July 22-26

On the 22^nd I woke up and prayed, but I didn’t leave my apartment until 740. I’m not eating breakfast anymore because I need my wheatbix to last until I can go to town to get more groceries. I went and took temperature. Then I did my needs assessment that is due the 31^st of July. Today, a deaf lady came in. She thought I was a doctor. It was really challenging because I don’t speak the language to begin with and haven’t had to sign ever. The clerk really helped out a lot though, even though he doesn’t know sign language. After she was done seeing the nurse, she came back and begged me for money to drink. The clerk told her no. Lunch was wheatbix again. Oh, this was the first day of National Immunization Days. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to help much because we have so many people at the clinic. I just sat around ready and waiting to help. I went home around 6pm. My favorite host aunt had a beautiful little table made for me to eat on around the fire! I was so surprised! It is beautiful! It’s very special to me! I played UNO with BH and two little host brothers of mine. I won most of the time, but one of the little boys won too! BH, although he was supposed to be translating my instructions, he kept telling the boy next to him the wrong things on purpose when the moves didn’t favor him. It was a little annoying, but kind of funny because he and I kept arguing against each other and telling the boy what to play. After UNO, I went to my room and listened to Glee and played Hearts on my computer.

I had a bad dream this night unfortunately. The morning of the 23^rd was very challenging personally. My dad was a HUGE help. I’m going through more personal change/growth than I have ever gone through before. I’m so happy for it, and I wouldn’t have it any other way, but it is SO hard. I’m having people issues that I never had on top of numerous other things. My dad gave me several scriptures. One said “He who began a good work in you, CJ, will be faithful to bring it to perfect completion.” Also, Isaiah 41:10-“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” The last one was Psalm 62:5-8, 11-12-“Find Rest, O my Soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God. He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge…One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, oh God, are strong, and that you, oh Lord, are loving.” The morning was very hard, as I said. I am open for the first time to certain types of change if it is for the better and because God desires it, not because others desire it. I need a discerning heart to know what to do. One huge area of growth is that I haven’t gotten depressed like I normally would. Yes, I was sad, but I wasn’t thinking stupid/irrational thoughts. That’s huge for me. I sat outside with the nurses as we had NIDs all day. One of the nurses gave me some stuff out of her lunch pack which was nice. I watched some of my Men’s Chorale videos later. They were so uplifting and I facebooked my choir director and president from college. Today’s Devotion was called Road Construction and was about how after the winter, the road has to be destroyed to be made better. The devotion said that it might seem that everything familiar is being destroyed, but God is not destroying; he is building a better way. We can be confident that the end result will be smoother relationships with others and closer relationship with him. This was timed so perfectly and it was really encouraging. I went home at six and had Mahangu for dinner. I met two guys from Liina’s property many kilometers East. I went to my room and watched Big Bang Theory and called another PCV at 8. I love talking to her. It’s always encouraging. I went to bed around 920.

I had a better quiet/prayer time this morning, the 24^th. During my quiet time, I received an amazingly, perfectly timed encouragement. Two of my closest friends messaged me saying they were thinking of me; hope I’m doing well; and that they love me. It gave me perspective on some of my people issues here that I had forgotten. I didn’t feel like going anywhere but into my office to be myself, but I was proud that I went out to NIDs nearly all day. One thing I need to mention is that it is really challenging at the clinic because all the other people are speaking in Rukwangali and they laugh sooooo much. It sucks to be left out of the joke. I went home and watched some episodes of 24 and practiced Arabic. Then I ate dinner. I am getting really shaky, sweaty, and dizzy because I have been eating very little (and yes, I’m going to remedy the problem this weekend). I went into my hut early and watched some more 24.

This was just another NID day. There isn’t much to tell. I was going to go see a friend later in the day, but was busy. I was very happy that a PCV friend is letting me use her hiking backpack for Reconnect! I journaled/blogged for a while. I went home around 6. I had a very revealing conversation with my dad about struggles that he and I have in common. I had no idea about the similar issues. I was so hungry that I ate a bunch of pure sugar because I was shaking so much. My favorite Aunt was there. I love it when she’s there because she likes to talk to me. Then, I played UNO with 7 of my family members while others watched! It was a great picture to see all of us under a hut, playing UNO on a little wooden table. They loved it. They are especially amazed and fascinated by my shuffling and bridging. I’ve also learned so more Rukwangali words! I went to my room around 8 and watched 24. Also, my brother sent me an amazingly touching message on facebook that caught me entirely off guard. It meant a lot, especially with what I’m going through here. Sometimes it’s hard to keep in perspective that there are many people who care for me, even if I’m having issues here.

