Catholic Mother's Circle

I sit here writing this Tuesday morning, with a stomach full of cake and hot tea in my hand. These were the commands of a middle-aged friend of mine as she dropped me off at the hospital gate last night. We departed with hugs and I walked through the hospital yard with a large slice of cake, a green Sparletta crème soda in hand and a subtle smile on my face.

This past Sunday morning, I left my flat at 9am to walk 2km west to attend the Catholic Church service beginning at 9:30am. Namibia is a Christian country with Evangelical Lutheran as the prominent denomination; Khorixas has one Catholic Church, one Lutheran Church and a handful of “born-again” churches held at individuals homes. There is around 30 people in attendance, majority are women with a handful of men and children. The songs are sung a Capella by memory in Afrikaans or Khoekhoegowab (KKG) led by one of the ladies in the pews. The Bible readings are delivered by three different church members in three different languages: Afrikaans, Khoekhoegowab and English. The sermon is in English which is the main reason I attend the Catholic service instead of the Lutheran service which has the sermon in KKG and Afrikaans. This was my second appearance at the Catholic Church and was greeted by Betty, a member of the past volunteer’s project, whom invited me to a party that afternoon. I tried to clarify what the party was for, but could not communicate my question. The party was delayed until Monday, which was good for me because I almost passed out at church from heat exhaustion. I started to get cold sweats, my ears rang and slightly blacked out but I sat down and started fanning myself which prevented the fainting spell. I don’t know how the other ladies were not in the same position as I as they were wearing full length traditional dresses with quarter-length sleeves and a head wrap. I still don’t know what folk tales are believed or not, but was very nervous that if I passed out some church members might think meant that I was demon-possessed. I was praying that I would not faint as I did not want that rumor spreading around town and very thankfully my prayers were answered in my favor and I did not have to face that issue. My newest American Peace Corps Volunteer site mate, Den, was also there and walked me home. I spent the rest of the evening drinking cool water and finished Season 3 of New Girl on my laptop.  

The following day I had my first KKG tutor session. My tutor is a 15 year old native speaker that was in one of my school clubs. Students have the option to take Afrikaans or Khoekhoegowab as a language class and she is taking KKG therefore knows how to spell the language which makes it easier for me to learn seeing it written down.  Peace Corps gives me a small allowance to pay for a tutor. I am excited to finally take advantage of this opportunity. This young lady even brought me cool drink and chips. What a glorious day! I am learning the local language and received a snack. My other site mate, Jay, has not had water at his accommodation for the past couple of weeks due to lack of payment from his organization and therefore took advantage of the shower at my flat. I then left to meet Betty at her house for this unknown party and walked with one of the cleaners to her house. She is always so pleasant to greet. Today she had heartbreaking news of her best friend taking her boyfriend. Sadly this is typical drama of the town. She still held herself strongly with a solemn smile on her face as walked. She dropped me off at Betty’s house.

From there we were picked up by a friend, we stopped at the store and another house. Cool drinks, meat, a homemade cake, three older women, the male driver and I arrived at the pink house after only one engine breakdown which was physically pushed to restart again. This pink house has a beautiful view on top of a hill, with the town below and a backdrop of the sunset mirroring itself on the surrounding hills. I relaxed with a cool drink in hand as I listened to the chatter of eight ladies talking in Afrikaans and Damara (KKG) with the smell of chicken and boerwors (sausage) cooking on fire and the slight sound of gospel music in the background. This is when I finally discovered it was the Catholic Mother’s Circle end of the year party. The day was filled with so many pleasant interactions, that my heart felt like sunshine. After eating three different portions of meat and some cake, I was escorted home by the chatter of three older women in the new darkness that the sun left us in. As we cut through the yards of cement houses, we walked through a group barefoot children playing with tires on the dirt road as we passed in and out from the street lights, the peace of the night tranquility and pride that this was my home. 

My Lucky Star Marathon

Friday, Oct. 3rd
Another hike to a new place - Swakopmund. This time I have my site mate, Jay, with me which is always nice to have company on the road. If I get lost, at least I am not lost alone.

