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!

Asanda

Well ladies and gentleman, I’m two weeks in. So far so good. I don’t even know where to start. Do I tell you about all the language training I’m doing, or do I give you a rundown of what I am doing day to day? While everything I am learning is exciting and new, I’d rather shift my focus on what has captured my heart—my new host family. The people I am staying with are truly the sweetest people I have ever met.

                I was greeted by my new “babe” (siSwati for dad)- pronounced ba-bay. At first I thought he was one of the brother’s I was staying with because of his age—Sipho is only 21. He is the head of his family. After Sipho’s dad passed away when he was a young boy, his mom raised him and his two sisters. Last August, his mother was suddenly taken away from them as well. This left Sipho to be the head of the family- which now jokingly makes him my dad- and me, “his darling daughter” as he puts it. In the house lives his two sisters- Sam age 19, and Bonqiwe-18. Sam has two children of her own- Similo, her son who is 6 and her 5 month old daughter (who is also the world’s cutest baby).  Besides Sipho and his two sisters, we also have two other family members living with us; Mbali who is 15 and Mpendolu who is 24. Mbali is super talented, whether it is singing, drawing or cooking. Mpendolu is my body guard and refers to me as his Lamborghini.  When walking back from the main house to my hut at night, Mpendolu escorts me to make sure I make it safe. Similo is such a cutie. I keep telling his mom Sam that he’s coming back to the states with me. Similo is very shy and has the expressions of a serious man. But when he thinks I’m not looking, I see him have the cutest little giggle. Every day on my way home from training, Similo is there waiting for me at the gate, and is always coming over to my hut to hang out. His mom Sam keeps me in check. She definitely speaks her mind and is not afraid to tell me when I am doing something wrong. I love that about her. She is only 19, but she is such a hard worker. When she took over and washed my clothes (because I obviously don’t do it correctly), she made them look cleaner than they ever are in America. She often tells me “don’t rush, spit kills”. Apparently I am impatient to her standards! Bonqiwe, the younger SiSi (sister in siSwati), is so sassy. This girl keeps me laughing. I love hanging out with her. This chick also has an amazing voice on her.  Finally, my daddy Sipho; he is always so happy. From the moment I met him, we’ve been laughing none stop. Like any dad would do, Sipho walks me to the bus stop every day. All the volunteers love the relationship between us, and Sipho likes spending time with all of us too in the mornings.  I can’t say enough kind words about him and how proud I am of him for keeping his family afloat given the circumstances.  Sipho was also the one to name me. My new name for the next two years is Asanda- which means, an addition to the family.

                I like to call my homestead Neverland—like in the story of Peter Pan. We’re a bunch of kids just having fun.  Every night involves some sort of dance party. They are all very familiar with the hip-hop music in America, so between their ipod and mine, we have a good selection to dance to.  On Fourth of July we made a bonfire, roasted marshmallows and had dance outside around the fire—it’s something I’ll always remember. It’s also great to know that everyone in the house is a Christian. In addition to the hip-hop music, we listen to gospel and sing hymns. I also like the fact that we pray before every meal. Sipho taught me how to do this in siSwati!

                Have I mentioned that I love this family? I’m already sad at the thought that I have to leave them in under 2 months, when I’ll eventually move to my official site.  So now that I’ve told you a little bit about my host family, I guess I can tell you all what it’s like living here in Swazi. I’ll save that for another time—going to hang out with my boSisi and buhti now!

SiSwati words for family members:
Make- mom
Babe- dad
Sisi- sister
Buhti- brother
Gogo- grandma
Mukhulu- grandpa

Not What I Expected

Sanibonani! (Hello!)

After 3 sleepless nights, 6 hours in the JFK airport, 15 hour plane ride, and 5 hours on a bus ride to Swaziland—I have finally made it! I have never slept so well in my life. Thank you to everyone who was praying for me during my travels. Nothing was lost or stolen… this is a great success since Johannesburg Airport is known for being one of the worst places for “missing bags or items”.  

