The next few days of training went a lot better than the first, and the presentations were far less terrifying. A lot of it was repetitive and common sense, but like all government institutions, you have to cover those policies and procedures. None of it really interested us though because all we could think about were our language assignments. Since the first day of training, we had known that soon enough we would be placed into language groups based on our site placements.
We had interviews on the first two days of training with our APCD, Lejeune. During the interviews, her and Philomena (another PC staff member), asked us series of questions in order to get an idea of where we would fit best in all of the potential sites in Namibia. They asked us questions about rural vs. urban settings, what type of work we were looking to do, about our experience and background, various preferences regarding living situations, and then some people were even asked random questions about gardens, raising chickens, and fish farms.
Finally on the 25th of February, after all of the interviews were conducted and Lejeune had time to finalize placements, we found out our languages. We didn’t find out our actual placements on that day for reasons unknown to us. They handed us slips of paper with the name of an animal on it, and then we were suppose to make the sound of the animal until we found our language teacher and classmates through the cacophony of badly mimicked animal noises.
After many indiscernible clucks, I finally found the other “chickens” by looking at the slips of paper in their hands. There were only three in my group, Paul, myself, and our language instructor Raymond (who is a national news anchor for Namibia and is tribal royalty). When we went outside to talk more with our instructor, we learned that the language we would be studying was called Thimbukushu. It is a Bantu language spoken by the Hambukushu tribe in the northeast of the Kavango region in Namibia and parts of Botswana as well.
Aside from Thimbukushu, the other languages our group will be learning include Afrikaans, Oshindonga, Otjiherero, Silozi, Rukwangali, and Khoekhoegowab (a clicking language). At first, I was a little disappointed that I wasn’t learning Afrikaans, which is spoken throughout various countries in the southern region of the African continent. But the more I think about it, I’m really excited to learn such an uncommon language. Apart from native speakers, there is probably a small handful of people around the world that know this disappearing language. It makes the experience that much more unique and interesting. I mean, how many people do you know can say that they have heard of Thimbukushu, let alone can speak it? Mbadiko (There aren’t any)
March 29, 2009
The Sheer Terror of Training
Officially, the training began on February 23rd 2009. I would say that as a group we were very excited and ready to begin. We had been anticipating this day for so long. We had been waiting for the experiences and all that Namibia had to offer for months, some people even years. We were eager PCTs (Peace Corps Trainees), chalked full of enthusiasm and energy. We were up early and after breakfast we were thrust straight into one of our first classes, Security and Safety.
The class covered many of the security issues relevant to Namibia along with stories to illustrate the need for caution. We were told how robbery is major concern in larger cities, especially the capital Windhoek. People will approach you and demand your belongings. Sometimes they will not have any weapon, sometimes they will have a knife, and thankfully less often they will have a gun. You can many times walk away untouched, at least physically, as the motive for robbery in Namibia is usually rooted in mere survival more so than in places like the US. Sometimes though, people are assaulted during the robbery.
From what I gather, muggings occur more frequently when you have somewhat organized crime. For example, criminals have started to fake taxiing services. So a person will get in a taxi alone, or with a group of men, be driven out to some scarcely populated location, robbed, beaten, and then left. A current PCV actually was the victim of such an event and still has a scar on his forehead from where one of the robbers stabbed him with a screwdriver.
Other things to be aware of include pick-pocketing and ATM card copying. The criminals are apparently refining their pick-pocketing abilities and beginning to work in groups, so extra vigilance is required. I have no personal experience with the gypsies in Rome, but from what I have heard it sounds a lot like the pick-pockets here are equally as skilled. As for ATM/Check card copying, it’s almost just not worth it to use your card in public. Restaurant servers will on occasion allegedly run your ATM card twice, as though your card was declined the first time, but in reality they are making a copy only to drain your bank account later.
As I was sitting in this very serious presentation, all of the excitement, the energy, the enthusiasm, all of the wanderlust and anticipation, everything was drained out of me, and all I was left with was a feeling of sheer terror. I had flashbacks to a blog I read from one PCT that consisted of three entries; in the first one he was robbed, in the second one he chased a burglar out of his house, and in the third one he was leaving to come home after only one month. I thought, “What the hell did I get myself into?” I actually contemplated coming right back to the states, but then…if I did that…I would have to pass through THE DREADED Windhoek. I WAS TRAPPED!!
Windhoek is apparently so dangerous in fact, and there have been enough incidences involving PCVs, that it is off-limits to volunteers except for official Peace Corps business. There is a silver lining to all of this though. By taking certain precautions, being extra careful, and remaining aware of your surroundings, you can avoid most of the dangers. And again, most of the criminal activity is rooted in survival and isn’t really malicious in nature, so rarely are people killed. So ummm, I guess that’s good news, right? Thank you Peace Corps staff for the encouraging presentation. Yay, let’s get started …I can’t wait……TO DIE!!!