Khorixas Hike Point with Jay

So, the adventure begins in 10-seater metallic green van with us two, eight adults and three children. The metal frame and tires thunder along the road as if it was turbulence on an airplane. Sometimes the car would be surrounded by a cloud of dust with nothing to see but swirling light brown particles. I got to see a different landscape than I did before of brushy bushes and mountainous hills in the distance. This time I also got to see flat land covered in rocks and sand dunes. If you know me, I am always carrying around a water bottle. Well, I think this leads to a fear unknown to until now...the dessert. Looking out the window there was a vast of nothing - which was beautiful, but also scary. My mind could only go to the van braking down and getting stuck on by his barely traveled road...what to do?! My heart races slightly when I forget to bring my water bottle on my walks in town. So, I think I found one of my most unwanted deaths...dehydration by getting lost in the dessert. Don't worry though, none of that happened! I did get to see some flat land with rocks, then some large random boulders, and then to sandy beaches. The sand reached rather far out inland which surprised me. Close to Swakop was this small little town that reminded me of a life size Lego Town. All the buildings were very colorful with block-like architecture.
The accommodation in Swakop was an A-frame house shared among 10(?) volunteers from different groups. It was really cute actually. There was a small kitchen, dining room, and one room downstairs and then upstairs was an open space with 4 full beds. I have always been fascinated with A-frame houses since at my family's lake house there was this unoccupied A-frame house that I always mused at from across the way growing up. So we pushed the twin beds downstairs together and the three runners slept there. The majority of the PCVs were actually marathon supporters- an excuse to see the beach and major tourist town.

Saturday, Oct. 4th
My first half marathon in Africa, The Lucky Star Half Marathon! It was a cloudy, foggy day. The full marathon and marathon relay started in Walvis Bay. Julia, Alicia and I were running the half though which was an out and back course.

Yeah - We Are Ready to Run!

Girl Runnin' Trio

I have ran the Austin Half twice and am used to thousands of runners. There was less than a thousand which I should of expected for a smaller country. The race was chipped and the majority of the runners were white except for a few running teams (I believe due to the entrance fee). We ran on a paved road with the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful red sand dunes on either side of me. I was constantly thinking of my family, in my head I was running for them especially my expecting sister and my little niece on the way. My sister nicknamed her daughter pumpkin since she was due late October and my mom, sister and I dressed up as pumpkins one year for New Braunfels Wurst 5 Mile run. So, I got a shirt made with a pumpkin on the back saying "Runnin for Pumpkins in the USA" and had my sister, niece,mom and sister-in-laws initials inside the pumpkin. I didn't realize how much running races made me think of my family.

My Pumpkin Shirt

It has become a tradition to run the Blue Bell Fun Run in Brenham which I missed in March...we are three ice cream cones. I was originally inspired when my sister ran in high school. I was later inspired by mom's effort of waking up at 4/4:30 in the morning to get to work early and skipping lunch break to use the gym. I have some tough girls in the family. They were both there for my first and second half marathon to cheer me on. We had so much fun and their energy really gave me strength to finish. Well, all their love and support across the Atlantic Ocean helped push me through one more! I was even the first girl PCV across the finish line!
I thought it couldn't be better of a day, until after the race I checked my phone and discovered I was an aunt to my beautiful niece, Miranda Kay! She was born October 3rd, but with the time difference it was the 4th for me! I secretly hoped she would be born the day of my race so it could be running more so for her. Well, this little wish came true and she came healthy and little early into the world! She just so happened to be "my lucky star" in the Lucky Star Marathon.

The Ladies that Inspire Me & "My Lucky Star"

Sunday, October 5th
I had just enough time to pack and I was out the door for my hike back to Khorixas using the same green van. I enjoyed my visit to Swakopmund, but it was cold and I didn't see the sun once!
I promised that I would be more thankful for the sun upon returning home. It turned into a long, hot dusty ride home - everyone was covered in a layer of dust and my lungs felt a little polluted with dust. Khorixas is definitely my home now, and there is that feeling of comfort and pride when I return back to her.

P.S. I saw this same van just the other day broken down, getting pulled to a garage to be fixed.

Beach Fun!

The Poop Jar

Thursday, Oct. 25th
One lovely tenured volunteer greeted my group when we first landed in Namibia with a story of pooping her pants. I was not in the same van as her, so I did not get to hear the story until later, but it inspired the Group 39 Poop Jar. The concept of the jar is if you poop yourself then you have to put money in the jar and the last one to abstain receives all the money with the accompanying stories. As we have learned from some volunteers, pooping yourself is actually normal.  Most all cases it involves getting sick from some food or drink.