The 26^th was a good, but hard day. I went to the clinic but I kept forgetting stuff. Then I walked to school. I had to teach lifeskills classes with only a few minutes notice. I decided to use the time to do some stuff for my needs assessment. The first session did not go well, but the second session was much better. However, we just ran out of time. We went to tea break at 940. I asked if I could buy some of the food they usually have and they were like “why would  you need to pay?” I told them how in America, you have to pay your fair share. They cut me off saying “This is not America. You’re in Africa. We are a different culture.” I have been amazed constantly by how generous Namibians are, even the people that have very little. It is a lesson I need/want to learn. I talked to the lifeskills teacher about plans for lessons I could teach the next week and the next term. Then, we discussed club ideas. In the middle of the conversation I got an sms from a friend, and the subject was not fun to hear, but I'm glad she told me. I am so proud of how I have grown because I fought so hard to keep from being depressed and letting it ruin my day. It was pretty awful, but I kept praying, thinking of encouraging scripture, and other quotes that have helped me. I was proud that I was able to go to the next class and have a good session with the learners. I had asked God before the session to encourage me, and teaching the class did that for me. School got out and I wait awhile for a ride to town. MS, my teacher friend, rode with me. He continued the trend of generosity by buying me my favorite cookie and a Fanta. The ride was okay; I just read news stories on my phone. I’ve really been into reading news on my phone lately. I went and bought food at Pick n’ Pay. I was so proud that I didn’t gorge myself like I usually do! There were a few other PCVs in the office. I just did some computer stuff. I had a really good talk with one of the other PCVs about my issues here. I walked back to my lodging with two other PCVs around 630. I got a ton of new movies/tv shows. I ate salad, but I had Peanut Butter sandwiches later. We talked for a bit, and then I went to my room and watched some TV. Then I went to bed.  

July 13-21

I woke up at 530 and walked to the PC Office. I went out around 830. I got some photos orders ordered, but the guy told me to come back at 9am. I went and bought some picture frames. I met some other PCVs in the mall. I went to Shoprite, PnP, and the photolab. The pictures still weren’t ready. I went back to the office and one of my friends cut my hair! It looked and felt so good!! I met two friends at the market and then went and bough shitenges, popular colorful, African traditional fabric. I skyped a few different people and had some amazing conversations. I left the office around 630. I read Robin Hood and ate peanut butter, bread, and bean dip. I had a really good time smsing another PCV friend. I went to bed pretty early because I was bored.

I woke up early and prayed. Two cute little puppies greeted me outside as I went to the office. The sky was majestic! I was feeling thankful to God for my life. I Skyped Stephen and Mom. I miss them. I stayed and youtubed most of the day. Then, I went out to Spar, Shoprite, Pnp, WB, and Okay to price check. I bought raisins, doritos, lemon crèmes, rusk, and chive chips. I went back to the office and hung out until 6pm. Another PCV came in around then. It was nice that two other PCVs stayed the night with me. I had to do some work from Rundu. We went to buy stuff at store then went home and ate. I had rusk, pb, and raisins. We watched Monsters University! It was soooo good! I went to bed early because I had been really tired lately.

I didn’t sleep to well this night. I woke up and went to the office and made budgets. Then I skyped a friend. I went out to do errands, such as buying a new phone and number for work. I walked to a lodge and had a pleasant surprise happen! I ran into two Americans, a mother and daughter from Bakersfield! They were on trip to Namibia and Botswana. They were a registered nurse and a high school senior. There were also here for a little research into possible future medical work! They had met my country director (CD) on a random whale watching cruise. They were going to give some medical supplies to me, but my CD said no cause of liability. I gave them my email and blog address so they could contact me. It was so great to talk to people so close to home! They also gave me a bunch of toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste. I went back to the office and talked to another PCV for a bit. I packed my stuff and went to meet my ride. I got back and took my groceries to the clinic. I sat outside my hut with BH for a while and ate some really good yisima (porridge). I went to my room and watched a movie. Then I talked to another PCV about some frustrations she was having. I went to bed pretty late.

I’m skipping the 16-21 because I got lazy and didn’t feel like writing everything down.