The class covered many of the security issues relevant to Namibia along with stories to illustrate the need for caution. We were told how robbery is major concern in larger cities, especially the capital Windhoek. People will approach you and demand your belongings. Sometimes they will not have any weapon, sometimes they will have a knife, and thankfully less often they will have a gun. You can many times walk away untouched, at least physically, as the motive for robbery in Namibia is usually rooted in mere survival more so than in places like the US. Sometimes though, people are assaulted during the robbery.
From what I gather, muggings occur more frequently when you have somewhat organized crime. For example, criminals have started to fake taxiing services. So a person will get in a taxi alone, or with a group of men, be driven out to some scarcely populated location, robbed, beaten, and then left. A current PCV actually was the victim of such an event and still has a scar on his forehead from where one of the robbers stabbed him with a screwdriver.
Other things to be aware of include pick-pocketing and ATM card copying. The criminals are apparently refining their pick-pocketing abilities and beginning to work in groups, so extra vigilance is required. I have no personal experience with the gypsies in Rome, but from what I have heard it sounds a lot like the pick-pockets here are equally as skilled. As for ATM/Check card copying, it’s almost just not worth it to use your card in public. Restaurant servers will on occasion allegedly run your ATM card twice, as though your card was declined the first time, but in reality they are making a copy only to drain your bank account later.
As I was sitting in this very serious presentation, all of the excitement, the energy, the enthusiasm, all of the wanderlust and anticipation, everything was drained out of me, and all I was left with was a feeling of sheer terror. I had flashbacks to a blog I read from one PCT that consisted of three entries; in the first one he was robbed, in the second one he chased a burglar out of his house, and in the third one he was leaving to come home after only one month. I thought, “What the hell did I get myself into?” I actually contemplated coming right back to the states, but then…if I did that…I would have to pass through THE DREADED Windhoek. I WAS TRAPPED!!
Windhoek is apparently so dangerous in fact, and there have been enough incidences involving PCVs, that it is off-limits to volunteers except for official Peace Corps business. There is a silver lining to all of this though. By taking certain precautions, being extra careful, and remaining aware of your surroundings, you can avoid most of the dangers. And again, most of the criminal activity is rooted in survival and isn’t really malicious in nature, so rarely are people killed. So ummm, I guess that’s good news, right? Thank you Peace Corps staff for the encouraging presentation. Yay, let’s get started …I can’t wait……TO DIE!!!
The Land of Song
Our kombi caravan pulled into the small town of Okahandja in the afternoon on the 22nd of February. We headed straight to the Kukuri training center, which is where we would train and stay until we were placed with host families the following week. As we were exiting and unpacking the kombis, I had my first encounter with one of the greatest treasures Namibia has to offer. Namibia may export countless diamonds and other “valuable” resources, but in my mind, its true wealth lies in its people’s soul and song.
We were welcomed into the center, the town, the country, by the Okahandja choir and our training staff. They had two lines, one on each side of the driveway, and as we came in, they sang and danced in celebration of our arrival. After several minutes, the singing ended and we went inside the dining hall to receive instructions for the remainder of the day. But following some logistical information, the choir came in to perform once again for us before we went to settle into our rooms.
I can’t even begin to describe the singing here. As I sat there on the front row of that dining hall, faced by a small local youth choir of about 10 members, I became completely absorbed in the moment. I was mesmerized by the few beautiful voices that filled the rather large room. I didn’t notice the cameras flashing all around me, I forgot that I possessed the ability to think as my mind became serene and silent for once, and the whole world outside of that room was momentarily lost to me. I didn’t notice anything that was going on beyond that powerful exchange where they bared their soul in song, and I, in an instant of grace, could witness the truth of their creation through the freedom and beauty of their expression. I didn’t understand any of the words nor the meaning of what was sung, but I did understand the language of the soul. And what they were singing to me, to our group, to anyone willing to listen…with all of their hearts, in that universal language of the soul, they were singing a song of love.
Here in Namibia, people have yet to be trained to become extremely self-critical, they haven’t really started hiding or rejecting parts of who they are, and they haven’t begun to truly hate themselves, at least not the way we in the United States have. They sing openly and freely with all of their heart and soul. And regardless of if someone is off-key, when they come together, everything is absolutely perfect. Whether it’s a choir, church community, our trainers, or a random group of Namibians, it’s as though there is an invisible force guiding and directing them. The music is never just performed or contrived; it is lived in the moment, open to the freedom and flow of creativity. People sing what they feel, and in doing so create beautifully improvised songs that can never truly be duplicated.
The way the people here sing is indicative of how they live life, or rather celebrate life. My good friend Amelia put it best when she said, “Here my heart sings.” Here in Namibia, away from the distractions, away from the material world and its desires and ideals, away from the judgments, away from the restrictions…in the freedom, in the joy of purpose, in the essence of brotherhood, sharing, helping and love…and here in Namibia, the land of song, together with countless other singing hearts, my heart has burst into song.
