During training, we received a list of our potential sites, and we all got the chance to “apply” for a site in our program. There are only four secondary math education volunteers, and I was one of them. The four of us had five sites to choose from. Sounds nice, right? It would be, except that two of them were in Mokhothlong, which is the most remote district inLesotho. I knew if I was placed there I would never see my friends and would feel extremely isolated as I am a person who gets energy from the energy of others. It was a tough thing because we were supposed to argue for a reason we would be most successful at a certain site. They were looking for reasons like the size of school, extra-curriculars available, ect. not for reasons such as “it is near my friends” or “it has electricity.” I say it was tough because all of the math sites were so similar. I am a lucky duck and got my first choice which is in Butha-Buthe district, and I can honestly say I am extremely happy here. I am living next to (by next to I mean within about a two hour drive) my two best friends, my camp town is amazing—it has a KFC (cmon, what!?)—and my host family is so generous and welcoming.
I live in the standard Basotho house called a Rondaval because it is a round one room house with a thatched roof, which supposedly make cozy homes for big hairy spiders. I have a bed, two tables, two chairs, a wardrobe, a gas heater for the winter, and a countertop. If I remember correctly, Peace Corps only requires that you have a place to sleep, a way to cook, and a heater, so I guess you could say I’m hooked up, although most people I know have these things. These items are supplied by my school, not PC. Peace Corps wants the volunteers to live at the level of the community they live in, so yes, I walk through the mountains 30 minutes to school (not bad) and poop in a hole outside. However, my host family seems to be pretty well off, so they have cars and a generator. Yup, I just got to the good part. They have a generator they turn on from 6:30-9:00 every night, and I can charge my computer, phone, camera, ect. It’s awesome. What’s not awesome is how much time I spend watching Friday Night Lights…. woops!
mmmm tim riggins and pooping in holes!!
Do you make someone come and talk to you as you poo? How I wish I could be there to make the weekly easier
Well Cat, Sounds like you are really enjoying your adventure. So glad that you are enjoying it (even the hole). Don’t think I would like that! Too Old I guess.
Keep up the good work and remember you have loved ones in Mason, USA.
Uncle Harold and Aunt Doris