SO last year was pretty crazy, and I am proud to say that I survived it. I can honestly say that I never thought in April of last year that I would still be in South Africa, blogging to my heart's content (or serving in the Peace Corps for that matter). I am proud of myself! True cliche: I feel like a "changed" person in many ways that I won't elaborate on here.
This year's projects are set (in my mind at least) and they are:
-Continuation of the Bhekuzulu Youth Club (we are finally up and running again after the move!)
-Starting and managing the income generating bakery--the building is currently being built, so we have some progress there
-Starting the computer lab that I got the computers for and then tutoring my coworkers/running mild computer classes for them.
-I might be starting a library as well. We will see.
-Fund raising fund raising fund raising fund raising fund raising fund raising fund raising fund raising fund raising fund raising fund raising fund raising fund raising fund raising fund raising fund raising fund raising fund raising fund raising fund raising. <---I basically do this in my spare time (which I do have alot of). A bunch of our programs lost their funding, so I have been applying frantically over the last couple of weeks and I won't stop until I get something accomplished. I never thought I would actually (kind of) enjoy it. However, it is a major hassle. You can only write so many proposals without going crazy.
-Playground Project. This is my baby, and it is going very slowly. If anyone wants to donate feel free :)
-I am still thinking about something I can do with the Orphans and Vulnerable Children that will make an impact on them in some way. What I am thinking of is forming a smaller, more dedicated group of OVCs (older ones) who want to try and sell what they craft. This is what my supervisor wants also, so it works.
-Various administrative tasks (I started a database so we keep track of our beneficiaries by month and year)
SO I do have a lot of my plate. However, most of that is held up while the new buildings are built. My patience has grown 100x since coming here. I really don’t mind, but would prefer they are built sooner rather than later.
While it may seem that my plate is full, I do have a great deal of downtime. Trust me.
That is all I really have to say about that.
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Pictures from today’s youth club (valentine’s day cards). It was so much fun...Something I forgot, however, was that children, specifically young boys, like throwing things--in this case glitter. haha.
Let me tell you, it does not take much to impress these kids. Whenever I pulled out anything new from my bag (letters, stencils, embellishments, hearts, etc.) for the cards there would be a collective "oooooo" in the room like i was showing off some really expensive diamonds or something. If I have kids, they are going to have a hard time because if they ever complain I will just say "ummm well in South Africa...."
I am so impressed by how thankful and excited these children are everyday. It makes my "job" a whole lot easier and very very very rewarding.
Kids working together on their cards
If this guy (one of my favorites) is entertained and busy, this is a very good sign...
Example: him after finishing (notice the large amount of glitter on his face)
This is the room we are now running the club in. Fitting 40-50 kids in here, along with tables and chairs is a challenge, but we are making it.
<3>
1 comment:
THANK YOU for these fabulous pictures! The building looks great, although I agree with you -- fitting 50 kids into that space, along with tables and chairs -- pandemonium!
Thank you for your reflections on one year of Peace Corps service. How great it is that you've made it halfway through. The struggles have been much more profound and significant than merely those presented by infrequent showers, dangerous taxi rides, and various types of creative toilet arrangements. And you've met those profound struggles with energy and stick-to-it-tiveness. Thank you!
You have been the kind of gift and blessing to BSSP that I am glad that my taxes to the U. S. government can provide to other people in less wealthy places. You have what it takes to serve others helpfully, and you have what I'm proud to give to BSSP, through your presence and willingness to work hard there. You are INDEED representing those of us who would want to do what you are doing and who would not be able to do it as effectively as you have been able to do it.
I'm proud to have you as my representative, working for me, in KwazuluNatal.
Thanks, also, for the list of what's been done and what's ahead, in your term of service. This is a helpful summary, for those of us who are here, watching from a distance.
This blog -- its descriptions and photographs -- has been a lovely thing to read and look at. Thank you very much for it!
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