Wow, it has been a while since I've written anything. Seems like I'm always saying that on here or when I write in my journal. I guess I get really caught up in things then just space out for a week, then repeat.
So why have I been so busy? Well, a lot of reasons but mostly ICT (Information and Communications Technology a.k.a. computers) work. At the end of last term I left a little bit early to head to an ICT conference hosted and put on by fellows PCVs (including myself). Now why would I be doing this? I'm not sure if I've mentioned it (I think I have) but for those that don't know, I'm moving to Mariental in December after the school year ends to take over an ICT position. I'll be replacing Debbie, a Group 30 PCV (what up Deb!). Coincidently from CO as well :) I know I'm not going to come anywhere near filling her shoes but I'll try to do what I can.
Anyway, at our conference we talked about ways Peace Corps could bring back ICT PCVs (they recently cut the program in Namibia). This included training to be offered, how to do it, utilizing PCVs strengths the best we can, etc. I think this is partially why they decided to cut the program, there really wasn't any training going on; ICT PCVs just sort of tagged along with the Education volunteers and then did their own thing. We've working on developing some materials to aid with training and help non-ICT PCVs implement ICT into their projects. There's definitely a lot of work ahead of us (Debbie and Me - even though she's back in the States) but if we can match the need, I think a lot of good things will come from it. We've already started typing up manuals for many different computer tasks and I've been collecting ICT resources from all over. Another added bonus is that this ties in perfectly with a lot of my ideas for an extension. Yep I might try and stay here a third year. So the idea is on the table, no definite plans yet but strongly considering applying for a third year and a PCVL position (PCV Leader). So now you know, more on it later as it develops and I can outline something concrete.
In the few days before and after our ICT conference - oh! I didn't even say where it was. We held it in Luderitz. That place is pretty cool but definitely really far out there. It was really nice though because I got to actually hang out with Kevin and Brad while we're here. Luderitz is 1,305 km (about 810 miles) from my site - so I definitely don't see them, ever. Well, especially now because they're both gone haha but that was a long trip to get there. I'm hoping to be able to make a trip or two there once I move to Mariental as that is possible in a day. Leah and Meagan (two 33ers) are there and a 34 just got placed there so plenty of people to visit.
Okay, so back to the days surrounding the conference. I spent them in Mariental. Was a nice stopping point to and from Luderitz. I visited my new work compound, checked out my future office, hung out with a few people in the office - it was a lot of fun. I'm pretty pumped to be working with my counterpart-to-be, Cornelia's pretty cool. We took a couple trips to Libraries, Schools, etc. to fix/setup some Tech /Na labs (computer labs), get me somewhat acquainted with the area, rediscover some old skills, etc. Was somewhat futile since that was a couple months ago and I still won't be moving for over a month, and then won't start my job until a month later. So I've forgotten mostly everything we did but at least it's somewhat shallow in my memory storage and will come back much quicker (I hope). What a fun way to spend a vacation right?!
So after all of this prep-work/training I spent the rest of my vacation being a camp counselor for Camp GLOW - the GLOW stands for Guys and Girls Leading Our World. I was so worried that I'd be incredibly burnt out, tired, and just an angry camp leader the whole time. What happened was quite the opposite, well, sort of. Campers for GLOW are nominated by other PCVs. What is nice from this is that you get an 80 kid camp that consists primarily of good kids (...you hope). For example: the first day when everyone arrived I asked everyone to be quiet so we could start dinner. I lost my train of thought immediately. I was expecting to shout, ask kids to stop talking, etc. for maybe 5-10 minutes - they were silent in 5 seconds. My jaw dropped. Was so awesome! Only way that happens in a classroom is if I'm slamming books on tables and I look like I'm about to flip some and start throwing some chairs (...this may or may not have happend...kidding! For now.)
Granted, I actually didn't get much sleep during the week but it rejuvenated me from working with such amazing kids. This is another big reason I'm really excited to move. I'll hopefully have the chance to be a part of all the camps that PCVs put on in Namibia. This is definitely where I want to try and focus my energy: into the kids that have the potential, motivation, drive, etc. to succeed. Sometimes all they need is some exposure to the possibilities and show them a path to achieve their goals. I'm just not cut from the selfless mold where teachers come from. I don't have the patience or energy to rein in 3 sets of 35 kids 6 hours a day, 5 days a week; then every afternoon dealing with a typhoon of kids in my library for 2-3 hours. Not me, I don't have that much saint blood/energy flowing through me. Maybe just a little good Samaritan blood or something - I mean, I used to always put my spare change and a dollar or so in the Salvation army Christmas buckets. That ringing bell just sucks me in I guess.
