30 Things I’m Thankful For

Every year around this time, people make of list everyday of what they are thankful for. This year I decided to make a list of 30 things I am thankful for since being in Swaziland. These are in no particular order.

1. My laptop. Without this thing I would be bored out of my mind. Every week I spend countless hours listening to music, watching TV and movies, writing my blogs, typing reports and projects, uploading and editing pictures, and the obvious facebook stalking.
2. My iPod. This thing serves as a force field when I walk the streets of my community. All I do is put my headphones in and it's like I disappeared. Sometimes walking along the road gets exhausting when every day you have to say "Sawubona" to 100 people. It also comes in handy when the preachers on the khumbi yell the whole trip.
3. Refrigerator. This is the best investment I've bought since being here. This place is so hot, and being able to have a cold water bottle or even a refreshing spoon full of yogurt sure makes everything much better. Then there are those times when just sticking my face in there for 5 minutes is all I need to survive another day.
4. Country Club. My oasis. Whenever I want to sit in the nice air conditioned relaxing uninterrupted space with friendly staff, I come here. Taking a dip in the pool, jumping on the trampoline, exercising in the gym, or acting like a kid on the giant jungle gym are some of my favorite times. I also love this place because they host the Fun Fair, which was hands down the best weekend I've ever had.
5. Hlane Game Reserve. I love the fact that I can drive down road at any given minute and see baboons the size of a school child, monkeys running freely stealing the sugar cane, beautiful impalas grazing, and the occasional giraffe and elephant. Despite my 1^st world surroundings, this reminds me that I am in Africa.
6. Thoko Gama (Danni S). My neighbor and closest allies. We were neighbors during PST and now we live only 10 minutes away. To add to my wonderful set-up, I am fortunate enough to have another PCV live so close to where we see each other 1-2 times a week. Having an American friend close by is great and helps my sanity, but the fact that we help each other with our different projects is another blessing. We're able to have a greater effect on our communities when we work together.
7. My Swazi friends. I've made several close friends since being here. At times I do feel like no one understands me, and at times I know they don't even understand me, but the fact that they stick around during my mood swings means a lot.
8. My children. I have mentioned my 4 girls and 1 son to you all before, but I just say it again—these kids mean the world to me.
9. My PST host family. They were the foundation of my introduction to Swaziland. Through them I've learned that I don't know how to wash my clothes, cook, clean, and I am too sensitive. I still don't know how to wash my clothes, I am getting better at cooking, I don't really care about cleanliness anymore, and most importantly, I've developed a "so what?" attitude which is key to survival here.
10. Malaria Pills. Without them I would be dead. I have on average 15 new mosquito bites a week—if anything this is a great conversation started amongst the Swazi's.
11. ORS. This stuff brought me back to life. I was dehydrated and puking my guts out. Drinking my ORS revived me and within a week I was healthy again.
12. My weak immune system. For several weeks it took a hit, and as a result I've lost 25 lbs since being here!
13. Mango and Avocado Season. Between June and July avocados grow everywhere, and the same for mangos during Nov and Dec. My taste buds are in love with these treats!
14. What Should PCVS Call Me. This blog is 100% hilarious and 100% true. Take a few moments to check it out.
15. Skype. Thanks to technology, I have yet to be homesick. Love that at any one point I can see my mom, dad, boyfriend, or friends.
16. Care Packages and Mail. I love getting stuff in the mail, and thanks to everyone who has sent me something! I don't care what it is in the boxes, but when I see something sent from America and gives me a little piece of home, as well as give me a sense of assurance that I am not forgotten over here. A BIG THANKS AGAIN to everyone who has sent me something. It really does mean a lot!!!!
17. Art Supplies. Despite the fact that children gravitate towards me, I never really know what to do with them. Now that I have crayons, markers, and paper, I can entertain the kids and keep them occupied for a few hours a day.
18. Birkenstocks. Back in the States, I hated these shoes. I always gave my mom a hard time when she wore them, but now I find myself wearing these as my go to shoe. These things seriously are practical, comfortable, and for the setting—they're cute. I don't think I'll wear these when I get back, but in the meantime, I love em'!
19. Deodorant. Enough said.
20. KFC Ice Cream. So McDonalds is nowhere to be found in Swaziland, but KFC is everywhere! And the best part is that they have this soft serve ice cream for 3 Rand—that's only $0.37!!!
21. Chicken Dust. My favorite food in Swaziland is by far this little treat known as Chicken Dust. It got its name by its location. All throughout Swazi, there are braii stands on the side of the road grilling chicken. When the wind picks up or cars fly by, the dust from the road covers the chicken. This stuff is so freaking good I wish everyone could try it!
22. My Mom. My mom is my lifeline. She is the one that gets me. I am so thankful that without a doubt I can call her with anything good or bad. She even knows just what to get me—those care packages, it's like she went inside my room and picked everything out. She also realizes my love for coffee and keeps me supplied with all those goodies.
23. Jason. My partner in crime. This man has been by my side for the last four years of my life and without him I honestly would not even be here to write about Swaziland. I owe him a debt of gratitude. I hope he realizes just how much he means to me. It takes a real man to let his girl go off and follow her dreams, and an even bigger man to wait. Te amo mucho….
24. Christian Culture. Swaziland is obnoxiously conservative for my liberal life, but I appreciate the fact that they still acknowledge God through every facet of life.
25. My French Press. See # 22.
26. "Where There Is No Chef" Cookbook. This PCV gem is what has helped me with my cooking skills. I definitely had no idea what I was doing before in the kitchen, but with this book, I've been able to explore my culinary side.
27. Sex in the City. Seriously my favorite show ever. Whenever I watch an episode, it makes me feel like I'm back at home. It also gives me a sense of satisfaction whenever I get the urge to go shopping or I miss wearing my heels on a daily basis.
28. Tea Time. Swaziland was colonized by England. The Brits are long gone, but one thing that stuck was "tea time". Every day between 10 and half past, Swazi's break for tea, coffee, and biscuits. My new favorite tradition.
29. NGO's I Work With. Working with an NGO makes my job a lot easier and productive. The NGO I have had an opportunity to partner up with is SWAGAA (Swaziland Action Group Against Violence).
30. PCV Vehicles. Never will I ever enjoy a khumbi ride in this country. See # 2 again. I'm sorry, there is just no way that cramming a ton of sweaty bodies and screaming babies on an old van bouncing up and down on a rough road can ever seem like a good time. Therefore, I am thankful for when the white knight rolls into town!

And those are my 30 things. Happy Thanksgiving America!