arrived in Traverse City’s airport at 3:15pm on July 21st, I carried with me a list of activities, foods, and needs that I was sure the paradise of America, which had been epically constructed over the past two years in my head, would fulfill. Thanks to my fantastic family and wonderful friends my expectations were absolutely blown out of the water!! Being a fudgy (tourist) in your hometown is such an experience. To capture the last month at home I tried to brainstorm the list of activities I partook in while I was home. The resulting list was the product of that venture, and shocking as it may be it is not completely comprehensive. Note: sleep was not present. :-P
ATE & Drank… a lot
Saw Elvis perform (yup, he’s alive and plays at nursing homes!)
Williamsburg Theatre – Music Medley
Crocker Family BBQ
Baseball Games
Swimming (day and night - - - lake, bay, river, and mote)
Sailing
Jet Skiing
Kayaking
Canoeing
Parasailing
Winery tour and tasting
Wine & Art Festival
TC Film Festival
SVSU Theatre Production of ‘Suds’
Nerf Gun Fight
Pillow Fight
Dancing
Josh Groban Concert
Grand Rapids Zoo
High Ropes Corse
Card Game that had to do with selling German Beans
Cooked and consumed delicious Greek Food
Made new friends (including sister’s awesome boyfriend!)
S’mores and Wine party
Shopping
Got pampered
TC Friday Night Live
Tobias Family Get-Together
Bag Pipe and Drum Line Concert
Craft and Art Market
Played Tennis and Ping Pong
Roller Bladed & Biked TART Trail
Ran 5k for NICU
Built Sandcastle
Cedar Point
HAD A BLAST!!!!!!!!!!
I loved seeing those of you that I could, and I can’t wait to get back to see everyone that I couldn’t this time as well. Thank you so much for making my visit home such a grand one. Honestly, getting on the plane to come back to Swaziland was very difficult, and I blame all of you. :-)
See you tomorrow…
A wonderful night of dinner theatre with these lovely women!!
Josh Groban Concert in Grand Rapids!
Nikki raising the new ride, Windseeker, at Cedar Point
After a 5k run, the only logical thing to do is go jump in the bay and make a sandcastle.
Had to get out and walk our canoes at one point on the Platte River
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