Anyway, camps are awesome. I find myself still desiring to be able to work with such kids but not on such a omnipresent basis. That's why I think starting some tutoring/after school program would be awesome for where I live (when I move back). Or joining some existing organization (I feel one of the worst parts of not-for-profit work is you have SO much competition. Everyone's trying to do what he or she wants, help in his or her OWN way, when really it's the same thing and everyone just undermines each other). This is also plays into my extension ideas and some ideas I want to suggest to Peace Corps Namibia. I think it would be nice to focus more on being a resource for teachers in schools. You still get a chance to interact with the kids, help them out, etc. but being a resource for teachers could have a far greater and more lasting impact on the youth and for education in general. What I want to focus on is ICT workshops for teachers, ministries, organizations, etc. There are a lot of resources here but not everyone knows how to really utilize them. Okay, so there's a little preview of what I want to do.
I actually did get a chance to talk to some Peace Corps - Namibia staff members about this (why am I all up in everyone's business now? When did I ever do that?). A few weeks after I got back, well, maybe even 1 or 2, I headed back to Windhoek for our Mid-Service medical exam. There actually wasn't much done. We just listed out all the problems we have had (which records already exist for) - mainly just let them know if anything was bothering us. I didn't have anything going on so it was pretty quick. Dentist visit went well, nothing bad just that I need to floss more (like always). It was actually pretty amusing because apparently Gretchen (one of the PCVs in my group) laughs hysterically at the dentist's office for whatever reason. Definitely kept us entertained. During my last day or so there is when I met with some staff members. Was really nice; I finally was able to sit down and chat with Dan Rooney, our new Programming and Training Director (or has a title something like that). He's way cool and was really helpful with a lot of the topics we discussed - we chatted for 1.5 hours or so. I'm pretty excited to have the chance to work with him, well a chance. I don't think I'll have too many direct projects under/with him but you never know!
Back to school the following week then I think the weekend after was the big event: my half marathon! And by big event I mean something I did not train for ( I probably hadn't ran since December) but decided to do since I said I would. I got there Friday and had the whole day to psyche myself up for the event. The race was set for 7am Saturday morning. We did the whole big pasta meal beforehand, and had our group of runners hanging out the whole time. There was also a fun "morale" group tagging along with us for "support". I was super nervous the day of. The fact didn't really hit me that I was running 21km (~13mi) until we were a bit in to the race. I started out with Lindsay (another PCV of course) and we stuck together for about 9-10k. I was actually pretty impressed with the pace we kept and think my 10k time would've been pretty awesome. But sadly that's when my body started to really complain and I feel very behind. I quickly realized running a half marathon when you don't have a set exercise regimen, one that is sporadic at best, is not a good idea. I realized soon after that I was only half way. Half way! I'm all pumped about how well I'm doing, thinking my body is going to pull out one of its crazy tricks and just slam this race when it dies and I have to repeat exactly what I just did. Ugh. Anyway I finished, my time was about 2 hours 15min. I think my 10k would've been in the 40's because I was definitely dragging my feel and barely moving after that 10k but still didn't have a horrible time (not good, I know, but not horrible). Either way it's a PR!! Score haha! Next year another PR! Going to train and rock that thing! So excited for it!
So after that crazy fun I had to buckle down and try to finish some ICT presentations for the new group. I was so excited that we were approved to give an ICT presentation! The topics were: "ICT and You," "What You Can Expect in Namibia," and "PC Namibia Resource Project." Definitely not the most exciting topics but on the whole I think it went rather well. We were able to give the new group a heads up on how hardware does here (gets destroyed) and plant the seeds for potential ICT projects in their communities. I think I even recruited some of them to the cause so hopefully this will become less of a solo project and more of a group project. There's definitely a lot of potential, now I just have to get my butt in gear and work hard to fulfill it.
So that brings us up to now, more or less. Group 30 PCVs have started to wrap up their service and move on. I'm definitely sad to see them go, I really liked a lot of their group. I've tried to meet up and hang out with a few before they leave, attend going away parties, chat a bit, etc. That's life though, chapters finish, new ones start. Just have to enjoy opportunities while you have the chance.
For what lies ahead, I'm just going to finish up teaching. We only have classes for another month or so then exams start. So I'll be busy closing any open business here and at the same time begin preparing for my work in Mariental starting next year. And in between the two I have vacation! I'm going to try and explore a few parts of Namibia I haven't had a chance to see yet and then maybe try to make my way over to Tanzania/Zanzibar, Malawi, or both (if I have the time and money). Hopefully I'm more punctual/consistent about my updates as well!
!Gaise i re!! !Gaise ha re!
