So my countdown to departure is at 2 weeks...
I've been able to find a couple current PC volunteers in Lesotho via good 'ole facebookery. The one's I've heard from seem to love the place and especially the people. They are also excited for us to arrive. Hopefully that's because they really like the place, and not just because we are coming to replace them!
I've also learned that most of those rugged 'good for africa' clothes I've bought in preparation should be left here! Turns out that most teachers in Africa dress nicer than I ever have! So it looks like it's off to the polo shirt and slacks store with me! Horray, that means a trip up to the big city of Duluth!
In the meantime I'm whiling away my remaining time in the states in Hayward. I've been able to keep busy reading up on Lesotho history, learning their language, Sesotho, teaching myself guitar, and the occasional conter-strike or minecraft binge! Outside, the weather is steadily turning into that of Wisconsin's autumn. The ferns and birch have long since turned their yellows and reds, maple and popple (poplar if you must) are on their way. The all enclosing cocoon of winter clouds is beginning to form, but there are still plenty of my favorite type of fall days with crisp, blue skies and flocks of geese on their way out. This all constitutes a pretty sweet existence, but I think I'll be ready for something new by the time October 12th comes around.
Just a suggestion. I'm one year into service in the Philippines and every year someone starts a page for the new volunteers on FB so that they can find each other before getting there, collaborate on projects easily, yada yada. It would be awesome if you could do that for your batch. For instance ours is - PCPhilippines 269, then we broke off and made some by sector. People will love you and you'll be the most popular kid there when you get to training! Good luck! Have fun! Congratulations! And keep on living the good life!
ReplyDeleteHi There,
ReplyDeleteWe just came with the last group to Lesotho, we're not on Facebook so I'm not sure what all they are saying, but I know that we like our REI clothes, especially because we got some very versatile ones. We are from MT so fortunately we knew how to prepare to dress warm (as I'm sure you also do!). Basotho do love to look nice and I myself, found it difficult to feel dressed up wearing all my clothes including my jacket from the time I got out of bed until night. But, I brought a lot of lightweight wool, including smartwool and have loved it! I'm not sure for teachers, but I also haven't worn dresses as much as they made it sound like I would. However, good shoes are a must, you will walk a lot here! Lesotho le lemonate! (It's really great here) and we're looking forward to all of your group. PS - don't bring a veggie peeler for your host mme, if you can swing it, we wish we would have brought a nice chefs knife or something generally american. Best!