It's been a while since I last posted here, so this is what's new. On December 12 we officially swore in as volunteers. After that we all moved out from our training villages in Berea district to our permanent sites all across the country. I relocated to Mokhotlong district, up in the mountains in eastern Lesotho. With the exception of a wonderful 4 days off at Christmastime, I have been hanging around my new village meeting people and awaiting the beginning of the school year on January 16. Here is a couple images of my new place from the outside and inside as well as the view out my font door.
I am living on the chief's compound in my new village. Here is a picture of my new family.
The dad, Mokotjo, is the chief, but he is also a farmer and spends most of his time working in the three large fields he has. The mother, Manthatisi, is a government representative for the surrounding area. She helps local villages voice their concerns an needs to the national government in the capitol. Being a government official, she also has lots of work in writing out and notarizing documents like passport applications, death certificates, and pretty much anything official for the folks I the surrounding area. The son and my brother, Sekonyela, attends high school in the area, which he boards at. The grandmother, Mme Mamokotjo (literally mother of Mokotjo) is also pictured.
Right now all the schools are on summer break, so he is living at home for the time being. I like my village a lot and all the people are very friendly. My only complaint is that, without school, there really isn't a whole lot to do here. But, at least I've gotten tons of reading and cooking done!
Right now all the schools are on summer break, so he is living at home for the time being. I like my village a lot and all the people are very friendly. My only complaint is that, without school, there really isn't a whole lot to do here. But, at least I've gotten tons of reading and cooking done!
