4th of July

So I totally had one of the best 4^th of July’s ever and I wasn’t even in America. Today we only had class until noon, because we were all going to the Country Director’s house for a cookout. We were able to meet a lot of the other volunteers in the country. Right now, there are a total of 100 volunteers in Swaziland; by the end of August most of people from group 8 will be leaving as well as the remaining ones from group 7. This was a chance for all of us in group 10 to introduce ourselves to the rest of the PC community. The director’s house was so beautiful; he had a great view of the mountains as well.  He made sure to let us know that this wasn’t his first house in the PC—his original house was a modest hut in Senegal. I guess this is what I have to look forward to!

In addition to hanging out with the director, we were able to meet the US Ambassador to Swaziland. He definitely was not what I expected. He was standing there in shorts, a fedora, and sunglasses. I introduced myself to him thinking he was a PCV—was definitely shocked when he said “Hi, I’m the Ambassador”. Lol For the past few years, the ambassador has always had PCV over to his house for Thanksgiving; however, we won’t be able to this year since he will be leaving at the end of the month because his term is up. We did hear that the new ambassador coming in September is a big fan of the PC, so the director might see if we can continue the tradition.

                We took a moment during the afternoon to listen to a few words from the CD and the Ambassador. They read the Constitution and also read a passage from Isaiah. It was a nice little way for us to reflect on our mission as PCV and why we are here in Swaziland. After that little break, it was back to our games of corn hole and volleyball. Overall I had a great time talking with PCV and hearing some of their stories—also met a few people from Columbus!

                After the party at the CD’s house, it was a party at my house with my host family. I told them earlier this week that I wanted to celebrate America and show them a few things that we do in our country. In my appropriate USA attire including a royal blue skirt and my American Flag bandana, I was ready to celebrate the good ol’ U S of A.  Fireworks were out of the question since it is the dry season here and I didn’t want to get sent home only after a week; so we opted for a bonfire. I showed them how we make a pitfire and put some logs and bricks around it for us to sit on. My Babe followed the instructions I gave him and he bought me some hot dogs and marshmallows. We found some sticks and roasted some wennies and marshmallows. This was the second time in my life that I’ve been able to introduce S’mores to a foreigner. I loved their face when they tasted the toasted marshmallow. Needless to say, the bag was gone within a few minutes. I think little Similo enjoyed this the most, he had white marshmallow all over his little brown face; it was the cutest thing!

                If this wasn’t fun enough, the evening would not be complete without a dance party. My family kept asking me to teach them a dance, and wouldn’t you know it—Souljahboy started playing on my ipod. I got the whole family up doing “YOUUUUU”! haha I wish I had my camera to video record it. Today was one of those days that I’ll remember forever—it really brought to home that I am actually a PCV. I was able to carry out the second goal of the PC. Not only do we learn about other cultures and help them, but we also share our American culture with them.  I am proud to be an American and very fortunate that I have this opportunity to represent my country in such a unique way—even if it does mean hotdogs and hip-hop music.  Happy 4^th of July everyone!