New Site

It has been a busy month and I cannot believe that I have not updated this in some time.  Many of you have been inquiring about my site and have found me lacking in expressing my enthusiasm with my site.  This is because I was very unhappy at my original site for many reasons; briefly that there was very little personal space as the site was located in the middle of town, the transportation was poor and I had trouble getting on taxis, and I was uncomfortable with some of the village protocol.

That being said, I have been moved to a new site.  I do not want to be too precipitous in singing its glories, but I am much happier here.  I am now living at at Catholic mission in Berea.  My living quarters previously housed the Sisters and a Peace Corps Volunteer lived here two years ago.  The locals are used to having a PCV there and the accommodations are far more suitable to my lifestyle.

If you need anything in Lesotho, just ask the Bo-'Me'

It is very much the truth that if you need anything in Lesotho, just ask the Bo-'Me'.  Everyone here knows it and it is reassuring.

Most recently I found myself needing a place to stay and I am exceedingly grateful to have been lodged at the Catholic Training Center in Mafeteng.  I arrived rather late one evening, exhausted by a series of nights having not slept.  All I wanted to do was rest, rest, rest.  I put in earplugs and earbuds and blasted Emanual Ax playing followed by watching two episodes of "Modern Family" (there is electricity at the Catholic Training Center).

The next morning the Mother of the Catholic Training Center asked me if I wanted to accompany her to Shoprite and this was beginning of my adventures with newfound friends with whom I hope to stay connected for many years.  We shopped for the youth attending workshops on HIV/AIDS at the CTC and filled three pushcarts with food.  It was such a pleasure shopping with her as she really treated me as a friend asking me to help her load dozens of cans, bottles and bags into the shop cart.  Once we arrived home (see, I even feel at home here), I could not resist helping her put this large amount of groceries away.  Shortly thereafter she invited me to have tea.  I really felt a sense of family here.

That afternoon I returned to my room where I was able to wash all of my laundry.  You truly have no idea how liberating it feels to have completed this and to have the clothes feel fresh.  At my original site the clothes line is directly above the fire pit and I dreaded hanging my clothes out to dry.  While waiting, I ended up in the community room with the Bo-'Me" who clean the facility, clean and iron the bedding and work in the dining hall.  This is their place of refuge, especially in this heat which exhausts us all.  The Bo-'Me' decided they were going to help me with my Sesotho lessons and we spent the afternoon laughing and dancing and living the full Basotho life.  By this time, I was truly taken in to this wonderful entourage of smiles, laughter and all around goodness.

I accompanied the youth for dinner in the dining hall which was mostly spent having them smile at me and giggle, and then smile at me and giggle.   I was very grateful to have met the facilitator of the program with whom I hope to stay in touch as his enthusiasm for getting the youth of Lesotho to understand the issues and learn about the details and situation in a fun and active environment is unmatched here in Lesotho.  I would love to see this man go far.

After dinner, the Bo-'Me' come collecting the dishes and one could see the sweat dripping from their heads.  I jumped up and joined in.  The evening of doing dishes and laughing and dancing and further instructing me in Sesotho could not have been better spent.

As I say, if you need anything in Lesotho - or if you just want to have a big belly laugh - just ask the Bo-'Me'.

Tallest Waterfall in Southern Africa

The Basotho love celebrations!  Unfortunately - or maybe not - I really don't enjoy those tent parties.  Too much joala, beer and loud music. When I awoke yesterday to a tent being erected no more than ten feet from my latrine, I realized that I needed to find some place else to go.  But where?  I did not want to impose on anyone, most especially my friend, Alysa who had been so gracious and hospitable the last time I had escaped. 

I had heard some messages ringing through on my phone and was delighted to learn that two of my recent new friends were spending the weekend in Semonkong at the Lodge. I queried them as to the possibility of joining them and they enthusiastically encouraged me to do so.   So I hurriedly packed my bags and was off for a full day's taxi ride.

I arrived much earlier than expected and was delighted to share a lovely meal and  stimulating conversation.

The real treat, however, was today.  I accompanied them to the tallest waterfall in Southern Africa to watch them plunge into the air alongside the waterfall on their first Abeisail experience.  I had given thought to training and doing it myself, but decided to postpone it since this was a bit of a last minute trip and I was uncomfortable about publicizing it on Facebook which I do intend to do.

It was a total pleasure sitting alongside the deep mountain crevices enjoying the fresh mountain air and watching them descend one by one down the side right near the waterfall.  Certainly an adventure to add to my Lesotho bucket list.