Road Trip and Final Destination

7 October, 2013

It feels like I just swore in as a Peace Corps volunteer yesterday, but it's already been almost 3 weeks (by the time you read this it'll be even later). 

Let me fill you in starting with the trip to Zambezi region.

This is Patrick's teaching counterpart, Prince. They stay in Muyako. He's a character. Any day spent with Prince is sure to be...how should I say....an adventure. Anyway, in this picture we're all packed and ready to embark on our two-day road trip to the land of elephants. Adios, Okahandja. 

Halfway through we stopped at this bungalow to stay the night in Rundu. The lodge area has an outside pool, bar and restaurant area. It's actually owned by a Peace Corps member from group 12.

Patrick and Robert are enjoying the cold water after a hot n sweaty 7 or so hour drive in the van. 

     

This is my principal, Mr. Mbanga. He has done everything he can to make sure I have everything I need, and I'm incredibly grateful to have him as my principal. 

Here's Lacy's principal in Ngonga. She's super nice.

Dad, I took these pictures for you to show you that Harley is definitely an African dog. Most of the dogs here look like his brothers and sisters. Oh, and this dog acted just like him....you know, with all of the jumping and back-talking and destruction of human property. 

He stole that towel off a clothesline. 

Here's the Zambezi river. Across the river is a little peak into Zambia.

                                   

Lacy's principal again. The culture here is different when it comes to photographing. People love having pictures of themselves, and they rarely smile in photos. Everything is always posed.

There's Lacy standing next to Justin's business counterpart. He's a very intelligent guy that works at the animal conservancy place in Kongola. 

After a long and interesting journey....I made it to my hut. I love love love my hut. It even has electricity. The dog in the doorway is a little obnoxious, but she hangs outside at night and I feel safe that way. 

My view out the front door. That's one of the buildings of the school (there are only 2 buildings). That concrete thing in the middle passed the bushes is where I get my water. 

View from the staff room/library/secretary office. We have to make good use of the space.

Dallaz and Beatrice....he teaches math and she teaches English and Silozi. I'm happy to have them as my colleagues and friends.

My new friend, Simasiku, or Elvis...whichever you want to call him. Everyone here has a traditional name, a Christian name, and also nicknames on top of that....yes, it's very hard to keep track of. 

Elvis, his brother, and his neighbor. Funny guys. 

African kids are my favorite. I know I've mentioned that before. Just sayin'.

So, anyway...that's what I've been up to. As far as the school goes, I've been observing the teachers and learners. I'm working on getting the school Internet, paid by the ministry of education. Once that happens then we can have easier access to resources online...oh and Ill be able to post blog entries more often. I've also started organizing the "library". We don't have very many books. That project will take quite some time. And along with that I'll have to come up with ways to get these kids excited about reading. The culture here tells stories by mouth and pretty much only reads the Bible, so that mom or dad bedtime book reading thing is unheard of.

Stay tuned for my next entry....it'll be Real-Talk Time. Which will be juicy. Later, taters.