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.

Thoughts About Peace Corps Service Thus Far

Recently, I have been thinking about the future. I have been thinking about it a lot. As you can see, I have been looking up graduate schools and making a thorough Outlook Calendar. I am a dreamer and I dream daily about being done with Peace Corps Service. Some of you might think that I am not liking my time here, or that I am regretting my decision to join Peace Corps. This is not the case in any way. There are many reasons I am so focused on the future. First of all, I am a dreamer. I have spent several days of my life just dreaming. This is a weakness because it causes me to not live in the moment. However, I have improved in this area, and I don’t dream as much as usual. The positive side to dreaming is that it makes me excited and optimistic about the future.

Another reason I am focused on the future is that I have been restless since senior year of undergrad at APU. I moved to Ohio for grad school, and had a wonderful experience. I was still restless so I joined the Peace Corps. I am now on my seventh month in Namibia and I feel restless. I mentioned how I was restless since Senior year of college, but there has been one habit of mine that shows that I have had the feeling of always being in transition earlier than Senior year. I have never made a home to entertain others. In undergrad and grad school, I didn’t buy furniture. The reason for this was that I never felt I would be in a place long enough to make an investment in furniture and other decorations worthwhile. I wonder how long it will be until I feel ready to make those investments, possibly when I get a girlfriend and get married?

The third reason that I am so focused on the future is that Peace Corps Service is not easy. It has been a very challenging experience. It takes enormous amounts of energy to just get through the day. The heat takes it out of a person and makes one want to stay inside the clinic where it is relatively cool and comfortable. It is not easy to always be stared at or to have to say hello to every  single person that crosses your path, stranger or friend. One misses people who share the same values and speak English well. I miss the calibre of discussion that I had at APU and Case Western Reserve University. I miss my friends and family and all the fun things we would do. I miss having electricity, running water, flush toilets, a shower, and HOT water. One of the most important things I miss is the food! I am not saying that things are awful here. Life is actually quite good. I knew I would face these challenges, and I am happy with them because they are making me trust God more and grow in many ways. I am saying that I look forward to a whole host of new experiences and different challenges. Peace Corps is an endurance/perserverance test. I don’t want it to be over because I have many amazing things to experience such as getting to know my host families better, vacationing in Namibia, visiting Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe/Zambia, traveling to Cape Town, and making new friends wherever I go. I do want PC service to go fast because I can always extend if I love it that much.

My Future

I don’t write blogs to entertain, just to inform interest persons about my daily life. However, sometimes I get the motivation to write more thoughtful or interesting blogs. This is one of those times. Recently, I have been thinking about the future, especially after Peace Corps, a lot. I made an Outlook Calendar of everything I could think of all the way up to the end of PC Service. Some of the things I have to look forward to our birthdays, vacations, PC conferences, etc. However, I have already been thinking about what I want to do after Peace Corps.

 I have had a plan/dream since grad school. I call it a plan/dream because I don’t like to act like things are set in stone. God can change plans in an instant. My plan/dream is called the 2-3-5 Dream. It is quite simple. I want to spend two years in Peace Corps, 3 years in the Middle East, and 5 years in the UK while I work on a PhD of International or Middle Eastern Studies. However, this dream has changed recently. A few weeks ago I had several conversations with different people, my dad, a World Teach Volunter, and several PCVs, about the future. I have had a few conversations about world events and news and have come to realize that I know a great deal about many different topics, especially in relation to the Middle East. One of my possible future career options has been International Relations, but only recently have I had some concrete affirmations of my potential in this field. I have degrees in Social Work and Community and Social Development. I don’t think I want a PhD in Social Work anymore, although this blog post is just me musing about possibilities (anything can change).

