IV. Host Volunteer Visit and 4th of July

Khotso motsoalle!
Hello friends!

The past month has been delightful as we gear up to head to our permanent sites. Pre-service training has provided ample opportunity to integrate into the vibrant Basotho culture and I have been sure to take full advantage of the many prospects therein. From my Host Volunteer Visit, to traversing the nation via public transportation, to visiting my future colleagues and workplace; it has all been incredibly enriching in my pursuit of gaining the skills necessary to have a successful stay here in Lesotho.

Host Volunteer Visit

The purpose of the host volunteer visit (HVV) is to give us trainees an opportunity to travel to a site and observe the way of life of a current volunteer and the work they do. I was selected to travel to Qachas Nek- one of the most mountainous and southern points of Lesotho. Another trainee and I stayed with a CHED (Community, Health, & Economic Development) volunteer for a total of 3 days. It was an uplifting experience and really gave me the first taste of what is to come once I finish training. It took a total of 6 hours to transit by kombi from the capital of Maseru. These van-type taxis are the most common method for long distance travel and can be quite an experience within itself. As expected, we were packed in like sardines before embarking on the long and grueling trip. The time of departure was 3:30am but that did not prevent the taxi driver from blasting some Basotho jams. I was told to bring earplugs for these rides and that advice has proven to be an effective method for cancelling perhaps 1/8th of the stereo’s output. Fortunately there was a break at the 3 hour mark at which point a few of the people got off at their destination. IMG_20130630_182935~01After finally arriving to the Qachas Nek camptown taxi rank, I was able to get a true sense of the integration component and how valuable it truly is. Having yet to still travel another 2 hours to our host’s site, the volunteer immediately identified one of her friends who is a taxi driver. She negotiated for him to give up his spot so we could purchase some food in town before heading to her site. This kind gesture allowed us to pick up some meat and other foods that can’t be found outside of camptowns. The result was a delicious American staple: burgers and fries (pictured left).

The highlight of the HVV came on the first evening when we were informed of a graduation party occurring by the chief’s house in Hilltop. We approached the compound to find a joyous gathering of the entire community of Ha Rankakala. The star of the evening was Kuini Metsebo who had just graduated with a bachelors degree in education from the teaching university in Roma.IMG_20130629_174031~01 At Basotho parties such as this, it is common to slaughter a sheep or cow and then serve it up in a grand feast. I was ecstatic to taste freshly grilled meat along with a side of papa (cornmeal) and carrot-slaw. Sometimes the hosts opt to serve alcohol, sometimes they don’t. This particular one chose the former and it made for a jubilant evening filled with dancing and laughter. This was the first night I felt like a real Basotho.. and was certainly treated like one. I’ve been told weeks later they still refer to me as “Lord of the Dance”. You’ll just have to use your imagination for that one.

4th of July

Independence Day was well spent here in Lesotho. This was the first of many American holidays that will be celebrated here, so I was quite curious as to what kind of events would be planned and what the atmosphere would be ultimately be like. IMG_20130704_081205~01Needless to say, I undoubtedly missed the traditional family gathering, the annual hometown parade, the golf outing, and of course, the fireworks. However, the Peace Corps staff held a top notch cookout at the Pabalong Clinic in Berea for us. The day was combined with a hands-on practical lesson about gardening and compost preparation followed by a delectable lunch filled with hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, and coleslaw. We then played American Football and Ultimate Frisbee. Hats off to them for making the day one to remember.

Last week I visited my future site and met the counterpart and supervisor with whom I’ll be working with for the next 2 years. There is much to explain and a future post will focus on the details of my specific job duties. I’ll also post pictures of my living quarters (which is the Ritz in comparison to what was expected).

Until then, sala hantle my friends!

6 Comments

  1. Travis: Thanks for keeping us informed. Lots of people ask about you and it is good to be able to explain what you are doing. Not much has changed here; my golf game is still suspect and I am contemplating switching to foosball or ? Stay well and safe and we look forward to your next update.

  2. Hey T-Man!
    Awesome scenario! Glad you had a chance to indulge in some good ole barbecued meat! Is that pretty gal going to be with you at your new home? Hope so. Can you email me your new address? I am working on those Cubs knit hats for winter for the kids. Stay well and safe. Let me know what you would like or need when you settle in to your new home.

  3. George,

    Or should i refer to you as Michael Flately (lord of the dance). Glad to hear things are going well; not a doubt in my mind you would assimilate quickly. Sounds like you’ve had some great opportunities and adventures so early in your mission to see and be part of some pretty neat cultural activities. Keep the updates coming.

    Well you missed a great Blackhawks finish – be sure to watch some highlights from YouTube. Be sure to watch Duncan Keith and Corey Crawfords speechs in Grant Park from the day of the parade – they were absolutely hammered!!

    If and when you know the address of your permanent residence be sure to let me know – I’d like to send you a package. Any chance of that blonde becomes your bunk-buddy? Hopefully your living quarters will be an upgrade from C-Dale!

    Anyways, good to hear from you, keep safe.

    Signed,

    D Snyder

  4. Hi Trav, So good to hear from you. As you can imagine, it is hot and humid here in Florida. This is the time of year when we take short trips to get away from the heat. Spent the 4th of July in Rochester, the first week of August in Portland, OR visiting Dan and last week I went to Erie, PA for a girls golf week. I arrived in Ft. Myers last night at 9:30 and it was still 88 degrees! Jason Dufner won the PGA Championship at Oak Hill today. Funny how the course looks so much different from the tees those guys play than from the tees I’ve played!
    When you are totally settled in, I’d love to know what we can do to help you in your mission. We are here for you, praying for your healthy and safe return.
    Love,
    Aunt Lorraine

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