I can tell that the next two years are going to be some of the best times in my life, (not that I ever doubted it), due to the amazing people I’m traveling with. About a month prior to the meeting everyone, a lot of us had already made a group on facebook. Many of us have already had conversations and knew a lot about each other. When all 41 of us (that’s officially how many are here) met, it was like we had already known each other for a while. The dynamic of the group is amazing! The majority of the people here are around my age, 24. The average PC age is 28, so we aren’t far off from that number. We have 3 older people and 2 married couples. Girls definitely outnumber the guys, 31 girls- 10 boys… but that’s also average in the PC. All of us have a college degree; majority of the fields being some sort of International something or another, psychology, and social work. A good number of us have studied abroad, and almost everyone here has traveled overseas. We’re a pretty cultured group.  Oh. I’m also the only one from Ohio… or Virginia.

So enough about the group for now, I’m sure I’ll be writing about them a lot on here. Let’s talk about first impressions in Africa. It wasn’t until our lunch break (5 hours after arrival), that I realized I was actually in Africa. Granted we flew into Johannesburg, it still had a very Westernized culture—except for the fact that they drive on the left side here. The highways, the buildings, the cars… it all looked the same. When we finally got closer to the Swazi border, could one see the differences, (i.e. roads, buildings, and obviously people). Even now while I’m staying the PST (pre service training) hostels, I feel sheltered so far. We have electricity, running HOT water, toilet paper, good meals, and nice comfy beds. It won’t be until Monday (one day from now when I move in with my host family), till I actually get a real taste for Swazi culture. The only real glimpse of Swazi lifestyle that I've seen is watching a youth soccer league play on the other side of our fence, and hearing the church service outside in the next yard over, playing through the big speakers sitting on the back of the truck. Just realized I can’t hear them anymore… I guess after 6 hours of church outside, they got a little cold…. Don’t forget its winter here!

Sala Kahle (good bye)

Packing.... CHECK!

Finally decided to start packing the night before I was suppose to leave. Luckily I had My nephews Noah and Jeremiah to help me. Too bad I couldn't take them with me. :(

Not a moment too late, I finished packing my stuff 15 minutes before we left for the airport. I was able to fit all 2 years of my stuff with in the contents of two duffel bags, a book bag, and one tote.

“Aim High- Time Flies”

“Aim high, time flies”, was what my fortune cookie read last night. I have to giggle, yes giggle, at how true that statement is.  Today is my last day home and I’m sitting here thinking about how fast time has gone. It was exactly two years ago to the date that I filled out my Peace Corps application; but before that, I knew I always wanted to do some sort of short-term mission trip that lasted [longer than a week]….. *rolls eyes*.

When I started college in ’06 as a Nursing major (boy was I ever misguided!), I figured I would come out of college by ’10 and pursue  a career as a traveling nurse or do medical missions. Within my first 3 weeks of my freshman semester, I knew I needed a plan B! Having “my plan” thrown out the window was possibly one of the best things to ever happen to my life. After a lot of prayer, and I mean A LOT of prayer, I switched my major to International Business (while still keeping my minor in Inter-cultural Studies, i.e. missions) and started to investigate what I wanted to do with life after school. 

Having worked with several mission agencies I was aware of Christian mission boards that did short term mission trips or internships for two years. This was something that caught my eye immediately. Before ever considering Peace Corps, I was ready to submit my application for IMB Journeyman program. But for one reason or another, God did not lead me in that direction. This whole process up until this point has been everything but easy—I’ve worked my butt off. I’m glad to see one of my life long dreams come true. 

I’ve met some pretty amazing people over the past few years, and I’ve shared with them my upcoming plans. The majority of them have had the same response of enthusiasm, followed by “I wish I could do something like that”.  Today’s post is to encourage everyone who has said, “I wish I could”. I’ve had many road blocks and doors close in my face, but it never stopped me from pursuing my dream. So stop wishing, and DO!