The conversations have made me really excited. I began looking up the best graduate schools in the world for International Relations. The two tops school are Georgetown University and Johns Hopkins (SAIS program). I have done extensive research and have found some encouragements and challenges. One of the challenges is that I don’t speak another language. One of the downsides of going to Namibia is that the official language is English. I am learning one of the local languages, Rukwangali, but enough people speak English for me to get by. I am a little confused if I must already speak a foreign language or if they will teach me there. I think they teach me there. However, I want to go to the Middle East for a few years after this, which would give me the opportunity to learn. It would be hard to become proficient in two years, as I have envisioned, but I believe I can do it. First of all, I will be done with Peace Corps, and I will have much more freedom. I won’t be forced to learn a language that is only used by 80,000 people in the world (which is definitely causes a lack of motivation to learn). I will have the freedom to enroll in classes, which is my favorite way to learn. I also think I will be more motivated to integrate in my community. Another challenge is that I will have to take the GRE. I do well on tests, but I have not had to take any since undergrad. Grad school was all about papers and discussion. Another challenge is the Economics requirement. I am not good at math, and might have to take math classes before I can take some of the required courses. The two school I am looking at are also very expensive, costing around $67,000 a year for two years. I am already in debt, and it would require a major miracle for me to afford the high expense. Finally, the programs are highly selective. I think I remember reading that the acceptance rate is between 6-13%. 

However, this is also where my strengths and advantages come into play. First of all, the classes from year to year at both programs includes a relatively high percentage of Peace Corps Volunteers. In one year, 13 PCVs made up the majority group of the 60 person class. Another benefit is that I might have actual experience in the Middle East, if I actually go through with moving to the Middle East. Another advantage is that I already hold a Masters degree (MSSA). Most of the other candidates hold only Bachelor’s degrees. Another strength of mine is that I know I have the intelligence, work ethic, and perserverance to get into such highly selective programs.

One might ask why I want to go back to school. My first reason is that I absolutely ADORE school, especially graduate school. The calibre of discussion is simply amazing and it is fun to talk to people who share the same passion and intelligence levels. I love working with people of high calibre to solve or discuss issues. Another reason is that I am good at school. I get good grades and become involved in things that I would normally not get involved in. Another reason I want to go back to school is that graduates of the two schools I am looking at work in the highest levels of the professional world possible. Most get jobs within six months of graduation. I also want to work in the international arena with organizations such as the UN, the US Government, and many others. Another reason is that I love the social life of grad schools. There is a good mix of alone time and social time. Also, I would move to Washington D.C., which I have heard is great place with a lot of fun things to do. It is also the heart of the US and the networking opportunities would be invaluable. Finally, I just miss the life I had in school. I have never been happier as I have been in school.

I am very excited by the possibilities, but we shall see how it all plays out. I may move to the Middle East and like it so much that I decide never to go to school again. Or I may end up going back to the US and get a job right away. The exciting part is that God has blessed me with the opportunities and potential. It’s all up to him.

September 14-20

September 14

I walked to the PC Office at my usual time, 530. However, it is pitch black out at this time due to the hour time change a few weeks ago. The gate to the office was also locked so I had to squeeze myself through the gap in the fence. It was somewhat painful and I almost got stuck. My sweatshirt also got snagged on the barb wire when I threw it over the fence. I skyped my mom for about 45 minutes. I went on Facebook and looked at one of the PCVs who just finished service a week or so ago. He posted a screenshot of the internet speed he had. The internet speed was 1.5 megabytes per SECOND! The fastest speed we have at the office is 100 kilobytes!!! The American internet was 15 times as fast as our connection. I am excited to see what the speed is like when I am done with my service in 2015. I watched You Tube videos, but then I got bored. I was going to go to a barber to have him clean up or fix my hair as best he could, but decided to let my friend do it. She did a great job. We went to the open market for lunch. We had an amazing conversation that made me really excited about the future. I skyped my friend from Germany for 1.5 hours. It was a really good conversation. I skyped my mom and dad after. Then, I looked up grad schools for International Relations. I’m considering getting a masters in IR. I went home around 645 and started reading a bunch of books about International Relations that I downloaded for my Kindle. I ate dinner with some of the other PCVs and then went to bed.