Well, that was not my situation. I feel like there is some name for it, but it is a runners' problem. I would bet all distance runners have soiled themselves in some way or at least come close. It seems like it happens to me once every few years. It usually happens to me when I have not been running consistently and ran at a different part of the day than normal. In the states, if I feel I cannot hold it there is usually a fast food restaurant, gas station or some building that I can use to relieve myself. Well, not here. So, you say why not just go in the bush? Well, I have done that once before already. This time was different. I was in the bush, but it had higher footing traffic. Anyways, enough details of that. Needless to say, I have joined the three other contributions in the jar this day.

Little Things Make Big Difference

              So my last blog was quite lengthy. I will try to make this one shorter or have several short posts. First, I am doing much better now. Last blog I shared that, “The spark of this adventure actually resulted from my frustrations and exhaustion at site which I will divulge in my next blog.” Well, this is my next blog now! So as my blog title says “Little Things Make a Big Difference” and little things built up at site that broke me down slowly and I didn’t have the same support system here as I did in The States. I now realize I do have amazing support among my fellow Group 39mates, I was just not utilizing them. And of course I have you lovely people back home, whom I am constantly reminded how much of a blessing it is to have you all. Thank you for being so amazing.

C.G.H.S. Girl's Club

                In a previous blog, I discussed my future plans of “getting hospital staff involved with the gym”. Well, getting people involved in gym here is probably as equally difficult as it is in The States. I tried extending hours of the gym and only one person showed. I was too tired to motivate, but I am feeling more energized and trying again this November. I will start Girl’s Club at a different school starting next term which begins in January. The HIV Teen Support Club is being tabled to a later time because there was difficulty involving these individuals. Other projects have occurred, but simple projects can be very strenuous and disappointing due to the lack of collaborative effort in the workplace.

                  Another tiresome regular event is receiving unwanted attention. I became bitter and defensive as I began to feel like an object of either sex or money. Many men just want me as another mark on their list and it doesn’t matter if they are dating, engaged or married. The same happens back home, but men make their intentions much more clear here. Every day I also hear from children “owe me dollar”. These little things every day take a bit out of me. But then, I got good at ignoring the men or approaching the situation differently. Also, my site mate gave me a different perspective and informed me that children often just want attention. I now give high-fives or stickers or just chat to those asking for money. I think I have gotten better at ignoring men or being frank with them how uninterested I am and that seems to work.

As for the Damara man, we are back together. There were some cultural differences we had challenges over and it took breaking up to settle these differences of what one was willing to stand for and the other willing to give up, but ultimately we’re a good team. I am not planning to give any more personal dating updates, so email me if you have interest or more questions.

So I have shared the difficult things, but the little good things make all the difference. Sometimes I get hugs from little children I don’t know. People talk in plural and present continuous form often: “Hellos”, “I am coming now” (which actually means you are leaving), and “How are we?” (between only two people). There are not many vehicles, so seatbelts are not really enforced. I am all for it in The States and in higher traffic areas, but I must say I do enjoy this freedom! It is normal to see donkey carts as a normal form of transportation. On the road, there are warning signs for warthogs, elephants and kudus which definitely is not the normal back home. Family is family, in people’s mother tongue there is not a word for cousin and only brother or sister. I like the closeness this brings, but then people also call their close friends brothers or sisters, so that can be confusing. Ultimately, I enjoy the connection between everyone. Namibia is a beautiful country with beautiful people and I look forward to discovering more within them both. 

Lone Hike Across Namibia

I am happy to write to you today as I have recently come back from some travels across Namibia – ALONE. Yes, me, Taylor Whittaker, the girl who has only driven a few hours from home has now hitchhiked across a large part of Namibia. I know hitchhiking is not a normal form of traveling in the US, but do not worry as this is the way of organized transport here.  It is not the type of hitchhiking Americans are most familiar with of just walking down the road. The majority of people gather at a spot in town to trust a stranger (an unmarked taxi) to take them to their desired destination. It is still such a foreign concept to me, but also proves the safety of this country. I attribute it to the simplicity and free will of this land. Namibia has a population of around 2 million which means every person you meet has a connection to you in some way through mutual friendships or family. Just to put in perspective, there is one phonebook for the entire country, every cellphone has the same area code (081) and there are no zip codes. Isn’t that crazy?!

