My New Life in Khorixas

Sunday, June 29th
I have now lived at my new residence for over a month now! I even have a PO Box! The country is so small that there is not even a zip code. So, if you want to mail me a letter, you can send it to:
Taylor Whittaker
PO Box 268
Khorixas, Namibia
Africa

In addition to there be no zip codes, everyone has the same (081) phone area code in the country to my knowledge. The capital, Windhoek, is larger so they might have a have a zip code. Just a little bit of information that I have found interesting. I hope I did not concern anyone too much by not updating this blog, but I am doing well.

The town I live in (Khorixas) has a population of around 18,000 which includes surrounding farms and smaller towns. I think I am still grasping for similarities back home to here, but this aspect of the town reminds me of my hometown as it is the main shopping town with surrounding farms. The land is not as luscious green as in Washington County. It reminds me more of the dry Texas Hill Country. There is even a residing village called Braunfels Area which has one of the hospitals clinics. I learned from a nurse that “Braunfels” means “burning fire” or something like that. The scenery makes me feel not that far from family. There is one main grocery store, post office, hardware store, PEP store, and a gas station in town. PEP is similar maybe to JC Penny or something; the store is mainly filled with clothes, but there is also dishes and household supplies.

I am placed with the Ministry of Health at the Khorixas District Hospital. My supervisor is the Social Worker at the hospital. He is blind, from Zimbabwe, and was previously a lecturer which I think he must have been very good at because he is intelligent, but that man also can talk! He is very hardworking and has a lot of great plans and ideas. We are still figuring out the way we can collaborate best. I am replacing a previous volunteer, so I must also overcome the challenge that I am not the same person and work differently than her.

There is another Peace Corps health volunteer who has served a year, he is better at updating his blog than I, so you can also follow him at……………….. There is also a Japanese volunteer that teaches math and science at one school. I am aware of 8 schools so far. There are also plans of placing an education volunteer from Peace Corps in September. So there will be three Americans in Khorixas for a period of time. I am one of the few volunteers from my group that has another American in the same town and soon there will be 3! My group started with 19 volunteers, but for various reasons 3 have returned back to the US.

I stay in a very large flat with a bedroom, kitchen, dining area, living room, bathroom, shower/restroom and a storage area. The kitchen has an oven, stove, and full-size refrigerator. I have a dining room table with chairs and hot water in the shower! This place is actually nicer than some of my apartments in America, I am just lacking some furniture as there is a lot of open spaces. I have received a move-in allowance  to buy some bedding and kitchen supplies. I also get a monthly allowance for groceries. So, I am living  the comfortable life in Africa! The only amenity I don't have at my place is internet and air conditioning/heater.

My HUGE Kitchen for Little Oh Me

My Back Patio View

Life Outside of Okahandja

Sunday, April 27
As you can see I have had a lot of down time because I have been writing often. School is out and on a three week break, so many children and their families are out of town visiting other family or working on the farm. The volunteer I am shadowing in Outjo works with children, so she does not have any work to do. I was able to sit in on a meeting where a handful of children are being sponsored to hike for five days in a town south. These are the first youth in Outjo to go on this adventure as children to do not often have the opportunity to travel within the country. Besides this one meeting, it has been my own little vacation away from training and I have immensely enjoyed it. Outjo is a nicely sized town with a large supermarket, multiple electronic stores (not the same you would think in America...more like pawn shops or something) and a few restaurants. The other volunteer here works at the hospital and I was able to have a short tour as we may collaborate in the future on some projects. My volunteer has shown me the town and we have been relaxing with reading. I may not have any media to watch, but I now have two books to read for entertainment! I also received some yarn to try and learn to crochet and small cross-stitch projects. I am very thankful for these kind gifts as I was starting to fiddle with my thumbs.

When you read of other volunteers on their blogs encouraging you to bring an external hard drive with movies and shows you like on your laptop- DO IT!!!! I brought an iPod at last minute because my laptop would be too heavy. This was a mistake as PC gives you USBs of information. I also have no way to share shows and music easily as the iPad does not have a USB port. I also never had an external hard drive before and did not think it was necessary, but sometimes after a long day of training you just want to watch a good movie instead of African or Spanish soaps. And yes, I never paid for cable or anything and only watched Netflix occasionally, but take one more person's advice and take your laptop and buy an external hard drive if you don't have one. If you don't have media, there is sure to be people in your group willing to share theirs with you. That is my little rant of advice for any future volunteers reading this.