September 15

I did not sleep well at all. I got bit by a lot of mosquitoes and was also sweating and still had diarrhea. I slept in and walked to the office at 645. I skyped my mom. My brother and my mom just went to Casa de Fruta Celtic Faire. I miss doing things with my family most of all. I talked to my dad for a bit too. I hung out all day in the office looking up grad schools. I had soo much fun. I was definitely dreaming about going back to school because I love it so much. I walked to Pick n’ Pay and bought junk food; then I walked to the car. We had to wait a long time and it was really hot. We left around 4. I wasn’t feel well so I didn’t eat dinner. I took a nap and watched Superman. Then I went to bed.

September 16

It was an awful night. My diarrhea is continuing and I was exhausted. I slept in and facebooked my parents. I walked to the office around 845. I called the PC doctor and he said I should go to Rundu to see a doctor. I didn’t want to go, but I wanted to get better. I was feeling so awful I laid down on the floor and sleep in my office. I canceled my clubs. After lunch, I was embarrassed to find out that some very important people from UNICEF were visiting. I had NOT been told about it and wasn’t very happy because I was in a t-shirt and shorts because I was supposed to have soccer club later. Let me tell you, it really sucks to have to spend a sick day in your office. My hut is hot and very boring. I can watch movies, listen to music, or play games on my computer at the office at least. I definitely felt really vulnerable and wished I was at home in the US. My doctor called me back and said they scheduled an appointment for 11am the next day. I went home at 540, but didn’t eat because I didn’t feel well. I watched 24 until bed time.

September 17

I slept better this night, but still had diarrhea. I got to town at 930. I checked in at the Doctor’s office early. She gave me a bunch of stuff. I also had some extremely painful sores in my mouth which she said was due to a Vitamin C deficiency. I don’t really eat fruits and vegetables in the village. I had to wait awhile to get my medication, but there was a problem with PC payment. I have to come back to get the rest tomorrow. I walked to Pick n’ Pay and bought food and took it to the office. I really didn’t feel well. I tried to nap, but no luck. I had fun looking at websites about the two grad schools I am looking at attending after Peace Corps (or even at a later date), Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and Georgetown University’s International Relations program. I skyped my mom for a bit then taxied to my friend J’s place. We watched TV and ate. We had sausage, rice, and a really tasty sauce. J’s father said I could come stay there anytime I want to. I hung out with J and his brother and listened to music and played guitar for the first time in a year. It was really fun to realize I remember a lot of stuff.

September 18

It was so hot when I woke up. I tried to take a shower, but the water wasn’t working. I watched TV and J’s mother made breakfast. J drove me to the Doctor’s office to get the rest of my medication and then took me to the PC office. My Xmas vacation travel buddies and I booked a dolphin and otter cruise in Swakopmund that includes snacks, a gourmet meal, and champagne! I can’t wait. I decided to stay another night because I was feeling sick. J’s dad was awesome and said that I could stay in their place even when they are not there. The generosity is astounding and deeply appreciated. I taxied to J’s place and had porridge and chicken for dinner. It was so tasty! Then I watched TV and talked with the family until 11pm.

September 19

I slept okay last night. I got up and ate breakfast. I pretty much just watched TV all day while everyone else was gone. The cleaning lady made me lunch. The kids got home around 230. I love hanging out with them. I went out with J and his brother later and bought chips and an apple slice. It was one of the most amazing pastries I have ever had. I went to bed at 9 and got up at 145 am to watch NCAA football. However, I was too tired, so I went back to bed.

