Cultural and language differences Hi Carolyn,
Boy do I hear you! When I was with my Kenyan family last summer, I was "out of it" a good deal of the time, not understanding the conversations around me, and not knowing when plans were being made, unless someone translated to me. I decided to look at it as "the day's surprises", which worked fine for me, but would be really frustrating for you in your position as teacher and elder. (In Japan, I felt really on the outskirts -- deaf, dumb and illiterate in regard to language). It's challenging, and I send special good vibes for you to be able to deal with it all as successfully as possible! I thought I would be going again for 6 weeks this summer, but the Shompoles had too many complications here -- so only he went for a few weeks. Our new little school is open, and all the big boxes of donated books I collected here should be almost to Mombasa by now. Next time I'm there, they will be on shelves in the new library room!
All my best!
Cynthia
hard work So much hard work, the emotions, the work, the language. The gift of you Carolyn transcends language. Hope you found solace, love and insight with your PCV friends.
Love to you,
Roseann
amazing Dear Carolyn, I can't think of another word to describe how brave a person you are. I think it is sad that because of cultural differences, your neighbors, who want to tell you so much more about themselves and their feelings just don't know how to do that.
No Radio I think you should remain oblivious to what is going on around the world so don't get a radio....Serious! Take these two years off, this week has been kind of a bad one here in the states. Also, I'm going to be putting a package in the mail on Mon. 4/22, hope the mail service there is up and working by now. It's just calendars and such. Loving your blog. Susi
It's the thought that counts! Dear Carolyn,
I chuckled as I read about the greetings you receive. When my grandson was born, I imagined him calling me \"nana,\" which brings back fond memories of my great grandmother. As it turns out, Christopher focuses on last syllables. As a result, he cheerfully greets me with outstretched arms and exclaims, \"Ma!\" This reminds me of the \"Ma and Pa Kettle\" movies I loved as a child, but the love in his greeting is all that counts. Your positive reaction to your greetings also focuses on the sentiment and not the exact words. Godspeed.
snakes, etc. Your descriptions are so vivid, Carolyn. I am drinking my morning coffee, feeling the bugs in my hair, watching your neighbors search for the snake, and not even able to imagine the garbage/books/box problems.
savoring every word and photo Dear Carolyn, reading your blog makes me so happy! I feel like I'm on the bus with you, feeling elbows and peering down the switchbacks. Thank you for the glimpse into Lesotho, SA and everything else.
comment on your lesotho 1 I sent a comment on your old e-mail (outhouse) as was not sure if this comment section is public. Is that a good way to reach you or not? Or are comments left here public? Like I have something soooooooooooooo private to say!
Happy Kwanza Finally reading your blog. What an interesting experience, not at all like Holden I don't think.
Will be more diligent about reading and hearing your stories.
Love Susi
Carolyn, thanks for the organizing, but I had fun reading it the first time. What a variety of situations, comfort-wise and people-wise! Do PC volunteers bother with holidays like Thanksgiving? Interesting comment about the similarities you share with your principal.
memories Hi Carolyn,
I am envious of you--your memories are so vivid. It is wonderful to read about how your past experiences are overlapping with your new experiences. Your comments about the library and the problems with people not having experiences sharing public property. Your ideas for that problem sound good. It is maybe similar to what first grade teachers here have to do when their kids first are allowed to check out books.
About the pop containers. Are insects crawling into them? even on my walks here, I see things that puzzle me in people's yards.
Thank-you for taking the time to share--I know you will have at least one book to write when you return.
Judy
A South African memoir Please contemplate turning all of these blogs into a book-length memoir. Your ability to narrate events blended with personal reflections are "the very stuff" of compelling memoirs. This book would be so inspiring for all readers and particularly those 50+ who need to be inspired to adventure forth while cherishing memories from the past.
Happy Birthday Hi Carolyn, I hope you had a happy birthday! Was there some sort of celebration for you, or maybe they don't do that sort of thing there. I am enjoying reading your blogs...You are an amazing person.....Looking forward to hearing more from you! Love, Diane
Happy Birthday Carol lyn Nice pictures. Hope you are doing well, looks like you are. You must be in your permanent site by now. Are you keeping up with current events like the Presidential debates. Thank goodness Obama did better in #2 than he did in #1. Debate #3 on Monday and elections closing in. Have a wonderful birthday and be safe.