Friday we hiked to Khorixas as you read in my last post and this is an even smaller town, but still a town at that. There is one main grocery store and a couple of smaller ones. There is not any restaurants, but a nice lodge that can be a getaway for a nice sit-down meal. The volunteer in Khorixas treated us to lunch and it was very luxurious. I know where to go when I want to pretend and be a tourist or to feel like I am in America. They have a few fenced animals at this lodge including an ostrich! I also got to see the hospital I will be working at and met some of my coworkers. They are all very nice. There seems to be a lot of resources that could help me with projects. There are two new gyms with nice equipment, one at the hospital and one at the other volunteers office. My office is huge! I have this large room that could fit a king-sized bed with room to spare. I did not get to see the flat I will be staying in, but I did meet my host mom and saw my room for my first 6wks in Khorixas. She is a young nurse at the hospital, so I will be sharing the place with her and her boyfriend. That evening it rained, but we were still able to have a braii. It was very relaxing and enjoyable to have a little cook out with us three. The next morning we hiked back to Outjo. It was a little poetic, I saw donkey carts on the way into Khorixas and baboons on the way out. This was my first sight of both.

My Future Office

My First Hiking Experience

Saturday, April 26th
The main mode of transportation here in Namibia is "hiking" which is essentially paying for rides by taxis, combis or personal vehicles. The head trainer at PST set a ride for myself and three others with this Otjiherero man. We paid the driver up front because he needed gas for his car. It was about an 1.5hr trip to Otjiwarango which we all slept most of the way.
After we dropped off one trainee in Otjiwarongo, we thought we were good to go, but he drove around for a bit and we thought that he wanted to pick up one more passenger to help with costs. We picked up this one man, but we only drove a short distance and were told the man we picked up would take us to from Otjiwarongo to Outjo. We informed the new and old driver that we paid up front for the whole trip and they said they would work it out between themselves.
So, we switched vehicles and were on our way. The new driver apologized for the mess in his car, but it was not dirty in the least. This driver spoke better English and was a lot nicer. I sat up front and he said his name was "come" in Otjiherero, but it sounded like Ninja. He nicely joked about several things. He asked how much we paid the other man and I told him we each paid $220 and he said the man jipped us. The man only gave him $200 for all of us and he was supposed to get $250. He seemed honest and kind. He said I was too beautiful to hike for rides and it would be unsafe, so I should call him. We dropped the two trainees off at the hospital in Outjo for they are shadowing the volunteer that works there and he took me to a gas station outside of town where I was to meet the volunteer I was to shadow. She  was not there when I arrived and he insisted that he wait until she did as I should not wait by myself. We exchanged numbers for anytime I needed future rides and he promised to not call me and he has not yet. So, now I have Ninja Driver who I trust to take me where I need to go safely.

This first hiking experience was on Wednesday and we just ventured yesterday (Friday) to Khorixas from Outjo. The volunteer and I wanted to try to get to Khorixas by 10am, and my driver was in Otjiwarongo so we went to hike. There are two main hike points in Outjo to get to Khorixas- one in town and one right outside of town at the turning point to Khorixas.
We first went to the one right outside of town because you can get cheaper hikes. When we got to this hike point there was a man there who said he travelled from Okahandja and was trying to get to Khorixas and was hoping to not have to stay the night in Outjo. He looked normal enough. There were only a handful of cars and none could take us to Khorixas. There was one small truck that had some men picking up trash. They picked up some trash, but the driver came back and told us it was unsafe for two ladies to be hiking on this side of town and showed a lot of concern. He then said the man that was at the hike point has been hanging around this area for a while and that it was rumored he already raped three women. He may of just told us this information to scare us, but it worked and we went back into town to catch a ride. We had one man offer, but he needed to find two more people. Then, one vehicle was leaving right now and we took this one to Khorixas and arrived safely where we met the male volunteer that has lived there for a year now.

That One Dam Party

Thursday, April 24th
Today is my Mom's birthday as I wrote in my last post. Love you Mom!! Yesterday, all of the trainees left to go to shadow a volunteer. Ultimately the site we are visiting is near where we are going, but myself and two other trainees are now in Outjo. Their sites are far south, but I am lucky and Outjo is actually my shopping town. I have access to buy groceries and such, but it is just the closest largest town. The volunteer I am shadowing is actually taking me to my soon-to-be home, Khorixas, which is about 200km away tomorrow.

Last Friday, Good Friday, we still had class but it was only 2hrs of language and then our awesome social committee organized a braii at a dam nearby. It would of cost N$70 for the entry fee into the park, but PC covered the costs as a surprise and we each gave N$50 for the cost of food. I got so enthusiastic of leaving town I felt like a little kid on a field trip. We all got into the combis and even sang some road trip songs - it was only a 5-15min ride which did not allow us anytime to get bored on the road which was perfect! It was a beautiful small little lake formed by the dam and surrounded by mountains (big hills). Myself and two other volunteers swam to the other side. I forgot how much I enjoy being in the water! It brings me so much joy and I am reminded how I have always been attracted to be around and especially in the water. It also made me reminisce about all of the good times with my family at Lost Praire Lake, Inks Lake, Canyon Lake and more. We have had a lot of fun times in unsalted waters. One of our trainers was the braii master and cooked all the meat with some assistance. A braii is just what they call BBQs here. We ate chicken, some red meat, potato salad, green salad, and bread. It was so very nice. I also got to throw a football around for a bit. I ended the day very satisfied, my body was exhausted from the sun, swimming, and football. Absolutely fantastic!