July 6-12

I slept horribly again. I have horrific nightmares every other night. I might ask to get on different malaria medication. Anyways, I went to town. I got food, bought hair clippers, bike tires, and then went to the office. I skyped mom, Dad, and my best guy friend too. One of the best things of the day was when a PCV couple gave me three boxes of GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!!! I got the shortbread, thin mint, and samoa cookies! I went to lunch with a World Teach Volunteer at the open market. I walked back to my ride but he wasn’t there. I went and bought some blankets. My ride arrived a bit later. I met another principal of a local school in the car. This trip in the car was not the most pleasant. It took us over four hours to get home. I was worried that the guy sitting next to me had TB too. I had a pretty good conversation with one of my best friends back home; watched Big Bang Theory; and then went to bed around 10pm.

I didn’t wake up or have nightmares at all and I think it was a combination of prayer/warm blankets. I know it sounds weird, but it was such a drastic change. I was in a bit of a down mood today. I went out for a walk to the soccer field, hoping to find some people to play soccer with. I didn’t know that most people wouldn’t be out until 2 or 3 because of church. I have  to say that it is so awesome to walk through the community and have children shout you name from far away. I tried to watch the movie “Flags of Our Forefathers”, but lost interest part way through. I watched Ironman after that and then went to one of the nurse’s places. It was so nice of her to let me hang out all day. She even made food for me! I’ve been reading The Finish, about the hunt and killing of Osama bin Laden. It was such a good book and I found it so interesting! I went home around 515 and played nerf football with the children. They are so cute. When I come home they come running yelling Shee Jay because they can’t say it right. I had a really good talk with one of my PCV friends. For some reason I felt sad later and went into my room early. I watched Big Bang Theory and smsed PCV who is from a previous group who is in the South. I really like her a lot and have clicked with her. I am really looking forward to growing the friendship.

I woke up at 430 on the 8^th and had prayer and quiet time. I ate Girl Scout Cookies for breakfast and it was WONDERFUL! I went and read my kindle on the water tower before work. It was nice, somewhat surreal to look out at the horizon and think that I’m in Africa. I did temperature and weight all morning. I made a few kids cry because I am white, but a few children who were crying for other reasons stopped crying because I’m white. People always laugh when that happens. It is somewhat funny. A child came in with a 39.6C temp; he had malaria. I also saw a child with massive amounts of blood pouring from his wrist. I went to lunch and then returned to my office and read. Then I started getting inspired and came up with a bunch of project ideas. I went home at four, but was really bored. I watched the kids pound Mahangu. It was a bit disturbing seeing them stick their hands down their pants, in their noses, behinds, etc. and then grab the food we were going to eat. I took pictures and videos. Then, I played nerfball with the kids. I went to my room and talked to one of my close friends here. My host brother came to my room at 930 and asked to use my knife. Then I went to bed.

I woke up early on the 9^th; prayed; had devotions; and had quiet time. I went to school and talked to the secretary for a while. We had a really good talk. She gave me some more ideas for projects. We went to tea and had bread and butter. I went and talked to the lifeskills teacher. I went to her substance abuse lifeksills session later. It was interesting hearing her Namibian perspective on drugs/alcohol/tobacco. I went to hang out with my new Namibian friend for the first time. I showed him pictures from home and watched part of Ironman. It is awesome because he is my age and loves to do things I am used to American young people liking to do, such as watching movies and listening to music. He actually makes music too! It was pretty cool to hear! He also has a crazy lifestory. It’s something you only hear about in movies. His mother had to move him week to week to protect him from being killed for witchcraft rituals. His mother had to walk to South Africa from Angola to work, but when they came back, the war was going on. He told me about he saw people attacked by the rebels during the war. He lived in a few different countries until moving to Namibia. He only got his papers in 2010. He was illegal for part of the time. Only 4 of his 8 sisters are still alive. He has to support all of them. While I was there a boy named Ndamba came over. He is a smart kid and speaks English all the time. I am always on the lookout for potential student leaders. My friend escorted me home. It was like I was completely new to the village. People looked at me differently. One lady said I should come and teach in their homes. Then a lady asked us for money. I was surprised because I thought word traveled fast that I was working at the clinic and was a volunteer. My friend said something interesting “They might hear what you do, but they don’t actually understand.” It was so amazing because even having just one friend seemed to help me with integrating. I went home and sat by the fire and practiced Rukwangali. I was able to talk to my host mother about the village. I made sure to ask what she liked first because most of the time people just ask about what is wrong. She did say that the school could use a primary class however. It was interesting to hear how she loved the peace and quiet. Her affinity for the peace and quiet is in direct contrast with many of the young people who have said they dislike being in a village because there is nothing to do. It’s fascinating to see the generational differences. It was a very encouraging day, although I wish more young people didn’t go to Rundu on the weekends so I would have more people to hang out with. I watched Big Bang Theory and went to bed. 