September 20

I woke up at 545, but I slept really well! I ate breakfast and went to the office. The weather was awesome, blustery and overcast. It really reminded me of home. J and I dropped the kids off at school. We had the windows down and were listening to Christian music. I loved it. I skyped my mom at the office. I have really been wanting to play some online games like League of Legends or World of Warcraft. I am contemplating downloading LoL. I hung out in the office until our YEAH club meeting. One of the PCVs came in before the meeting and we had a good talk. She looked absolutely beautiful! Our YEAH club leader brought donuts and I had two of the insanely delicious Apple Slices and 2 glazed donuts (they taste different than the ones in the States). The meeting was great, but I wish we had more time. I am going to be in charge of monitoring and evaluation, which is really exciting. I hung out at the office until 4. I taxied to J’s and hung out with the family. We watched TV and played guitar. I’m going to bring games next time so we don’t just sit in front of a TV (although it is so wonderful to be able to relax and zone out while watching TV). I went to bed around 11.

September 7-13

September 7

I did NOT sleep well for the first three hours. The dog kept barking and I was eaten alive by mosquitos, it was awful. Then I slept well after that. I got up and really enjoyed the morning. I felt like one of the family. I have a home in Rundu now, not just a place to stay. They said I can come over whenever. J made me an awesome omelet and peanut butter with bread. I headed out to the office at 840. I hung out at office with a PCV and two PC Trainees. We went to the open market and ate. I taxied to Wimpys, but I went to the wrong place so I speed walked to Engen. One car had already left, but the rest were there. We went to the paintball place and had an AMAZING time. There were a lot of people. I talked for a bit. I wasn’t going to paintball, but I changed my mind. It was AWESOME! Another PCV and I were absolutely competitive and pretty good. I did so well. I even ran away from someone, turned my gun back over my shoulder, and shot blind and got him!!! I hit about 9 people. T (the competitive PCV) and I went one on one. I accidentally shot the ref. I got some MAJOR welts and cuts. One of the PC Trainees had fun by flicking my nasty welt/cut on my arm. It didn’t really hurt though. We went down a slip n’ slide and I cut myself. I also started getting major foot cramps. A few of us swam in the river. We were dropped off at OK Foods and bought food for the braai (bbq). We walked back to the PC Office and went to our meeting place. I carried one of the Trainee’s HUGE suitcase. I love answering their questions. We ended up waiting FOREVER for one person. We went out a lodge on the river which is owned by a friend of ours. We all went and claimed beds. This place is huge and awesome! Boats, gazebos, hammock, tree decks., deck overlooking water, Pool. The night was really fun. Louie was cool and had some friends there. I got pretty mellow at one point then pepped up. I went to bed at 2am.

September 8

I did not sleep well. I had some really bad dreams. I woke up early and had the dubious honor of having to wake everyone up. After we got back to Rundu, I led a bunch of the PC Trainees to the PC office and OK Foods, where they were being picked up. I was so exhausted. It was just me and one other PCV in the office for most of the day. I did some journals and tried to take a nap. I was stressed because my car didn’t show up from Mpora. I decided to stay the night. I was feeling  pretty down and lonely because of the high of the weekend. It always happens. I went out and binged on junk food…and an apple. I got some great encouragement from some other PCVs. I skyped my mom too. I walked to my place at 530. I was so sore. I went to bed around 830.

September 9

I had some dreams, but slept very well. I didn’t want to get up. I taxied to the hike point and found a ride within 20 minutes. I did health education at the clinic on breastfeeding for 12 people. It went so well! I was very proud and happy! I actually enjoyed it! It went for 30 minutes. I prepared for Grass Roots Soccer and went over the lesson with BH. I had an interesting cultural problem with him. I said I needed him there at 2. He said “I will let you know.” I said I need you there.  He said “who knows what will happen. If I promise, but I’m delayed and am not there on time it is not good.” I explained how in America it’s a matter of respect and honor. I went and ate lunch at 1230. I changed and walked to school and Ppinted stuff off. I got some water and walked to the soccer field. I waited for a long time. BH came late. I practiced with him. Learners were very late too. Many of them tried to come, saying they forgot who signed up. I was really frustrated. We didn’t start until 330 or 345 and ended at 5…I was not happy. It was a bit rough. The wind was awful and I couldn’t hear and it messed up papers. Also, the trucks on the road were too loud. Other learners came by and disrupted practice. I walked back to clinic at 515, then walked home. I sat by myself and ate dinner. My host family didn’t hang with me so I just went into my room and read news and watched The Wolverine and Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters. Wolverine was not the best, but Percy Jackson was okay. I went to bed at 930.