We were welcomed into the center, the town, the country, by the Okahandja choir and our training staff. They had two lines, one on each side of the driveway, and as we came in, they sang and danced in celebration of our arrival. After several minutes, the singing ended and we went inside the dining hall to receive instructions for the remainder of the day. But following some logistical information, the choir came in to perform once again for us before we went to settle into our rooms.
I can’t even begin to describe the singing here. As I sat there on the front row of that dining hall, faced by a small local youth choir of about 10 members, I became completely absorbed in the moment. I was mesmerized by the few beautiful voices that filled the rather large room. I didn’t notice the cameras flashing all around me, I forgot that I possessed the ability to think as my mind became serene and silent for once, and the whole world outside of that room was momentarily lost to me. I didn’t notice anything that was going on beyond that powerful exchange where they bared their soul in song, and I, in an instant of grace, could witness the truth of their creation through the freedom and beauty of their expression. I didn’t understand any of the words nor the meaning of what was sung, but I did understand the language of the soul. And what they were singing to me, to our group, to anyone willing to listen…with all of their hearts, in that universal language of the soul, they were singing a song of love.
Here in Namibia, people have yet to be trained to become extremely self-critical, they haven’t really started hiding or rejecting parts of who they are, and they haven’t begun to truly hate themselves, at least not the way we in the United States have. They sing openly and freely with all of their heart and soul. And regardless of if someone is off-key, when they come together, everything is absolutely perfect. Whether it’s a choir, church community, our trainers, or a random group of Namibians, it’s as though there is an invisible force guiding and directing them. The music is never just performed or contrived; it is lived in the moment, open to the freedom and flow of creativity. People sing what they feel, and in doing so create beautifully improvised songs that can never truly be duplicated.
The way the people here sing is indicative of how they live life, or rather celebrate life. My good friend Amelia put it best when she said, “Here my heart sings.” Here in Namibia, away from the distractions, away from the material world and its desires and ideals, away from the judgments, away from the restrictions…in the freedom, in the joy of purpose, in the essence of brotherhood, sharing, helping and love…and here in Namibia, the land of song, together with countless other singing hearts, my heart has burst into song.
Wanderlust
When we had finished soaking in some of our new surroundings on the airport tarmac, we headed into the airport to pass through customs and to collect our baggage. I was technically the first member of Group 29 to officially enter Namibia (ha Lindsay). I walked up to meet some Peace Corps Namibia staff members, handed over my passport and WHO (World Health Organization) immunization card, and went to check for the luggage.
The silent prayers I offered after hearing the previous luggage horror stories had been answered. I quickly found both of my bags (with everything in them) and then helped pull other volunteers’ bags, which were marked with a purple thread of yarn, off the luggage carousel as well. As the other volunteers began to join me, it became quite apparent that others had not been as fortunate as myself. More than half of the group did not get all of their bags, and I don’t even know how many were missing items. Anything of value that was placed in the checked bags was subject to the random thefts. It was hit or miss really. Nick found an empty battery package in his bag, which the thief was courteous enough to replace after removing all of the batteries. This initial hassle was due to the hospitality of the Johannesburg International Airport baggage handlers. (If any of you plan to visit, don’t worry, there are measures that can be taken to help prevent theft)
We waited for some time, as a few of the volunteers were in denial about the status of their baggage (Rachel). But as the luggage on the carousel slowly dwindled down and disappeared, and as time elapsed, they began to accept the reality of the situation. The unlucky travelers went to go fill out reports with the airline while the rest of us went outside to wait. We were greeted by group of PCVs (Peace Corps Volunteers) holding a banner and cheering for our arrival. It was extremely comforting to have people who at one point in time were standing in our very shoes. And in the hours to follow, we relentlessly questioned them in an attempt to understand Namibia and what it held in store for us.
Finally, all of Group 29 was reunited. We were packed into two kombis (I’ll elaborate later, but basically vans), and headed North from Windhoek to Okahandja, where we would be training for the next two months. During the hour long ride, we continued the question and answer sessions we had been previously engaged in. In my kombi, a PCV named Chaz answered questions, gave us suggestions, and told us stories of exotic animals, various tribes and regions, random interesting cultural beliefs and behaviors, and racial issues rooted in a way too recent past. My mind was completely overwhelmed. And as I sat there staring out the window, drinking in the incredible scenery, I was overtaken by a sense of wanderlust. Wanderlust for the possibilities that lied ahead of me, for all of the challenges I would face, for all mysteries awaiting me, for the adventures calling my name…and wanderlust for this country I had never heard of before, this country called Namibia... this strange and exciting new world.
