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

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