This trip was also one of the few times that I have actually been in a car since I have arrived in Namibia. My house is in walking distance from the training center so I walk every day to wherever I need to go. The main town is within a mile radius it seems. Within that radius there are a multitude of grocery stores including Spar, Spes Bona, Shop Rite, Mega Save, Pick-n-Pay and several more. There are a couple of farm market selling spots around town also. Three of the five places the trainees live are within a 3mile distance apart from each other. Long point made short-everything is centrally located. My host dad has two cars in which he takes to work or on various trips. I receive a ride when we go to church together. I have ridden in a taxi once with my host sisters to a church youth choir concert and several times caught a ride with someone's friend. It actually surprised me that despite proximity a lot of people don't walk if it is not within a mile and pay the standard fee of $10 to be taken home or wherever. We volunteers actually walk a lot and some host families have commented saying we walk too much, but I think it gives us the freedom to go where we want. It is unfortunate that trainees that live in Nau Aib or Vetersdaul must take the combi home as it is a far walk and can be unsafe. Tuesdays and Thursdays the combi takes them home an hour past class is let out so we can hang out together.

Delicious Braii Party Food

Time of PST is winding down and we have grown a bond with each other. I have to admit when we departed for our site visits yesterday, I was a little sad. Very soon it will be a much longer departure and the comfort of Americans everyday will be gone. I do have one health volunteer in Khorixas so it will be nice to have him show me the town and have someone from a similar culture to relate to.

Special Days

Thursday, April 17th
        Today is my brother's 25th birthday! I know he won't see this, but be told by someone, but oh how I love him and am so proud of where he is in life. He has become a very respectable man, a loving husband and a caring father- all by 25!! I know he will strive to be better and do more. I am honored to be your sister.
        This upcoming week also holds two other lovely birthdays- my sister and my mother. Earth Day holds a special place in my heart as my big sister, kind of second mom and one of my best friends was born. I am glad you continue to pave the path for me as I observe your steps in life and often times choose another which I know can irritate you;) I love you dearly and I know we will continue from each other through challenges ahead.
         My dear dear mother, anyone that knows her is aware of the rare presence they are blessed with. She holds an attitude and respect much different than most and often something I strive for. She deserves to be celebrated for absolutely fantastic woman she is.
         Another shout out should also go to the newest addition to the Whittaker Family, my nephew, as he will be baptized in 10 days. I am saddened by the fact that I will not be there physically to support this event in his life, but am reassured that he has many other family to be there.

As there are current and upcoming important dates happening in the US, there are also a few events that have happened over the past couple of weeks. Last Friday, there was a verbal mid-evaluation exam on our respective language. The whole week, I felt like it was back to final exams in college. People were so stressed out. I had to laugh a little because even if we did not meet Peace Corps standards there were not any negative consequences. Group 39 overall performed quite well and many surpassed the guidelines of scoring Intermediate Low by end of training. I received Novice High+, so it was very close to end of training service standard but not quite. There were three Intermediate High scorers which is absolutely fantastic!

KKG has lost one learner, but she will thrive much better in Africaans and am very happy for this change for her. My trainer wants the remaining two to score Advanced by the end of training, but I believe he is being very hopeful. He is quite fantastic and theatrical with his teaching. He has an 8yr old and twin 2yr old girls and think this helps with teaching us. He is very patient with us and our girlish outbursts of laughter. He is also very silly which helps engage us more in the lessons.

Yesterday (April 16th), we all got to find out our site placements for the next two years! I will be living in the Kuenene region in the town of Khorixas. From what I hear this is the heart of the Damara people which is fantastic because my KKG will be utilized here! My host family has a farm outside this town. I will be working with The Ministry of Health at the Khorixas District Hospital. I will find out much more once I get there and share with you all:)

Site Announcements (Map of Namibia on Ground)

KKG Class Site Placements

Mixed Emotions

Blog #6: Mixed Emotions

Monday, April 7th
My last few blogs I feel have been really logistical and I wanted to paint a picture for family and friends back home of my life here in Okahandja. This blog I want to try and focus on how I am feeling. It is a roller coaster.

Each week we have a resource volunteer that is currently serving come to be with us a week to provide their perspective and answer any questions we may have. Each one seems to agree the roller coaster continues throughout service. Just today I woke up full of energy and was super optimistic complimenting everyone near me and had a good presentation in KKG. Then by the end of the day, I feel conquered, overwhelmed and defeated.