The spark of this adventure actually resulted from my frustrations and exhaustion at site which I will divulge in my next blog. My life is often filled with fear, but at this point I needed to get away, spend time with friends and see other parts of Namibia. These aspects gave me the strength to overcome fears of traveling alone in a country where I do not speak any of the native languages. So, I began my adventure by anxiously waking up repeatedly early in the morning because I was to leave at 6am in the morning with Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) transportation. Every Friday a vehicle leaves to Windhoek to pick up patients at the state hospital there. This saves me around N$300 in transportation. Khorixas District Hospital does not currently have a patient bus, so the vehicle of choice is a double cab (5 seater) with a camper top on the bed of the truck. Around 10 other people had the same idea and I was lucky enough to get a seat inside while the other passengers ranging from 8 to 65 years old loaded in the back with luggage piled on top of them. I do not know if I was honored with an inside seat because I work at the Ministry or because I am white. Independence and apartheid were not that long ago and due to my skin color I do get privileges that I would not otherwise receive which is uncomfortable and shameful.

After about 5 hours, I made it safely to my first part of the trip! I asked some ladies which side of the street I should stand on to call a taxi to get to the mall. I have no familiarity with Windhoek and had no clue which direction to go. I was going to the mall to get an external hard drive because my laptop from back home arrived to me safely. I was without a laptop for 6 months. Can you believe it?! I am one of the worst with technology, but oh have I come to appreciate it more and I have missed my laptop greatly. So, I was on a mission to get an external hard drive and load up with movies, music and tv shows from my friends. I crossed the street and confidently said Maerua Mallto see if the driver would take me… and success! My prior trip to NYC with my sister and mom before coming to Namibia helped me vastly navigating Windhoek and the country. I always just held my best composure and acted as if I knew where I was going even if I was going the exact opposite direction. Luckily the taxi dropped me on the side of the mall in which the store I needed was located. Each taxi ride in town is N$10. The rate increased from N$8 and people were upset. I agree with the increase as this is hardly any type of wage and especially compared to taxi rates in America which have a minimum charge plus mileage and time passed. It took me 5-10minutes to buy my hard drive and I was on my way. I had another 3+ hours on the road and did not want to miss transportation. It was around lunch time and I passed a KFC on my way to the mall and thought I could find it. Yes, Kentucky Fried Chicken is here! Well I ended up turning the wrong way, so no KFC but I did get delicious meat pies from a gas station. Meat pies are similar to a hot pocket, but homemade with delicious flaky bread exterior. I also naturally said my first KKG word! I used the gas station restroom and was surprised to see no one collecting, but as I exited a lady was there to collect and it was $4! It is usually $1-2, but they just painted the doors, so the price increased. Therefore, I said “Amai?!” which means “Really?!” She responded “Iyo” (yes) and pointed at the painted door. It was a nice restroom, so I did not mind – it had soap!

I was so proud of my novice traveling, with little to no problems along the way, but this did not last long of course. I followed my friends directions and arrived safely in my second taxi to Rhino Park where I would take my very first combi ride to Mariental. I was so pleased to see how well organized it was – there was a Mariental sign above the carport and a person registering individuals and taking money. I knew I was not getting cheated with a higher price because it was clearly written what the previous person paid. I waited for a couple hours until 15 passengers were loaded, then off to the gas station and my last leg of the trip until my union with Sinthu and Julia! Well after we got gas, the combi did not want to start. The engine is in the back which is right underneath where I was sitting, so I am convinced my white butt broke the engine. There were failed attempts of push the car to start it, jump starting with cables and many eyes  and tinkering hands on the engine. We were told that another combi was to come and I just followed suit of the other passengers and waiting patiently and began reading a book. Four hours later, a couple of ladies got into another vehicle, one family said they would just travel tomorrow and I was out of patience.