The silent prayers I offered after hearing the previous luggage horror stories had been answered. I quickly found both of my bags (with everything in them) and then helped pull other volunteers’ bags, which were marked with a purple thread of yarn, off the luggage carousel as well. As the other volunteers began to join me, it became quite apparent that others had not been as fortunate as myself. More than half of the group did not get all of their bags, and I don’t even know how many were missing items. Anything of value that was placed in the checked bags was subject to the random thefts. It was hit or miss really. Nick found an empty battery package in his bag, which the thief was courteous enough to replace after removing all of the batteries. This initial hassle was due to the hospitality of the Johannesburg International Airport baggage handlers. (If any of you plan to visit, don’t worry, there are measures that can be taken to help prevent theft)
We waited for some time, as a few of the volunteers were in denial about the status of their baggage (Rachel). But as the luggage on the carousel slowly dwindled down and disappeared, and as time elapsed, they began to accept the reality of the situation. The unlucky travelers went to go fill out reports with the airline while the rest of us went outside to wait. We were greeted by group of PCVs (Peace Corps Volunteers) holding a banner and cheering for our arrival. It was extremely comforting to have people who at one point in time were standing in our very shoes. And in the hours to follow, we relentlessly questioned them in an attempt to understand Namibia and what it held in store for us.
Finally, all of Group 29 was reunited. We were packed into two kombis (I’ll elaborate later, but basically vans), and headed North from Windhoek to Okahandja, where we would be training for the next two months. During the hour long ride, we continued the question and answer sessions we had been previously engaged in. In my kombi, a PCV named Chaz answered questions, gave us suggestions, and told us stories of exotic animals, various tribes and regions, random interesting cultural beliefs and behaviors, and racial issues rooted in a way too recent past. My mind was completely overwhelmed. And as I sat there staring out the window, drinking in the incredible scenery, I was overtaken by a sense of wanderlust. Wanderlust for the possibilities that lied ahead of me, for all of the challenges I would face, for all mysteries awaiting me, for the adventures calling my name…and wanderlust for this country I had never heard of before, this country called Namibia... this strange and exciting new world.
Here's the Scoop
So after some of my last entries, a lot of people have been wondering what has been going on with Amelia. Well… here’s the scoop people…absolutely NOTHING. I know that’s probably not the dramatic or interesting story that you were looking for, but that’s the reality of it. I think my entry about Amelia was misinterpreted. Don’t get me wrong, I meant every word of it, and I think the world of her…BUT, that’s the way I would write about any one of the people that I love and care about. I wrote that entry because I believe that she has an amazing story to tell and I wanted to share that with you. I could have probably written similar entries for each and every one of the volunteers here in Namibia… or each and every one of you back in the states for that matter.
We each have lives and stories so unique and varied, each one precious and wonderful in its own way. Amelia’s story just struck me the most out of the group. I feel it is rare, and inspiring, and a powerful testament to selflessness… but no more so than others. She is a very special person, but the same is true for the rest of Group 29. I decided to pick one example because I didn’t want to write 22 entries, you probably didn’t want to read 22 entries, and the thought of writing 22 entries alone is tiring.
But please know this…every single person I’ve ever met, every person in my life right now…I have had similar thoughts about. What was said in that entry could easily be said about you. You may not have your own blog entry on this webpage, but in the vastness of my mind, written in secret, there is an entry with your name on it. It is formed with intangible thoughts, not words… and attached to those thoughts is a prayer of thanksgiving. For I am thankful beyond measure for every single person in my life. To me, each one of you is a priceless gift… whether or not it is stated plainly, I hope you know this.
We each have lives and stories so unique and varied, each one precious and wonderful in its own way. Amelia’s story just struck me the most out of the group. I feel it is rare, and inspiring, and a powerful testament to selflessness… but no more so than others. She is a very special person, but the same is true for the rest of Group 29. I decided to pick one example because I didn’t want to write 22 entries, you probably didn’t want to read 22 entries, and the thought of writing 22 entries alone is tiring.
But please know this…every single person I’ve ever met, every person in my life right now…I have had similar thoughts about. What was said in that entry could easily be said about you. You may not have your own blog entry on this webpage, but in the vastness of my mind, written in secret, there is an entry with your name on it. It is formed with intangible thoughts, not words… and attached to those thoughts is a prayer of thanksgiving. For I am thankful beyond measure for every single person in my life. To me, each one of you is a priceless gift… whether or not it is stated plainly, I hope you know this.
March 11, 2009
Disclaimer
I felt a disclaimer would be necessary for this blog after a couple of days in Namibia. When I arrived, I was fully prepared to document my experiences for those people who might be interested in my adventures. I had planned to capture each incredible moment with mere words and a camera. I had no idea how inadequate those tools would be for the assigned task. They would probably accomplish the job as successfully as performing exploratory surgery with a plastic knife and salad tongs.