I also have a hard time trying to determine the stressor. I don't know if it is the distance from family, friends and everything comfortable to me or Dad's death. Overall I am happy here, but I sometimes am swept over with this unexpected sadness. I am working on ways to handle all situations. A belief that has always comforted me is the only person to impress is God. I know I don't I need to impress Him for His acceptance, but the reassurance that the only Being I am here for is God is nice to have. I am someone that likes to please people, so taking all the people you know and the culture you are comfortable with and placing you in something completely different is quite difficult. As a people-pleaser, it can be wearing to try and honor and respect a family not your own, but treats you as such, and with a group of individuals that are in the same situation, but you still do not really have a great sense about.

My Personal Getaway

Random Thoughts...
One thing that I have gotten used to is coming home to a family and going to a church where I don't understand 97% of what is being said. I know I am being spoke to when I hear my name. My family speaks very good English which is helpful for integration, but English is only spoken when they want me to understand. I am very blessed in the respect that my family's mother tongue is Khoekhoegowab which is the language I am learning. This might help me pick up speaking or understanding faster. I try to pick out words and piece together the conversation, but my vocabulary is not extensive enough to form sentences most often.

A while back I quit thinking in US dollar and now I am thinking in Namibian dollars as my lunch allowance is in Namibian and that can quickly disappear if you continue to have that mindset. The rate is currently a 10:1 dollar ratio.

The food is not really a big adjustment here, but that is because I am also from Texas where meat is also a staple. All I have to do is go back to my country roots. I stepped away from my meat-centered diet when I was on my own, but I have adjusted back quite easily. I know crave meat and porridge for dinner. The porridge I kept reading about on other peoples blogs seemed so unappealing and bland and was so nervous of having that everyday. It is made from maize meal and is really easy to make. It makes me think of thick mashed potatoes that you eat with your hands. There is usually some meat juice sauce that you dip it in or you wrap the mai-i around some meat. Almost all meat has bones and is eaten from the bones - ground beef or boneless chicken is not really a normal commodity. I have started to enjoy eating food with my hands. My family stares a little bit at me when I eat with my hands, I think they find it amusing and that I am becoming a "true Namibian".

Cows Crossing Major Highway

The two biggest adjustments I have are cars driving on the other side of the road and no napkins anywhere. I still continue to look down the wrong side of the road before crossing the street. I just look up and down the road 6 times before crossing. And yes, no napkins! At first I thought they have a way to be cleaner or they wipe their hands on their clothes, but there is usually a damp washcloth that is shared or sometimes a small wash basin.

To end on a positive note, today I was picked to give a short introduction of myself to the entire class in my language and I think I did well! Another trainer who speaks KKG grabbed my shoulder in congratulations and had a huge smile on his face. My trainer was smiling during my presentation and another trainer who does not speak KKG, but can understand some, said that he does not recall a trainee that has spoken the clicks and the language so proficiently so early in training. I must follow this statement in saying that I am no where close to understanding or speaking at a level to hold a conversation more than 15 seconds, but this was definitely a proud and encouraging moment to continue in my efforts of language learning.

Also, for my family that wrote me letters prior to leaving, I was slowly opening them to last me during the entire training at least. I then decided I can always re-read the letters and am glad I did so. I greatly enjoyed every letter and each held its own unique personality from the individual. Thank you and I love you! I am so very blessed to have such support and love from home.

Looking Up

Tuesday, April 1st
Brand new month! Yesterday just got better and better! I practiced colors and food in Khoekhoegowab (KKG) with my host family. My Tima even got out spools of yarn with different colors to help me practice. They even teased my little 5yr old because I knew the colors better than her in KKG. She knows all the colors in English, speaks KKG and English fluently but does not know colors in KKG. A neighboring couple stopped by the house and the man actually visited Texas A&M University years back to observe the agriculture aspect. I believe he works in foreign diplomatic work and has worked in Europe and New York a couple of years.

IMPORTANT NEWS!!!! Today, my language teacher identified all four separate clicks that I was doing! This is the first time I did them all right! Now I just need to continue to practice so I can say it right every time!

Today my class' April Fools joke was to sit in on different language classes, most of them got a kick out of it. My teacher just told the attempted jokers to move on. He is very funny and teases us in class all the time. He is always jolly, but often looks serious. The head trainer fooled us all and gave us this detailed story of why we were actually getting our site placements today instead of in a couple of weeks. We all believed it for a few minutes, then realized it was still April Fools and he tricked us all.

Just got done presenting to an after school club today. My group goes tomorrow discussing "changing bodies" and I am also going to cook for my family. Wish me luck!

My host sisters and myself