Love Steve & Diane
wonderful stories and pix Hi Carolyn, Your blogs are so interesting, really make me think about our connection and knowledge of our own history. Your story of the goats was funny, but I was happy to learn that they had not eaten your clothes. My grandfather used to sing "Bill Grogan's Goat" to me and that goat did eat the clothes off the line. Your days are so full, I'm wondering about all those books you packed into your Kindle. You seem to be surrounded by very happy people from the faces I see in your pictures. Are their everyday clothes (not celebration) just as colorful? Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experiences. I am looking forward to the next ones. Judy
Wonderful story Dear Carolyn! I love your stories! The goat story really made me laugh, while also appreciating the challenges of daily life for you and your host families. For a minute I feared you were going to tell us that they told you that the third tub you found was usually used for some unpleasant business. So the appearance of the goat was a great relief. And the pictures from Heritage day are great! They remind me of Sun over Buckskin. Both are relatively at the same time of year (adjusted for our hemispheres) and very festive. What fun for you - and the people you are with all seem so happy. So, we have now traded seasons with the recent Equinox. Hope the warming weather is not too hot for you. I know that I am yearning for a little more heat right now. Blessings and love to you, Molly
Carolyn, you are amazing. What an adventure you have undertaken. Thank you for sharing the journey. I am following your posts, even though I haven't commented previously. Frank and I haven't been home much in the past few weeks, so mostly no internet opportunities. I realize I am very spoiled with a fast connection at home and I feel deprived when I don't have it. What a pampered princess I have become. It just shows how easily one becomes accustomed to luxury. My childhood was much closer to your current experience--no electricity, indoor plumbing, central heating or cooling, baths in a washtub, and no automatic washers. So I have a small sense of your present circumstances. I'll look forward to more of your posts.
Great stories Hi Carolyn,
Sounds like you're having quite the adventure. I am so inspired. Someday, perhaps, something like the Piece Core (see, I am reading your posts) will be a way for me to push my boundaries. This year, just dog sledding. I'm wrapping up my summer work (only one trip with 11 WTA volunteers to Holden left), and then I'll have a few weeks to get ready for winter with the dogs. Looking forward to reading more as you post. Be well,
Barbara
Great stories Hi Carolyn,
Sounds like you're having quite the adventure. I am so inspired. Someday, perhaps, something like the Piece Core (see, I am reading your posts) will be a way for me to push my boundaries. This year, just dog sledding. I'm wrapping up my summer work (only one trip with 11 WTA volunteers to Holden left), and then I'll have a few weeks to get ready for winter with the dogs. Looking forward to reading more as you post. Be well,
Barbara
very rich reading Carolyn, So interesting. I could picture each event you narrated. I can see why PCV need two years--you have so much to learn about living and traveling in SA. I'm wondering where you go to post your blogs. Do you have to find a safe internet cafe? Thank-you for taking the time to share so much!
so good to hear from you! Hi Carolyn, it was so good to read your update and see the photos. I think of you often (as in every single day as Micah practices the piano!) and hope and pray you are doing well. It sure sounds like you are. So much to adjust to and so much to learn and soak in. I hope you enjoy it all and get through the harder times with music, prayer, and by reaching out to friends/family as you can.....
We are doing well. Trying to get back in the swing of things as school has started and I am back at work. Tayler broke his arm right before school started and his teacher was out for the first 2 weeks so he had a sub which has meant a couple of tough weeks but we're hoping things will settle in soon. Micah's doing great, will start soccer next week. Eric submitted his tenure paperwork this fall so now we wait. I am headed to Jen Thaney's wedding next weekend- so excited for her! Anyway, just wanted to say hello and let you know that we appreciate the blog and the effort I'm sure it takes to post updates and pictures.
Take good care friend!!
vrede and love, Amie (and the boys)
for Carolyn Carolyn, You are having the most amazing experience. I can't think of anyone I know (except my sister who has already been a PCV in Africa) who could do what you're doing. The challenges you have already had with your living arrangements and your language, singing and dancing are fascinating. I love hearing about it and seeing the pictures. I think the fact that your colleagues are not all 20somethings is going to make your experience richer also. Looking forward to your next posts. Love, Judy
58 years old. Have lived in North Dakota, Alaska, Idaho, and Washington and think living in South Africa will be great! Favorite things to do: Weave and other fiber work, cross-country skiing, and read every chance I get. ... full info
Cynthia Hosick
non-member comment
Cultural and language differences
Hi Carolyn, Boy do I hear you! When I was with my Kenyan family last summer, I was "out of it" a good deal of the time, not understanding the conversations around me, and not knowing when plans were being made, unless someone translated to me. I decided to look at it as "the day's surprises", which worked fine for me, but would be really frustrating for you in your position as teacher and elder. (In Japan, I felt really on the outskirts -- deaf, dumb and illiterate in regard to language). It's challenging, and I send special good vibes for you to be able to deal with it all as successfully as possible! I thought I would be going again for 6 weeks this summer, but the Shompoles had too many complications here -- so only he went for a few weeks. Our new little school is open, and all the big boxes of donated books I collected here should be almost to Mombasa by now. Next time I'm there, they will be on shelves in the new library room! All my best! Cynthia