I wish I could share every moment, every second with each and every one of you. It is incredible beyond words. I wish you could see what I’ve seen, hear what I’ve heard, feel what I’ve felt, and experience what I have and will experience. But sadly that can’t happen. Those moments are passed, lost forever to my memory. I feel a little guilty even that all of this is for me, that God gave this great gift to only me. But I know that there are gifts out there for each and everyone, experiences unique to each individual. And as much as I am able, I will try my hardest to capture what I can, share what I am able, to give you all a tiny piece of the wonder that is consuming me daily. I will use my words like an artist uses a paintbrush in an attempt to recreate on the canvas of your mind what my being has bore witness to. Through me and my words, my stories, my struggles, my joys, and my writings, as limited as they are…I hope you share in my greatest treasure, my gift of life.
I wish I could share every moment, every second with each and every one of you. It is incredible beyond words. I wish you could see what I’ve seen, hear what I’ve heard, feel what I’ve felt, and experience what I have and will experience. But sadly that can’t happen. Those moments are passed, lost forever to my memory. I feel a little guilty even that all of this is for me, that God gave this great gift to only me. But I know that there are gifts out there for each and everyone, experiences unique to each individual. And as much as I am able, I will try my hardest to capture what I can, share what I am able, to give you all a tiny piece of the wonder that is consuming me daily. I will use my words like an artist uses a paintbrush in an attempt to recreate on the canvas of your mind what my being has bore witness to. Through me and my words, my stories, my struggles, my joys, and my writings, as limited as they are…I hope you share in my greatest treasure, my gift of life.
I Remember
After spending less than 24 hrs in Philadelphia, we all boarded a bus heading for JFK International Airport. My first visit to New York City, and I spent the whole time in traffic on the highway. From my very limited experience with New York, I must say that I don’t get the appeal. New York was polluted, cold, trashed, busy, crowded, and ugly… No thank you.
At the airport, our group met up with another Peace Corps group going to Malawi and we all waited for hours to board the flight heading for Johannesburg South Africa via Dakar Senegal. The flight itself was way better than I originally imagined. Between the naps, the interesting conversations, the massages (I sat right next to Debbie who happens to be a massage therapist), the various movie and video game options, and the gourmet vegetarian meals, the 17 hours passed quickly and pleasurably. Towards the end of the flight we even flew right over Namibia, so it was exciting to see various geographical features like the Etosha Pan, plateaus, and the vast span of untouched land.
When we arrived in South Africa we were greeted by Lejeune, a very sophisticated, intelligent, and cultured woman, and also the Health APCD (Assistant Peace Corps Director) for Namibia. She instructed us to exchange some of our US money for South African Rand and then accompanied us to our hotel for the night. We ate dinner there, socialized, and then went to bed. Partially because of the jetlag and partially because of the malaria medication, I woke up around 3am after sleepwalking around the hotel room. I tried to go back to sleep, but the effort was futile. So I got ready and went downstairs to wait for the others.
After we all finished breakfast, we headed back over to the airport again for the final stretch of our journey. The flight from Jo’Burg to Windhoek Namibia was fairly short, and very crowded. There was nothing really special about the flight, but I remember the excitement I felt as we were descending. The excitement I had when I saw the country that I had been chosen for. It was more beautiful than I could have imagined. It was lush and green. It was perfect and untouched. See, Namibia is a place where issues like smog and pollution don’t really exist, where development hasn’t scarred the majority of the land, and where nature is still respected, guarded, and protected for all that it has to offer.
I remember the thrill and rush of anticipation as we were about to disembark the plane. I remember walking out the plane door and down the metal steps to the paved landing strip. I remember the cool moist breeze, the crisp clean air, the perfect temperature, and the rolling rain clouds. I remember feeling that I couldn’t have been sent to a more perfect country, and was yet again reminded that there is a reason for everything. I remember being thankful that I did NOT get the country I wanted because I would have missed out on one of the most unique and beautiful places on Earth. And I remember knowing that this was where I was meant to be.... I remember those first moments when I arrived in Namibia… when I arrived home.
At the airport, our group met up with another Peace Corps group going to Malawi and we all waited for hours to board the flight heading for Johannesburg South Africa via Dakar Senegal. The flight itself was way better than I originally imagined. Between the naps, the interesting conversations, the massages (I sat right next to Debbie who happens to be a massage therapist), the various movie and video game options, and the gourmet vegetarian meals, the 17 hours passed quickly and pleasurably. Towards the end of the flight we even flew right over Namibia, so it was exciting to see various geographical features like the Etosha Pan, plateaus, and the vast span of untouched land.
When we arrived in South Africa we were greeted by Lejeune, a very sophisticated, intelligent, and cultured woman, and also the Health APCD (Assistant Peace Corps Director) for Namibia. She instructed us to exchange some of our US money for South African Rand and then accompanied us to our hotel for the night. We ate dinner there, socialized, and then went to bed. Partially because of the jetlag and partially because of the malaria medication, I woke up around 3am after sleepwalking around the hotel room. I tried to go back to sleep, but the effort was futile. So I got ready and went downstairs to wait for the others.