The Combi that Never Left Windhoek

The next person that yelled, “Mariental” I was on! I was cutting the losses and getting out of there! I was about to get in the back of a bakkie when someone else said there is another car also going to Mariental. The driver was charging cheaper and it was quite a comfortable ride! It was almost 5pm when I finally left Windhoek. I had been travelling for the past 12 hours, most of which were spent waiting. I arrived in Mariental exhausted and relieved. We had a delicious dinner at a beautiful Italian restaurant where we had cheesy bread, salad, pizza and cheesecake. It was glorious - a nice little getaway from Namibian troubles and imitated the feeling of being in America. There are very few restaurants in Namibia, which we all know is huge in America. I never realized how much I appreciate the occasional lunch or dinner out with fast and courteous service, beautiful scenery, a delicious meal with fabulous friends. Afterwards, we went back and chatted for a while about challenges at site. The next day we walked around town and that night my ladies got some highlights while I turned into an auburn red-head! I was coming back to Khorixas as fierce, feisty Taylor and no one would push me around anymore! We also skyped a PCV who recently returned to the states and reminisced on the things she missed in Namibia which included stale cheese puffs (lol). Sunday, Julia went back to Aranos while Sinthu and I ate a delightful breakfast and dessert at Wimpy’s – yet another sit down meal! I finished adding maroon highlights to her hair and watched a movie which concluded my last night in Mariental.

Hair Dye Party

Candlelit Dinner with My Gals

Day 4: Monday, August 25^th and I was on my way to the Kavango Region – so I thought. Mariental MOHSS transport was leaving to take patients to Windhoek and I was hoping to tag along. Well I was able to, just several hours later than hoped with the hospital ambulance. Since we left around noon, I would not be able to make the full trip because from Windhoek alone it is an 8-9hour trip on top of the 3 hours I was already traveling. Luckily, I was able to get in touch with my host sister who recently graduated from nursing school and was now working at Katatura State Hospital in Windhoek. Whenever Khorixas Hospital cannot adequately treat a patient, this is the hospital they are sent to receive treatment and care. I was able to get a small tour of the hospital which was nice. From what I know the hospital provides good services, but the hospital itself looked like a hospital out of the ghetto with dim lighting and old medical equipment. I was the only white person which puzzled me because I knew this was the main hospital in the country and then realized it was the main STATE hospital and all the whites went to private doctors and hospitals. My host sister, Jeane, did not get off work until 7pm, but her boyfriend was kind enough to meet me at the hospital. Eben recently started his own nonprofit named Youth Network and had a recorded talk show that day about what the youth expect from the Heroes of Namibia, those who helped fight for Namibian Independence. I wish I understood DamaraNama better because the host and the three guests were very active in the conversation. I could piece it together and was pretty accurate when they recapped the hour show for me. The DamaraNama radio station is at the NBC building so I got to have a small tour. The whole experience was really fun – being inside a radio station, being a silent onlooker on the talk show, and being in the company of some really nice, fun people. You know how I said the country was really small, well the DamaraNama radio is the radio station for all KKG speakers and is available on different frequencies for the country to hear. NBC has a total of 7 stations in different languages. Later that night, Jeane, Eben and I played a game very similar to the board game “Sorry”. It was a lot of fun and apparently in the middle of the night there was a small earthquake. So watch out – whenI come to town, I make the ground shake!

"Sorry!" in Windhoek

Tuesday morning (August 26^th), I was out of the house successfully in another cab to my correct destination and on a combi on the road to Rundu. I got front, middle seat which was good because in the back there were four seats in a row while I was in only a three seat row. I was quiet and kept to myself the entire 8 hour trip, but realized I am missing on the opportunity to listen to some great personal stories and possible nationwide friendships. (I know I have to be careful making friends with strangers, but honestly everyone is a stranger in a foreign country AND in Namibia no one is a stranger.) Fortunately, on a stop outside of Rundu when we dropped some passengers at a village, a lady approached me and was going to a village near my destination – Sambyu, and we discussed sharing a taxi to this hikepoint. Sam gave me great directions, but I was still uneasy because the directions were “Get a taxi to Cola Cola by the big tree and get another ride to Sambyu at this tree.” It had some details of price and such, but oh I sure hoped I was getting to this unknown place alright. The lady I met, waited patiently with the taxi so I could get a few things at the gas station and then we were we were on our way. This whole trip I really tried to be super aware of my surroundings, but I am so directionally challenged. The Cola Cola hike point ended up being on the outside of town and my new companion helped translate where I needed to go. A full load of standing people hopped on the back of the bakkie while I got a seat inside. We took a dirt road and slowly dropped people along the way and then took a 30-60 minute back road ride on someone’s land. We dropped some more people off at their far-away hidden home. I was nervous at first then enjoyed the road as it reminded me of Dad and this off road adventure was a particularly long one which was really enjoyable, but then turned a little worrisome as I hoped I was not going to get killed in the middle of nowhere or possibly get dropped off in the wrong place. If the latter was the situation, I was fairly confident a random family would take me in and help me find where I needed to be. Shortly after these thoughts, I was back on the main dirt road with Sam in sight at my new vacation home until Friday.  

