New Year

Sorry to my avid readers (Mom) for it has been quite awhile since my last post. We spent Christmas in the village which was quite reminiscent of Whoville. We made more delicious food than we could ever eat and enjoyed the time spent together. We said goodbye to our villages a few days later after five weeks of living and learning. Our bo 'm'e cooked a farewell feast; we ate delicious lijo, drank (Coke) and danced to some local African stylings, as well as some Justin Timberlake. P.S. Celine Dion has an unusually large following of 15-25 year olds here.
Then it was back to the training site! Wonderful seeing my group as always and I must say my first real shower in five weeks was fantastic. We enjoyed the wonder of electricity by watching some Simpson's DVDs magically left there. New Year's Eve we had our language (Sesotho) assessment and we all passed - woo hoo! I unfortunately got sick so could not welcome in 2008 properly. Luckily I felt better the next day because our AMAZING Ambassador invited us over for a New Year's pool party. I don't know how we got so lucky; he rules! We spent the afternoon relaxing in/by the pool and sipping on suds of several varieties. So thanks once again to our Ambassador!
The next day we all shipped out to visit our actual sites. My site in Leribe is wonderful! My village is huge, but my rondavel is tucked high on the mountainside, hidden behind peach and apricot trees. My family is wonderful, very friendly, welcoming and fun (not to mention excellent English speakers). As for my one-room rondavel, what it lacks in modern amenities (electricity, running water) it makes up for in charm. My walls are painted sky-blue and my thatch roof/ceiling constantly reminds me that I'm in Africa. And for all those concerned, I have the Cadillac of pit latrines; my bowels are eternally grateful. So I must say that I lucked out.
Back in Maseru for the final days of training. My trip back from my site was interesting; taxi/combi rides in Africa are certainly something to experience. Walking through the taxi rink with my hiking pack I felt both vulnerable and brave; The Onion article really was right. So wise. We swear in on Thursday then immediately begin our service! I plan on spending as much time as I can with my fellow trainees and enjoying myself immensely.