After we all finished breakfast, we headed back over to the airport again for the final stretch of our journey. The flight from Jo’Burg to Windhoek Namibia was fairly short, and very crowded. There was nothing really special about the flight, but I remember the excitement I felt as we were descending. The excitement I had when I saw the country that I had been chosen for. It was more beautiful than I could have imagined. It was lush and green. It was perfect and untouched. See, Namibia is a place where issues like smog and pollution don’t really exist, where development hasn’t scarred the majority of the land, and where nature is still respected, guarded, and protected for all that it has to offer.
I remember the thrill and rush of anticipation as we were about to disembark the plane. I remember walking out the plane door and down the metal steps to the paved landing strip. I remember the cool moist breeze, the crisp clean air, the perfect temperature, and the rolling rain clouds. I remember feeling that I couldn’t have been sent to a more perfect country, and was yet again reminded that there is a reason for everything. I remember being thankful that I did NOT get the country I wanted because I would have missed out on one of the most unique and beautiful places on Earth. And I remember knowing that this was where I was meant to be.... I remember those first moments when I arrived in Namibia… when I arrived home.
In a Category All Her Own
If you were counting, then you realized there is one remaining trainee…Amelia. I did not include her in the previous entry because this incredible woman is in a category all her own. She’s in her late 30’s and is a partner in a law firm that she helped start. I have never met someone as courageous as her, someone who right in the middle of a very successful career, walks away and leaves everything behind to follow her heart. She is such an example to everyone that you should never settle for anything, especially just for a feeling of security. She’s living the lesson that there is more to this life than material riches and worldly pleasures. She had what a lot of people dream about, and yet it didn’t matter nearly as much to her as helping her fellow brothers and sisters in need. She felt an internal calling to action in this broken world and she responded to God saying “Here I am. Where do you want me?”
I can’t truly do justice to her with my words. Amelia is such a special person…she is wise and enlightened, she is an example of how strong people can be, she is intelligent and creative, she is courageous, she is passionate, determined and driven, her excitement and enthusiasm is completely contagious, she is funny and lighthearted, she is beautiful both inside and out, and she has a heart of pure gold. Namibia is so lucky to have her, Group 29 is blessed to have her, and I am immensely thankful to be able to call this remarkable woman my friend. I know that she was brought into my life for a reason, and I thank the universe for the gift that is Amelia…. CRAZINESS!!!
I can’t truly do justice to her with my words. Amelia is such a special person…she is wise and enlightened, she is an example of how strong people can be, she is intelligent and creative, she is courageous, she is passionate, determined and driven, her excitement and enthusiasm is completely contagious, she is funny and lighthearted, she is beautiful both inside and out, and she has a heart of pure gold. Namibia is so lucky to have her, Group 29 is blessed to have her, and I am immensely thankful to be able to call this remarkable woman my friend. I know that she was brought into my life for a reason, and I thank the universe for the gift that is Amelia…. CRAZINESS!!!
We Are Group 29!!!
On Thursday, February 19th 2009, in the early hours of the morning, I left one of the places I call home, Grapevine Texas, to officially begin my adventure with Peace Corps. I headed to Philadelphia Pennsylvania for my staging and orientation, and to meet the group that would hopefully become my new family and support for the next two years of my life in my new home of Namibia.
Staging consisted of tons of paperwork (you know the government), the standard rules and regulations, only one vaccination (way more came later), malaria medication and usage information, and of course ice breakers and bonding time. Our group, Group 29, consisted of 22 people from all over the United States and from all age groups and walks of life. We have a lot of variety, a lot of differences, and definitely some commonalities as well.
We have 5 individuals who are above the age of 50. Jane is the oldest of the group, I believe she’s in her 70’s. Betsey is in her fifties, but very sharp and strong. Diane, again in her fifties, is a very sweet and kind-hearted individual. Paul, the only male in the group older than me, has been doing Peace Corps for the past six years in 3 other countries. Debbie, who doesn’t look anywhere close to her late 50’s, is such a free spirit. She is fun, passionate, loving, and just wonderful. These 5 people are a testament that it’s never to late to pursue a dream.
There are 5 other males in the group aside from me and Paul. Clay I met on the plane ride to Philly, he was actually sitting right in front of me. He’s a really cool guy, and apart from us both living in the same area in Texas, we share a lot in common. Nick at first appears to be the typical relaxed and laid back Cali kid, but he seems very worldly and deep. Ben is straight out of college, he acts goofy, jokes a lot, but he’s a fun guy and can be serious when he needs to be. Jake is a very intense person, but he’s a really nice guy. Will is very logical and different, and doesn’t have a mean bone in his body.
