Peaceful Pathway☮

I’m discovering that oftentimes the smallest things make the biggest impact on this whole experience.   It’s a process of learning to cherish those minute details that I probably would have overlooked before, and overlooking the big details that probably would have bothered me before.   As I walked to work, I was surprised to find Gobojango bustling with more people than usual (normally there are 1800 people here.   Today there were about 1850 people haha).   I later discovered the reason was that there are to be two weddings in Gobas this weekend.   An entire herd (?) of cattle had been rounded up in the local kraal to be offered both as lobola (dowry paid by the groom to the bride’s family) or to be slaughtered for the ceremonies.   An old woman wearing a toothless smile approached me, grabbed my hand, and walked with me half way to the clinic, passionately telling me this grand story in Setswana that I could hardly understand.   Once at th...

This past weekend I went to Palapye for our regional meeting.   It was a blast being able to be surrounded by like-minded individuals once again.   After discussing our probable projects, we drank, cooked, danced, and sang for the whole night and felt normal once again.   It was wonderful! All of these things paled in comparison to my astonishment at the travel system here in Botswana.   Let me begin by saying that this transportation thing is something that is still very new to me and I’m learning to navigate the system, even three months in.   Secondly, I’ve learned that nothing is set in stone.   For example, I have asked at least 10 people what times the bus picks up from Gobojango to Bobonong and I have gotten at least 10 definitive answers. And with reason! The times that I’ve attempted to travel to Bobs, the bus never shows up on time (if at all!) and I’ve ended up settling for the next easiest option: hitchhiking. Now before I go on, let me ...

Hello again! So here’s a quick update about the goings-on in Gobas: the IDCC opening was a great success.   Yesterday I spent the day in my neighboring village of Semolale with the doctor, Doctor Mashini, learning the process of how an official ARV day   is supposed to run.   He taught me the ins and outs of the system and recommended I teach everyone in Gobojango.   After transferring some patients from Semolale to Gobojango, learning to schedule appointments, and to take vital signs, the doctor then invited me to his house for a late lunch.   There, I met the doctor’s lovely wife and ate probably one of the most delicious meals I’ve had since I’ve arrived in Botswana.   Since Mr. and Mrs. Mashini are from DRC, they grow plants from their home country and cook with them.   I helped myself to seconds and even tried spring bock meat (which wasn’t necessarily my favorite).   Once I returned to the Gobas Health Post, I proceeded to find a cor...

I apologize it has been so long since my last post, many things have been happening and the network has been down this whole time so I haven’t been able to update! Let me start off by saying that I am safe and sound in Gobojango (Gobas) and I’m in my comfortable, beautiful home.   Slowly I am learning the individuals that live here, though the names are quite difficult to remember.   Whenever someone says, “Dumela Kitso!” (Hello Kitso), I simply respond, “Dumela tsala yame!” (Hello my friend!).   It seems to help in getting me out of an awkward situation.   I’ve mapped my community and continue to add onto the map as I venture out more and more into the cattle posts and farms surrounding my village. Next, my work at the clinic has begun.   My tasks change daily as the needs of the clinic change as well. For example, yesterday I assisted the lay counselor with conducting rapid HIV tests all morning while today I’m in an office counting pills.   Lucki...

I can’t believe that I’ve already been here for over two months…though the days seem like they drag on, the months truly fly by.   I’ve received my other bag from storage and am currently in the process of packing up my things. Either I’ve acquired so much crap, or I’m just not packing right! I have no idea how so many little things can accumulate to make such huge piles! I’ve already filled my big bag to its maximum capacity and I still have to pack my clothes! Eeesh, it’s going to be a long Sunday. Yesterday was the family appreciation ceremony.   I’d say even with all of the running around, it was a complete success J .   The hall was filled with families and trainees, everything worked properly, and I even had 5 people in the audience just for me!   My host mom came with her sister and niece, and two of my Batswana friends arrived from Joaneng (Keitumetse and Tshidiso)!   It was wonderful! The ceremony started by me singing the Botswana National Anth...

As the date nears, I’m getting more and more excited about moving to Gobojango (Gobos).   I am also realizing even further how truly alone I will be in exactly 8 days.   My Peace Corps experience thus far has truthfully been a unique one.   Though Botswana is fortunate enough to be considered a “middle-income” country, I am not necessarily living the “Peace Corps experience” I had originally intended or expected.   I have access to the internet, I have running water (sometimes) and electricity, and I feel pretty dang safe here walking alone.   What else could one ask for? Though I have been fortunate on many fronts, I believe we are faced with different predicaments that go alone with our kismets.   Adversity considering race relations is one thing I’ve had somewhat of a difficult time with.   Whether I like it or not, I stand out here.   I cannot walk to the tuck shop right up the street without everyone staring, trying to get my attentio...

The past couple days have been quite pleasant and fun-filled! I had a great weekend, mostly spent my time walking around Kanye and meeting different people. Then I spent a lot of time at Kogae Café (the “likoa” hang out apparently) with my friends and shared some friendly conversations and drinks.   I was even able to have a few full-on Skype conversations with my parents, TJ, and Ben! It completely brightens my day when that happens.   Sunday in it of itself was quite the adventure for me.   While I awoke early to do laundry and attend church, I decided after I had changed into my “church-going” clothes that I was in fact too lazy to do so.   I changed into jeans and a t-shirt and decided to take a box of Kraft mac’n’cheese over to my friend Jessica’s house.   We cooked, ate some yummy comfort food, and watched Back to the Future on my laptop.   It was the most normal afternoon I’ve had in a while.   (Well, I don’t know if you can call it en...