Guava Trees, Snickers, Cheese Bread and more...

A Shirt.
A trend among learners here is to write on their uniform shirts. Here is what one learner scribbled on the front pocket of her nice white shirt:
Name: Lindah
Grade: Grade 7
School: Lusese Combined
Subject: Shirt

A Tree.
I planted two Guava trees in my yard, which was a feat in itself. I spent the better part of two weekends gathering sticks in the bush and creating a fence around each tree to keep out dogs. I am proud of my work. I am fond of working with the Earth. Planting things. Watering. Watching things grow. My garden is not turning out as I had hoped. It has lots of weeds sprouting and little else, which is why I put the trees in. I plan on getting flowers to plant around the trees.

A Moment.
The American Presidential Election was a big deal for the people of my village. I have always known the world watched American politics closely, but this was the first time I have seen it firsthand. I was touched by the reaction of my coworkers and my learners after Obama won. I was hugged. Learners cheered. It seemed to touch something in them. They felt a connection because of Obama’s roots in Africa. They felt it could be good for Africa. And regardless of ones political leanings, one can’t argue it was a significant moment in time and even those living in a tiny village in Africa with nothing but a cell tower can sense the importance of the moment. I am sure all of you can too.

A Birthday.
On my birthday, I ate a snickers bar that my village mate brought back for me from her trip to Botswana. My learners made me spectacular cards and I got lots of love from back home and from my NamFam (Namibian Family). Overall, it was a nice way to start pushing 40. Yeah, you read right. I am pushing 40.

A Sorta Thanksgiving
My Thanksgiving might not have included turkey and mac-n-cheese but it did have lots of thanks. I ate some fresh cheese bread from a grocery store in my shopping town and thought about how much I am thankful for in my life. hApPy ThAnKsGiViNg!!

A Farewell.
The last three weeks of school consisted of no teaching. The learners were writing exams and I was busy marking the exams. Today was the final day for kids. And now it is time for a break from Lusese. I am headed to Opuwo, which is in the Kunene Region of Namibia (northwest corner) at the end of next week. It is home to Ed, my boyfriend for the past few months. He is a fellow Peace Corps volunteer who works with the Namibia Red Cross. He is originally from Wisconsin, which means he talks funny and likes to hunt. I am going to be at his site for two weeks and then we are traveling to Cape Town for Christmas and New Years. We have a wine tour planned for Christmas Eve and we are diving with Great White Sharks on New Years Day. Stay tuned for pictures and stories from our trip. And if you don’t hear from us, it means we are shark food.