September 21-27

September 21

I woke up and watched TV with my host brother F. J had an exam, but came back a few hours later. Later that night, an aunt came over. She’s a prosecutor in one of the regions! I asked her about beating children, especially at school. I had been confused about whether it is legal or not because it happens so frequently. She said it is illegal and one can go to jail. I am glad she told me because now I can let people know. J’s parents came home from their 4 day trip to Windhoek and brought a ton of food with them. It was funny because the children and J converged on the food and ate a ton of it. It’s very different than in American, or at least in my family. They gave me a lot of tasty food too. However, we had dinner after that too, but I couldn’t eat everything. I went to bed around 9.

September 22

I woke up at 645 and packed. J’s mom made me an awesome breakfast of eggs, French toast, corn flakes, and sweet milk. I watched some TV. The family dropped me off at the office on their way to church. I hung out in the office until 130. I watched football and some League of Legends videos. I went to buy a fan, but no luck. I bought junk food and walked to the car. We sat for a few hours. I slept most of the way back. It was enjoyable. I sat by the fire and read and smsed a friend. I ate dinner and played UNO with my family. Then, I watched Pacific Rim in my room until 10pm.

September 23

It rained hardcore last night. It was so loud on my zinc roof, but I was fortunate that my hut has no leaks! I woke up at 530, but fell back asleep to 645. I went to the office. My supervisor didn’t want to do health education today. I prepped for my GRS club. I spent several hours filling out my Outlook Calendar. I just started using it. It was soooo fun. I put everything on it: birthdays, work, vacation, travel, even the end date of my service. One thing about PC is that it has made me appreciate looking forward to things more than I did in the states. One of the ways I, and other PCVs cope here, is looking forward to things. It is almost as fun as actually doing the things! I went to lunch and walked to school. My grade 6 GRS did not go well. They really frustrated me because they would not talk, be quiet, or follow directions well. My counterpart also did not show up although he smsed me and said he was on his way. I don’t think I will ever get used to that part of the culture. I really dislike how the learners automatically laugh when I call on them and they don’t answer my questions. They just avoid eye contact. There is no reason to laugh, but it always happens. I went back to the office and relaxed. I smsed one of my friends. She is great and I had an awesome time talking to her. Then I went home. I was saddened to find that my family had burned down my favorite tree. I played a few games of UNO and went to my room. I called one of my friends from the new group of PCVs in Group 38 who just went to site last week. I had so much fun talking to her. It’s wonderful to make new friends and really click with a person. I am so glad that Group 38 is at site now. It helps to not be the new people anymore, and know that I have developed coping skills that the new group doesn’t have yet. It sounds bad, but it is nice to be in a position to help them with their struggles. It makes my own struggles easier to deal with. I watched White House Down and played solitaire. Then I went to bed at 10.

September 24

It rained again last night. It woke me up. I didn’t sleep too well. I walked to the clinic and had breakfast. There was not health education again today. I scheduled a meeting with the school to work on the finances. Then I blogged and journaled for a few hours. I went to lunch and then walked to the school. Grade 7 GRS went so well compared to Grade 6. They are the antithesis of the Grade 6s. They listened, participated, and understood most of what I said. I walked back to the clinic and listened to music until 540. Dinner was great! I had chicken and rice and beans. I went to my room at 720 and read until 10pm. I have started to reread the Divergent Series to prepare for the release of the third book on October 22.

September 25

I woke up at 630 and heard whimpers outside. Before I went to work I went outside to investigate and found that the family had two tiny newborn puppies. They were really cute. I don’t want to get close to dogs here because Namibians don’t view dogs as pets, but as security. They often throw rocks or hurt the dogs whenever they fell like it. I almost expect these puppies to be dead soon. I cleaned my office because I might have to share my office with a nurse when she needs to do nutrition. I went and had breakfast. I weighed myself right before and found that my weight is much higher than I want. I think it is mainly due to my time at J’s place, but I have no right to complain! I am thankful. I was ready for health education at 830, but again, there was no health education. It bothers me a little, but not too much. It was my supervisor’s idea; if she wants to do it it’s up to her. I went to lunch and then walked to school ar 215. My health club went really well. I love my Grade 7s. I taught them another game. I talked to my two leaders after the club. They are doing really well. I walked back to the clinic by 440 and listened to a book-on-tape and read. I played UNO with my host brother. I forgot to mention that earlier this morning, my host family gave me my favorite meat, which is either Kudu or cow. My homestead currently smells like a butcher’s shop; it is not pleasant. I talked to my host mother for a bit. She asked me to meet the Traditional Authority Chief on Friday. I said yes, but I had to cancel my Life Skills lesson on Friday. She also asked if I could do health education for the HIV patients. I have been wanting to do this, but have had no one to interpret. I went to my room and read Divergent. I finished it at 920.

September 26

I woke up feeling rested and I really enjoyed the morning. I facebooked my mom. It’s becoming fall in the US and I wish I was there; it’s some of my favorite weather. The weather was really good here today; there is a cold wind! I read for a bit then went to breakfast. It got warmer later on. It’s really comforting to hear that Namibians think it’s hot. I don’t know why I feel that way. Maybe it makes me feel  that I’m not alone, not such an outsider. There was no health education again today. I wrote some letters to friends back in the states. I was in a weird mood today. I didn’t feel good, but I didn’t feel down. Lately, I’ve been craving/dreaming of a visit to the States, but that won’t happen unless God provides the money somehow. I went to lunch and then school. The finance meeting was extremely productive. I felt good because I gave some concrete help. I walked home around 545. I went outside and sat like usual. I went to my room and read.

September 27

I found out that the meeting with the Chief was canceled. I had already canceled everything for that day so I decided to go to Rundu early and do some work there. The ride was good. I went to Pick n’ Pay and bought an apple slice. I walked to the office and did some things. Then, I went to lunch with the World Teach Volunteer. It was really hot and I had to wait awhile because her classes were let out late. I went back to the office and skyped my mom and dad for two hours. My mom and dad told me that someone in the Rundu Post Office was stealing my mail; they had proof that my credit cards had been taken. I am glad they were canceled. I was REALLY irritated because I haven’t had a letter from my mom for four weeks. I talked to some other PCVs for awhile. One of the PCVs brought a bunch of stuff to give away and I got some good stuff! My favorite thing was the set of Christmas lights! I want to decorate my office. Fyi, it is always a struggle about knowing when to start listening to Xmas music, but it has been even harder here. I love the Christmas season. I ate some chocolate and taxied to my friend J’s place. I watched his brother play a computer game with trucks. I showered and then had a good dinner. J came home and we played guitar. I went to bed at 945.