The 10 remaining youngsters in our group are women in their twenties. Ashely marches to the beat of her own drum which I totally respect and love. Jessica is a lot of fun to joke around with and talk to. Rachel is one of my fellow vegetarians and Texans and I love giving her a hard time. Anika is my idea of a 21st century hippie which I think is awesome, she’s just got a great energy and presence. Lindsay is a riot, she is such a comedian and I laugh almost every time I talk to her. Allison is closest to me in age and is therefore very easy to talk and relate to. Sarah actually missed most of our orientation so I hadn’t really talked to her much until lately, but she’s awesome. Peggy and I constantly give each other a hard time, but it’s all in good fun (I hope). Lashawnda is a character, she’s opinionated, loud, hilarious, and just fantastic. Kim is similar to a lot of my close friends and I can definitely see us becoming great friends.
There is so much to say about this group, so much that was left out, so much more to these individuals than the short blurbs I allotted each one. They are an incredible group. I am excited to work with and get to know each one of them over the next two years. Together we are Peace Corps Namibia’s Group 29…watch out Namibia, here we come!!!
Staging consisted of tons of paperwork (you know the government), the standard rules and regulations, only one vaccination (way more came later), malaria medication and usage information, and of course ice breakers and bonding time. Our group, Group 29, consisted of 22 people from all over the United States and from all age groups and walks of life. We have a lot of variety, a lot of differences, and definitely some commonalities as well.
We have 5 individuals who are above the age of 50. Jane is the oldest of the group, I believe she’s in her 70’s. Betsey is in her fifties, but very sharp and strong. Diane, again in her fifties, is a very sweet and kind-hearted individual. Paul, the only male in the group older than me, has been doing Peace Corps for the past six years in 3 other countries. Debbie, who doesn’t look anywhere close to her late 50’s, is such a free spirit. She is fun, passionate, loving, and just wonderful. These 5 people are a testament that it’s never to late to pursue a dream.
There are 5 other males in the group aside from me and Paul. Clay I met on the plane ride to Philly, he was actually sitting right in front of me. He’s a really cool guy, and apart from us both living in the same area in Texas, we share a lot in common. Nick at first appears to be the typical relaxed and laid back Cali kid, but he seems very worldly and deep. Ben is straight out of college, he acts goofy, jokes a lot, but he’s a fun guy and can be serious when he needs to be. Jake is a very intense person, but he’s a really nice guy. Will is very logical and different, and doesn’t have a mean bone in his body.
The 10 remaining youngsters in our group are women in their twenties. Ashely marches to the beat of her own drum which I totally respect and love. Jessica is a lot of fun to joke around with and talk to. Rachel is one of my fellow vegetarians and Texans and I love giving her a hard time. Anika is my idea of a 21st century hippie which I think is awesome, she’s just got a great energy and presence. Lindsay is a riot, she is such a comedian and I laugh almost every time I talk to her. Allison is closest to me in age and is therefore very easy to talk and relate to. Sarah actually missed most of our orientation so I hadn’t really talked to her much until lately, but she’s awesome. Peggy and I constantly give each other a hard time, but it’s all in good fun (I hope). Lashawnda is a character, she’s opinionated, loud, hilarious, and just fantastic. Kim is similar to a lot of my close friends and I can definitely see us becoming great friends.
There is so much to say about this group, so much that was left out, so much more to these individuals than the short blurbs I allotted each one. They are an incredible group. I am excited to work with and get to know each one of them over the next two years. Together we are Peace Corps Namibia’s Group 29…watch out Namibia, here we come!!!
March 10, 2009
No More Goodbyes
Let me start off first by saying that I hate goodbyes. Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing family and friends before departing somewhere, and I truly enjoy the hugs, kisses, handshakes and parting messages. BUT, I do not at all like the concept of goodbye. I believe it is just so unfitting for what we truly are. If we were merely limited physical creatures it would make sense to me. It would be sad when people leave because when they were physically away they would be truly lost to us. But I find that is not the case at all.
We humans are magnificent creatures, with hearts and souls that possess more capabilities than we can possibly imagine. We are always connected through those faculties of love. I know that wherever I go in life, no matter how far away in distance or in time, I am FOREVER connected to the people that I love (to all people really). I can feel that connection all around me, from those that have passed away to those that I am able to presently share this physical life with. They all remain engrained in my thoughts and etched in my heart. At the mere thought of one of my loved ones, the illusionary gap of time and space is bridged instantaneously by the most awesome power in the universe…love. And I am mentally transported to a place beyond all laws of nature and all understanding, a place where our souls have been connected, are connected, and will forever be connected…a place where we are never apart, where goodbye doesn’t exist.
These are some of the thoughts that raged through my mind as I was saying goodbye to family and friends in the weeks before leaving for Namibia. And as my mom was crying at the airport, saying goodbye to her son, feeling the illusion of the separation to come, I couldn’t help but laugh. I thought, “there is nothing to be sad about, I love you, I will always love you, we are eternally connected and NOTHING can ever change that.” Shortly after saying “goodbye”, I got on the airplane, traveled thousands of miles across the sea, and here I remain…with the same closeness, the same infinite love that I have for my parents, my family, my friends…my humanity. There are no such things as goodbyes, I have deemed them to be a myth.