September 10

I woke up at 645 and went to the clinic. I brought my laundry for the cleaning lady to do. I gave a personal hygiene lesson today (hand washing, tooth brushing, and how to avoid spreading sickness). 21 people were there. I walked to the school and went to break. Then I prepared for Grass Roots Soccer (GRS). I met with my health club leaders and planned our first meeting for tomorrow. I did a lesson plan about career opportunities for the grade 6s. It went sooo well. I went back to the office and journaled and prepped. GRS went amazing! I was so encouraged. I walked home in an awesome mood. I went into my office and relaxed. I walked home and talked with my host mother for a long time in Rukwangali. I ate dinner and played UNO with my family until 720.

September 11

I woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of an animal in my room. In the morning, I found out a mouse or something had tried to steal my headphones. I am waking up sooooo late, at 630 or 645. I do not like it at all. I wrote a Facebook status honoring those affected by 9/11. I walked to the clinic and had my usual breakfast. No one at the clinic wanted to do health education (my supervisor was not there) and it was really frustrating. However, I realized that all I can do is be prepared and ready to do health education. I spent much of the day recording attendance and prepping for my clubs. I have to start making my own lunch because the lady that cooks for my supervisor is not there anymore. I walked to the school and literally almost died. I was walking on the shoulder of the road and barely stepped to the right and a car almost clipped me while –passing a truck. I was not happy. My first health club meeting was a success. They really liked it. We played a game called ninja. Then we went inside and made club rules and brainstormed activities for our health club. They seemed especially interested in drama, art, and soccer. My two learner leaders were great! On my way home I passed a black mamba, but didn’t notice until my brother yelled. We spent 30 minutes trying to find it so I could take pictures, but to no avail. I went home, ate, and played UNO with my family. It was really cool when one of my little host brothers tried to sing along to my Phillips, Craig, & Dean music. I had a really good Facebook conversation with my dad. I went to my room at 730 and watched Planes and Star Trek. I went to bed at 10.

September 12

I woke up at 530, but feel asleep again until 630. I walked to the clinic and ate breakfast. One of my meetings was postponed for two weeks. My best friend in Namibia received an email from a girl who is coming to Namibia in March. My friend was so excited and I became so excited. I was in a euphoria. It’s crazy to think we’re talking about Group 39 already. We started talking about how Xmas is coming and how it’ll be so fun. I started dreaming about xmas trees, presents, music, dinner, friends, skydiving, and new years. I wonder if I’ll find a Xmas service to go to. I went to see if we were doing health education, but saw no one. My supervisor came and asked to do health education. I did the same thing as yesterday. It went well. I journaled and then watched a movie for a bit of the morning. I went to lunch and ate so much PB and butter and rusk. I didn’t have much to do today. I went home at 6pm. I kept thinking I was hearing snakesI I sat by the fire and did absolutely nothing, but dream. I tried to eat, but was so full. I went back to room and just dreamed and listened to music. Woke up several times, didn’t feel so good. I had diarrhea.

September 13

I woke up and went to the clinic then the school. I hiked to Rundu…in a prison transport truck. I went to the Open Market and had lunch with a PCV and his counterpart. His counterpart bought me an orange soda. I walked to the office and did some computer stuff. I hung out in the office until 630 and walked back to my place. I had a good talk with two of my PCV friends. I showered and then had my friend cut a bunch of my hair off. It looked awful, but it was quite funny. I didn’t care because I was so happy just to have it gone. I went to bed around 9.