On my way to the clinic on the morning of the 10^th, I saw a big truck filled with maize meal at my homestead. They told me it was a drought relief truck. Namibia is suffering from a drought. In my area alone, 54 families and 293 people have registered for food. One needs to keep in mind, that these are only the extreme cases who could be registered. Many more are suffering because of the drought. Later, I went with some co-workers back to my homestead to announce to all the people getting food that the next round of National Immunization Days was coming up. My supervisor had to leave for 2.5 weeks due to family emergency. I was sad that she had this happen. Another minor issue was that I usually have lunch at her place. I went to my teacher friend’s place, but he wasn’t there, so I went to see him at school. I bought my favorite cream filled cookies called Toppers. It was bring-your-parents-to-school day. It was fun to sit in his classroom and interact with the parents, children, and him. I feel I’m integrating so much more just by being with him. He knows people; the children like him; he’s fun; he’s very intelligent. I hope and pray that I’ll be able to normalize things and feel comfortable in this village one day, way before I leave preferably. I was going to play soccer but didn’t bring the right clothes. I decided to go back to the clinic. On way back I saw mutilated goat with 3 unborn babies on the road that had been hit by a truck. I talked to one of my friends in Israel though facebook and asked about the possibility of visiting her. I also asked her to help me out if I end up wanting to move there. She’s a great girl! I went home and talked with my family while we ate dinner. I facebooked one of my best friends and then went to bed.

I forgot my supervisor would be gone the morning of the 11^th. I felt worried and preoccupied about work all morning. I felt like an awful PCV. I have a major lack of confidence in my professional life and I fear failure quite a lot. I did part of my needs assessment, but it made me feel worse. I smsed some people to vent and seek support, basically. I got some really good help from people. I went to lunch and had Wheatbix and watched CNN at a co-worker’s place. I went to meet my teacher friend, who I’ll call MS from now on in my journals (I don’t like mentioning local’s names in case what I say is misconstrued). I have become addicted to Toppers, and I get two packages of them every time I go to his place. MS and I went to the same place I had just bought the cookies and the twins who run it helped fix his computer. It was so nice to hang around these 3 guys who are my age. I felt happy because we just talked about video games. We went back to the school and hung out in one of the classes for a while. I went home and watched Big Bang Theory. It was so funny when a Namibian asked me for country music. He said something that was interesting “I like white people music.” I got his drift but I wanted to tell him about Darius Rucker, an extremely black country singer. By the way, I hit 40,000 words and 50 pages for my personal journal! 

Today, the 12^th, was an awesome day! I prepped for the parent teach meeting at the school. I washed my hair and shaved. It felt good to not be a grease ball. I went to a store to drop off some condoms, then went to the school. I prepped and read until the meeting started. Of course, it was Africa time, and so we started an hour or two late. The meeting was awesome! It lasted 4.5 hours, but it was productive. I asked them about a community garden, a pre-primary, and clubs. I asked if they would help. It was exciting because they brought up the issue of pre-primary on their own earlier in the meeting. They all seemed appreciative. I helped put chairs away then sat and waited in the car to go Rundu. I felt bad for the guy, who had to wait 4 hours for us. The ride to Rundu was crazy and a bit of an adventure. I ended up squeezed between the passenger and driver’s seat in front facing the people. Benhard was on top of bags in back. We had 16 people in a 10 person car. As we pulled up to the police checkpoint the people got really anxious and told BH to throw bags on top of him and hide. They also shoved a tiny jacket over JUST my head and one shoulder! I was freaking out and coming up with my story to tell the police why they put me under a jacket. The officer asked how many people were in the car. A few people said 6, no 10! What??? There were 16! If the officer looked down through the front window he would see my back or if he walked to the side he would see my arm. He let us through! Apparently, BH had also had to hide in the back and the officer didn’t see him. The officer was also going to the side to look in but one of the teachers distracted him with conversation and blocked the window. Everyone was giddy after that from nerves. It was pretty funny though. I fast walked to get some food and to get to my lodging for the night because I hate being out after dark in Rundu.