We humans are magnificent creatures, with hearts and souls that possess more capabilities than we can possibly imagine. We are always connected through those faculties of love. I know that wherever I go in life, no matter how far away in distance or in time, I am FOREVER connected to the people that I love (to all people really). I can feel that connection all around me, from those that have passed away to those that I am able to presently share this physical life with. They all remain engrained in my thoughts and etched in my heart. At the mere thought of one of my loved ones, the illusionary gap of time and space is bridged instantaneously by the most awesome power in the universe…love. And I am mentally transported to a place beyond all laws of nature and all understanding, a place where our souls have been connected, are connected, and will forever be connected…a place where we are never apart, where goodbye doesn’t exist.
These are some of the thoughts that raged through my mind as I was saying goodbye to family and friends in the weeks before leaving for Namibia. And as my mom was crying at the airport, saying goodbye to her son, feeling the illusion of the separation to come, I couldn’t help but laugh. I thought, “there is nothing to be sad about, I love you, I will always love you, we are eternally connected and NOTHING can ever change that.” Shortly after saying “goodbye”, I got on the airplane, traveled thousands of miles across the sea, and here I remain…with the same closeness, the same infinite love that I have for my parents, my family, my friends…my humanity. There are no such things as goodbyes, I have deemed them to be a myth.
Everything We Need
The weeks leading up to my departure date of February 19 2009 were hectic and stressful; however, they did not need to be. Reflecting back on my “preparations”, I can only laugh at how ridiculous I was. The majority of my time was spent running to various clothing, sporting goods, and department stores. I would roam the aisles looking for things that I might “need”, think about the item for a while, and then, when I finally became exhausted from just thinking about it, I would just purchase the item to end my misery… only to return it later.
I purchased tons of new dress clothes (I already owned enough to outfit a small office), a hoodie (even though I have five that I never wear) various camping/backpacking equipment (like I’d be living in the wilderness for my two years), travel gear, a clearanced canvass wallet (I felt it was an appropriate time to get rid of my leather one, being vegetarian and all), and of course I needed a couple pairs of new shoes (including crocs). I returned almost ALL of it. I wasted sooo much time shuffling around store merchandise, when I could have been doing way more productive things. I could have been reading, I could have packed instead of staying up the whole night before I left, I could have soaked up a few last minute American amenities, or I could have just relaxed (something I desperately want to do now).
Instead I became caught up in the crazy American game called consumerism. Because of all the options out there, it makes people question what they know and wonder if there’s something they need, that they’re missing out on. The thing is, if you ever have to question whether or not you need something…well, then you DON’T need it. The questioning is the answer to the question, you never have to question a need. There is no what-if or maybe or might, you either do or you don’t.
So after this whole fiasco, I relearned a universal truth that I keep forgetting, but that the universe keeps reminding me of. That we already have everything we need. I went all across town, hectic and chaotic and stressed, and looking for what I had all along in front of me. I was too busy thinking about what I “needed” to appreciate what I had. We do that far too much in this world, with money, with possessions, with jobs, with relationships. We look outside for the things that we already have within. Everything you truly need in life, to be happy, to be whole, to be fulfilled, to be complete…has always been inside of you. There is nothing else you need.
I purchased tons of new dress clothes (I already owned enough to outfit a small office), a hoodie (even though I have five that I never wear) various camping/backpacking equipment (like I’d be living in the wilderness for my two years), travel gear, a clearanced canvass wallet (I felt it was an appropriate time to get rid of my leather one, being vegetarian and all), and of course I needed a couple pairs of new shoes (including crocs). I returned almost ALL of it. I wasted sooo much time shuffling around store merchandise, when I could have been doing way more productive things. I could have been reading, I could have packed instead of staying up the whole night before I left, I could have soaked up a few last minute American amenities, or I could have just relaxed (something I desperately want to do now).
Instead I became caught up in the crazy American game called consumerism. Because of all the options out there, it makes people question what they know and wonder if there’s something they need, that they’re missing out on. The thing is, if you ever have to question whether or not you need something…well, then you DON’T need it. The questioning is the answer to the question, you never have to question a need. There is no what-if or maybe or might, you either do or you don’t.
So after this whole fiasco, I relearned a universal truth that I keep forgetting, but that the universe keeps reminding me of. That we already have everything we need. I went all across town, hectic and chaotic and stressed, and looking for what I had all along in front of me. I was too busy thinking about what I “needed” to appreciate what I had. We do that far too much in this world, with money, with possessions, with jobs, with relationships. We look outside for the things that we already have within. Everything you truly need in life, to be happy, to be whole, to be fulfilled, to be complete…has always been inside of you. There is nothing else you need.
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