Traditional Homestead in Sambyu

Did I share with you how many times my vacation plans changed? I planned the trip a week and a half prior and was very indecisive of which volunteers and sites I wanted to visit. Originally, I was planning on going to the Kavango where it is the simple village life only, then I added a quick weekend trip to the south to Mariental. Then, I was to split my Kavango trip in half at Mupini and then the other half at Mupini, but my trip was delayed by a day in Windhoek. Due to these changes, it worked out better to visit Sambyu first and then Mupini. After this decision, Sam and I got invited to a coworker’s mother’s 80 year old surprise birthday party – so I had to stay another night!

Sam had a whole meal plan set out for me and oh was it delicious! She is a fantastic host – she cooked and cleaned everything! She had spaghetti for me when I arrived, fish and cabbage stir fry, stew and it seems I am forgetting several meals – oh delicious breakfast of oatmeal with green apple and an egg sandwich! I was never hungry and my palate was always satisfied. We talked with her coworkers, walked around the clinic compound, watered her garden, watched the river, got a tour of a nearby lodge and attended an 80 year olds’ surprise birthday party! We were so casually invited to this event that we did not quite expect the grandiose of the party. There was a tent set up, a DJ with speakers, a head table, a huge meal, cake, champagne and there was even a typed program of the event! Upon arrival, we chatted with other attendees a bit and then took a seat in the back. The host then asked us to sit at the front in which we took the front row of the audience. She once again approached us and told us we were supposed to sit at the head table

Head Table Guests for 80yr Birthday Party

looking out. We were both nervous as neither one of us had met the 80 year old before and now we were sitting at the head table. Seated at the head table from the left was the Master of Ceremony (the host’ nephew), the 80 year old honoree, the host (the daughter), then the white girls (Sam and myself). This was another instance where I believe we got this privilege because we were white foreigners. It was an enjoyable night with a chorus and a piling plate of food that neither of us could finish even with our encouragement to each other. We were actually rooting each other on as we did not want to appear rude and not finish the plate and it really was tasty. There was chicken, goat, macaroni, rice and potato salad. After the celebration, we went out with coworkers on a longer than expected drive, but was still home early.

The next morning, I woke up and the exhaustion from my travels hit me and I was ready to get back to Khorixas. I was planning on extending my Mupini trip since I cut it short, but all I had left in me was one night. So Saturday, August 30^th Sam and I were heading to Rundu together – my first accompanied hike my whole trip. She needed groceries and I needed to get to Mupini. We made a big mistake in that it was the end of the month and everyone got paid, so Sam and I waited 2 hours in line to withdraw money. Many individuals did not know how to work the ATM and needed assistance, people cut in the already 25 people line, and every 4^th person the ATM blacked out saying “Out of Service”. It was wearing on both of our patience, but shortly afterwards we were united with Emmy and an unexpected Group 39er, Shayna! Kavango Region hosts half of Group 39 PCV’s and Rundu is the main shopping town, so this occurrence is normal (to my understanding) which completely throws me off because I never see another PCV from our group. We ran a few errands, sat and ate lunch where we watched four different weddings drive by. This includes a caravan of cars in colored streamers of the theme of the wedding with bakkies full of people singing and shouting. I really cannot wait until I get to attend an engagement, wedding or another traditional ceremony!