June 29-July 5

My night’s sleep was horrible. The trend of awful nightmares continued. My sleep was actually physically painful. Some of my dreams involved me actually seeing animals in the room. I yelled at them  in my sleep. I was told by several pcv’s that I was yelling about wild animals and stuff. I woke up about 530am and facebooked mom. Apparently, I was using the girls restroom until I walked out of the stall and saw a female PCV there. It was kinda funny. I went to the men’s bathroom after and could tell I was in the guy’s bathroom because it smelled and was gross. I went down to the kitchen and taste tested the pancakes. However, I had to rush off with 7 others for the free boat safari on the river. The PCV whose site we were ate, knew all the lodge owners and they give him and his friends free rides and trips. It was 20 minute walk to the lodge, and then another 40 minutes as we waited for the boat to get back. The lodge was gorgeous. I really enjoyed the conversation with the other PCVs and the two World Teach Volunteers. We talked about future plans as well as our backgrounds. One of my goals of being in PC is to make international connections. My conversation with the PCVs has showed me I am meeting that goal. The group had such a rich background internationally as well as academically. The boat ride was awesome! We saw crocodiles and hippos very close to our boat. We went and explored the Popa Falls. However, by the third hour of the tour, all of us were getting really cranky and irritated. We had not had breakfast. I was so hungry that I speed walked ahead of everyone to get to the campsite. I was pretty unhappy and pissed off, which is unusual because hunger doesn’t do that to me usually. I had also wanted pancakes really badly, but they were all gone by the time I got back. It was really hard to contain my irritation. It was almost lunch time so they brought out lunch early. It was wonderful and I started to get in a better mood right away. I gorged on fruit salad, homemade pretzels, 5 nutella and peanut butter sandwhiches, chips, and salsa. Our cooks were amazing. Then, I headed off for a land safari with ten other people. The safari was amazing! It was by far the best experience I have had here in Namibia! My friend later posted pictures of the safari in an album called “I Have Lots of Ordinary Days, But Here Are a Few Awesome Days.” We sat on the top of the safar jeep and saw Springbok, Raybok, Koodoo, Monkeys, Baboons, Zebras, Warthogs, Elephants, Giraffes, and Hippos. I really wanted to see lions, but the 40 lions in the park are rarely seen. The tour guides were awesome and had wonderful accents. There are hundreds of elephants in the park. It was so awesome and surreal to see wild animals in their habitat and not in a zoo! We saw Baobab trees too We paid them only for the petrol, which saved us several hundred dollars. I took 192 pictures in two days alone! For dinner we had a braai (bbq). I had a burger, baked beans, potato salad, pie crust with sugar cookies, and Apple Pie. The apple pie was, by far, the best part. I wanted so much more! I washed dishes after that, but then went to bed to type my journal. I ended up falling asleep many hours earlier than others.

I woke up and packed my stuff the morning of the 30^th. I was surprised to find out that we were getting breakfast! I ate four pieces of peanut butter and nutella bread. I think I have become addicted. I also had some leftover peach cobbler. I decided to leave with one of my other friends to avoid trying to find a ride in a big group. My friend and I found a ride and had a good conversation with each other on the way home. I went to the PC office after we got back to Rundu, only to find the power down. I went to the store and bought chocolate and lemon crèmes. Then I met up with 3 other PCVs and had lunch with them. I paid one of the PCVs for the food for the weekend. She is amazing. The food only cost $85 Namibian for 6 or 7 meals plus snacks! That works out to about $9 USD! I walked back to the office and relaxed until the internet came on. I skyped Aaron and Mom and Dad. I also uploaded all my pictures. I smsed my ride only to find out they had ditched me. I wasn’t happy, but I perked up at the thought of another day in town. I hung out at Gio’s and watched Big Bang Theory. I went to bed early because I was so tired.

I woke up feeling a little lonely on July 1^st. Going from so many PCVs to zero is a little rough. I watched some BBC with Gio and had a good talk. Then, I walked back to PC office and stayed there until 10am. I went and bought more Raisin Bread and lemon crèmes. I also walked to a store to check out how much bike tires cost ($29). I walked back to the office and hung out. Two of my PC bosses walked in and we had a good talk. It was really nice to see them. They reminded me of something “safe”, of something close to “home” because they reminded me of training and being with my wonderful host family and PC trainees. I went to the open market to have lunch with the World Teach Volunteer. I was really worried I would get left behind again, but the driver smsed me. I had an awesome talk with one of the other passengers in the car. He was extremely intelligent and just plain cool! It was probably the best conversation I have had with a young Namibian. The ride home took several hours and I was a bit cranky. One of the main reasons is that I was very dirty. I have to get used to being dirty all the time. Also, because my hair is so long, it is really hard to get it clean in a bucket. Because of this, I don’t bathe much. It surprised many Americans, but it’s normal for PCVs because it’s such a hassle, especially when you don’t have running water. I didn’t eat much at dinner because I just wanted to be alone. I watched Big Bang Theory and then spoke with my close friend Kaitlynn on the phone for an hour. It was so wonderful to talk to her. I miss her quite a lot.

