My apologies for not posting this sooner. At site, I don't have electricity and therefore no computer. I debated creating this post on my internet phone, but didn't have it in me to write a long story via T9. But fortunately, a 102 degree temp and possible flu has brought me into Maseru for a couple days, so I can finally get to it.
On Sunday, August 8, we completed our community based training, had a fairwell feast and said goodbye to Mokhethoaneng. Was kind of a bummer because most of us got pretty tight with our communities in those 10 weeks, but at the same time, I think we were ready to move on. Over the next couple days we attended our counterpart/supervisor workshops. As the name might imply, our supervisors and counterparts attended the meeting so we could start establishing a relationship and learn to manage our expectations for the next two years. Two really long days, but productive, and really exciting to get to meet them. My counterpart, Ntate Felix is a counselor at the Sebetia clinic, and my supervisor, Father Shea is the priest at the affiliated Catholic church. I assume this means he also runs the clinic, but not totally sure how that works. At any rate, they both seem to have their act together, so I'm feeling good about the job.
On Wednesday, we swore in at the U.S. ambassador's house. In attendance were the P.C. higher ups, all of our trainers, counterparts and supervisors, the ambassador (it was his house, after all), the minister of health for Lesotho, a lot of Basotho media outlets, and us. We each received our certificates that declared us as official volunteers, and no longer trainees. After we got our certificate, we had our picture taken with the ambassador and minister of health. When I got up there, the minister asked how old I was, and said "the children will think you are their classmate, not their teacher." I was hoping my 10 weeks in Africa had me looking all grizzled and whatnot, but I guess not. Anyways, later during the ceremony Jessie, Matt and I gave the volunteer speech. At each swearing in, the trainees with the highest score on their Sesotho test give a quick speech. Since the three of us tied for top score, we split the duty up, each of us giving 1/3 of the speech, and delivering it in both Sesotho and English. A little nerveracking, but a very cool experience to be able to address a U.S. ambassador. A few people recorded it, so when I can track them down, I'll upload it here.
The next morning, Ntate Felix and I took off for site via public transportation. to get to Sebetia, you have to take 3 seperate taxis. One from Maseru to TY, one from TY to Makharoana, and finally one from Makharoana to Sebetia (or Ha Nkutu, more specifically). On the ride from TY to Makharoana, an English broadcast came on that gave a recap of our swearing in, saying "One volunteer, in his address, vowed to work hand-in-hand with the Basotho," prompting me to say, somewhat inappropriately, "HOLY CRAP! I WAS THAT VOLUNTEER!" I've been on an ego trip ever since.
We arrived at site at about 2ish, making the trip on public transport about 5 hours. I was wigging out about arriving, until I actually arrived. My counterpart walked me through the school and introduced me to the principal, who has a HUGE personality and seemed really happy I finally was there. The kids seem awesome too, so I can easily see spending a lot of time there. Ntate Felix then showed me to the rondavel that will be my house for the next two years. First impressions: really big, really dark, kinda cold. It's also located in the garden behind the clinic, which is entirely fenced in. Will probably limit my visitors, but I think that in time I may come to appreciate that. The site is beautiful. It's remote, but still kind of in walking distance to a couple other volunteers. Sebetia is collection of towns scattered through a huge valley, surrounded by some really impressive mountains. My job will be a lot of outreach to defaulting ARV patients all over Sebetia, so I have a lot of hiking in my future. I have more stories to share, but not enough motivation to share them right now.
So until next time, Khotso