Traditional Hut Life

My last night of adventure was lovely. Emmy has the Peace Corps experience everyone imagines. She lives in a hut (with electricity) on a traditional homestead with a family. She eats dinner with her family every night and has little to no privacy as she is part of the family and therefore her hut is a part of their home. Although there are these obvious struggles, the love and protection within the family is evident. Emmy and her family even make jokes with each other in their native tongue. The little time I was there, I felt like I was home. I don’t know if it was the nurturing nature of the family or the peaceful outdoor nature surrounding me. I went to sleep clean from a hot bucket bath under the stars and a stomach full of traditional mahungu pap (pouridge) and chicken.

Her parents took me into town where I took a combi to Otjiwarango, met another volunteer (a Texan!) and united again with an extended volunteer, Nicole, that lives in Outjo.  Nicole and I then took a hike together to Outjo. It was nearing dark and I was nervous I would not reach home in time. Upon arriving in Outjo, I was dropped off at the hike point to Khorixas and shortly after was saved by my exboyfriends’ brother who recognized me, stopped, gave me a ride and therefore became the last hike of my trip. I hope you are noticing how easy it is to run into people that you know across this country. Oh, have I not mentioned that I was dating a Damara man? Guess you will have to find out more in a different blog because I have already reached 3,330 words. Thanks for hanging in there!

Hiking Back to Khorixas

Small Challenges to Overcome

There are some things I am learning about myself that are not very conducive to this culture. I am not as flexible as I thought I was, nor as patient. From what I can tell, there is not much planning or organization that occurs. If you want to hold a meeting, you just call or fax the week of to different organizations and if it is a larger event you tell everyone the week before. People may or may not show. There is internet at the hospital, but it is slower than dial-up even though it is wireless. It can take up to 30minutes to an hour to send a couple of faxes. I also usually  have to approach small tasks in three different ways before it is accomplished. So even though I was prepared to live in a village with no technology, having technology at my fingertips at such a slow speed can get frustrating. I have started reading educational material while I wait for more updated online materials to load – so slowly tackling some problems. I enjoy having the structured American workplace.
I have blindly been planning a trip to a national park for some students participating in of the programs.  A similar trip was organized last year, but my supervisor nor myself knew of the proper route to take. So the trip is to happen at the end of the school term which is in just 2 weeks. Not one part of the trip is finalized: lodging, travels, nor food. Some is at the fault of my supervisor or me and the rest is just planning in Africa itself. I am coming to the true realization of this. There was a national meeting planned for a certain week and location and just 1.5 weeks prior to the event, the date and location changed. So, it comforted me that it is not just me and something I will have to get used to. I personally don't understand how anything gets done with this type of planning though. I will start to be more flexible and not care (hopefully to a healthy level) if something does not work out. There are 30 eager students wanting to go on this trip and I don't want to disappoint them. They also deserve it and I hope it motivates them to try harder in school and choose a healthier path in life with this small reward of a trip.

Another Chance Social Club

I guess I will fill you in on the actual work I have been doing here. I am part of the Khorixas Coalition on the Reduction of Harmful Drinking (CORHD) and presented on responsible drinking at various workplaces in Khorixas during the Seven Days of Activism Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse. At one high school I lead a girls club to promote women empowerment, teenage pregnancy prevention, and general well-being of the girls. Attendance can range from 5-30. I have never had any youth projects and was not quite prepared for any projects during my first three months. My first months in Knorixas was supposed to be spent on a community needs assessment, building relationships and from there determine the best projects to implement. Well, let's just say my supervisor had different things in mind. I did still learn a lot, and have many great improvements for the coming months! At the same school I co-facilitated (ending up leading) a co-ed health club. Each of the clubs meets once a week. The previous PC volunteer received grant money for a gym. So, in my office building at the hospital, there is a gym with free weights and some exercise balls. Two schools have been coming to exercise. We always warm up, stretch, have a health discussion, gym, then stretch. This has proven to be successful in my opinion as the learners enjoy themselves even the health topics to my surprise! So my big focus for the next semester is maintaining attendance, encouraging leadership among youth, and program sustainability for all the clubs. With the gym is also darts (which we all the darts are currently broken) and chess. I have not incorporated these activities as successfully, but I have plenty time to do so! This upcoming month I am getting hospital staff involved with the gym, starting a girls club at a different school and helping with a teen support club for those infected with HIV. Wish me luck and prayers!

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