I woke up in an okay mood on the 2^nd. I weighed myself at the clinic and found that I gained 6 pounds!!! It was worth it though. I’ll lose it anyways, I bet. I walked to the school with Benhard. I greeted a person in Nyemba for the first time on the way there! I looked at the school calendar for a bit then went to tea time and talked with a few teachers. Then I went to a teacher’s  class. He was awesome. I think we may end up being friends. He said I could come hang out with him. It was so encouraging. He’s my age and he likes to watch movies and stuff! I observed his class then went to see Ms. Muronga. We had an awesome talk. She showed me year plans for Lifeskills and we planned some stuff. I’m doing two classes on Friday with Benhard. We observed her class and then went back to the clinic. I went to my office and read mail and the newspaper. I also began to go through all my photos and videos I have ever taken. It made me really really miss people and things I am accustomed to and love. I wasn’t homesick; I just missed people. I washed my hair and shaved after that, and felt a little better. The PCV who was supposed to bring the clippers forgot to bring them, so I still have really long hair. After work I went home and showed my host family pictures and videos of my life in the US, going all the way back to college. They were amazed, to say the least. I enjoyed it immensely. It made me realize how proud I am of my country and how much I love it. We ate Mahangu and a bunch of spinach plus other vegetables for dinner. Then I went to my room. I talked on the phone for a while with another PCV, but the call was disconnected. It was good to talk to her though. I went to bed right after.

I woke up really tired the next morning, the 3^rd. My weight the day before made me think I need to control my habit of eating 800 grams of peanut butter each week. I didn’t do much at the clinic today. Went home around 4pm and read. I am definitely missing America, although I’m not homesick. It’s been pretty lonely at the homestead the last few days; almost no one has been around. I went to my room around 730 and read and listened to music.

Happy 4^th of July! I’ve been so tired recently that I haven’t been praying or doing my quiet time. It was cold and windy too. I enjoyed listening to one of my favorite celtic cd’s Celtic Portraits. I went and had breakfast at my supervisor’s place. The Egyptian President was overthrown; this is important to me because I would like to possibly live there after Peace Corps. One of my friends is a protester there, apparently. I made a tentative decision to start learning Arabic. I did lesson plans for my first lifeskills class tomorrow on Abuse, Neglect, and Molestation. I couldn’t believe this huge topic has to get crushed into one 40 minute period. The planning went well though. I am also trying to get internet at the clinic. It would be amazing if we could get it. I asked Maggie to test me. It was an interesting experience. I pretended I was a real patient. Weird how, although I shouldn’t have HIV, I still got nervous and also felt stigma when people saw I got tested. Finger pricks are way worse than shots, but it doesn’t bother me too much. My two main bosses from Peace Corps showed up during lunch. I talked to them for a while and then we went to my homestead. I talked to another PCV on the phone after that for a while. After dinner, I showed my family pictures and videos from my life in America. They are always so amazed. I went into my room around 8 and read until bed time.

I like to weigh myself periodically…I gained more weight in a few days. I decided to cut out Peanut Butter for the week. I went to the school and showed my lesson plans to the lifeskills teacher. I had to change my plan abit…especially because my counterpart didn’t show up…he was supposed to translate. I had all the learners take their chairs outside. We played a game called fruit salad where everyone is given a fruit name. Then, one person stands in the middle and calls out a fruit. All the people who are that fruit must run to another chair. The last person without a chair has to stand in the middle. It was fun. The lesson went as well as could be expected, but I was happy. It is hard to know what they understand. The kids were very shy too. I did feel conflicted about the subject of child abuse because, technically, many the corporal punishments handed out in school and daily Namibian life would be considered abuse in the US. I observed another teacher’s class after that. I asked this teacher if he wanted to hang out and he said for sure! I was so excited because I really want Namibian friends. I went to tea break. During the day I also facebooked a new PCV who will be coming in Late July. My second class went much better, but we ran out of time. I walked back to the clinic and ate a late lunch. I was really happy I resisted overeating! After that I went and studied language. After work I went and showered and watched Big Bang Theory. Before bed, I listened to country music and made a friend a birthday card.