Not everyone can just up and move overseas for 2 years, and I’m not saying that everyone should do something drastic. What I’m trying to get across is that anything is possible for those who have faith. Dreams are rarely accomplished overnight; it took me about 6 years to get me to this point—so be patient. It should also be noted that I did not accomplish this on my own, I had a team of people supporting me, but most importantly I had my faith in God.  My life verse has always been Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths”. Because I followed my heart and listened to God’s plan in my life, I never have to say “I should’ve”.

Late Night Thoughts- Ode to Mom

Seven days from now I will be waking up and getting ready to head to the airport and say my final good-bye. I’ve had to hug my mom several times before at airport security. The first time was when I was 13 and flying to California by myself. I would be going on a 5 week tour around the US performing with the Continental Singers. Then 4 years later, I would be doing the same thing all over again; but instead of going for a few weeks, her little teenager would be gone for a few months. Now the time has come again when I’ll get to relive those memories of giving her a hug and shedding a few tears before I board that plane.

It’s amazing to see just how much has changed and how much has remained the same between then and now. The things that have remained the same are what have kept me going and carried me to this point. I knew when I was 13 that this was what I wanted to do. I’m ready for this—to take on the world. My sense of adventure and doing the unthinkable has only intensified.

My relationship with my mom has also been the driving force to get me to where I am. Since the age of 10, it has just been me and her. My mother and I could not be more opposite than each other. But despite my antics, she has been my biggest supporter—always going above and beyond her means to make sure my dreams come true.  During this whole Peace Corps application process she has been my prayer warrior.

I think everybody needs a person like my mom in their lives—someone who stands behind you no matter what. The type of person who drives you to the airport, writes you letters every single day you are gone, takes care of everything on the home front. I believe one of the reason I am able to do such things with confidence, is because I have a person who supports me 100%, not just in their words, but in their actions too.

My Peace Corps Application Timeline

As my first post I figured I would start with showing everyone what I have gone through this far to get to the point I am today. In just one week I will be getting on a plane and leaving for Swaziland.  It has taken me exactly 2 years to get to this point, so if people think I have been overly-excited, it's because I have been fighting to get to this moment and so glad that I have made it.

*June 2010- Submitted my application

*September 2010- Interview in Washington D.C. with my recruiter. Was then nominated to serve as a volunteer somewhere in Asia by Aug. 2011.

*October 2010- Started working on my medical kit. By mid-October I received my Dental Clearance. Was denied my Medical Clearance due to an “abnormal pap smear”.

*January 2011- Appointment made with specialist to try and clear up what was wrong with me

*March 2011-Test results came back bad.  Was diagnosed with Stage 0 Cervical Cancer.Went through more procedures and treatments to get better.

*May 2011- GRADUATED!!! Having a degree is one of the qualifications to volunteer.

*May 2011- Peace Corps sent out letter saying that due to government budget cuts, there would be no more volunteers going out for the rest of the year.  This was good news for me, as it still bought me some time to get my medical clearance.

* July 2011- Results came back good after my 3 month check up!

*August 2011- Since I now have some time before I leave, I have started working on my Master’s of Arts in Intercultural Studies.

*October 2011- Results came back good after my 6 month check up. Finally got my Medical Clearance! Though now my nominated region has changed and up for review. I now have to be placed in a medically qualified country, should I get sick again.

*February 2012- My placement officer tells me he will be sending my invitation out soon and I will be going somewhere in Africa.

*March 2012- Received my invitation in the mail. I’m going to SWAZILAND! (as a youth and community development volunteer).

*April 2012- More and more paperwork! Since it has been over a year since my Dental Clearance, I have to get it alllllll done again. This takes me over 4 weeks to complete.

*May 2012- I’m almost done. I got my Dental Clearance, but the Medical Office still needs me to get another check-up since it’s been a year since my procedure. Thankfully everything is coming back good. After a few doctor visits, I have been fully Medically Clear for service! Plane ticket is booked this month as well.

*June 2012- Turned in my 2 week notice at work and moved back to Ohio. On June 26^th I will be getting on a plane and flying to Africa.

Future Date
*September 2012- After I have completed my 3 months of training, I will be swearing in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer.