I love what I am doing, where I am living who I am friends with, etc. right now. I am very very happy. Phew. There I said it. Hahahaha. I am actually doing really great. If i sound surprised, it's because I am. I never really thought I would be so happy or comfortable here. Ever.
Peace Corps is hard business, full of self reflection, personal growth, and turbulence. These are things that I have gotten used to (self reflecting and growth), and dealing with (turbulence). These are ll things that won't be going away any time soon. However, I just wanted to take the chance to reflect on all the GOOD things going on right now. Many of you have to listen to me complain about the BAD so I figured that you all deserved it. Thanks!
It's a nice feeling. Apparently most PCVs (who are left and are on the way to making it the full 2 years) are supposed to be comfortable in their second year and I have officially reached it. Many of you know that I have been having a difficult time during my previous year as a Peace Corps Volunteer (which is expected, of course). I am in no way saying it will be smooth sailing from now on, I just have finally gotten used to everything, comfortable with where I am, who I live with, and most importantly the work at my center. Get this...when I am not at work there is actually work i should be doing there! People actually miss me! Hooray! this might not seem like a big deal to you Non-Peace Corps Volunteers. But to us PCVs it is a huge accomplishment. It is so difficult for the majority (I would say upwards of 70%) to find things to fill there time. Also, I actually LOVE LOVE LOVE what I am doing!
What am I doing, you ask?
-Fundraising for the playground and then planning out its structure. I am officially now an architect. Haha, not really, but still, I feel like one. Go here for more info.
-The 10 computers I got for my center are coming tomorrow! This means more of me planning out the new computer center, building the desks (whaaaaaat), setting it up, and doing all the networking business fun.
-the Bhekuzulu Youth Club is still going strong (which is amazing to me). We still have money from my PC grant and still have kids interested (upwards of 40 depending on the day). My coworkers who work in it (specifically 2 of them) are so great and really spearheading it. It definitely would not be running without them. They are the best. Tomorrow we are having a big planning meeting for the next 5 months of the club. this is going to become a real staple of Bhekuzulu Self Sufficient Project's work, not just my crazy idea anymore.
-Fundraising....SOOO GUESS WHAT! This week I think I got the center another R75,000! This will go to our hurting halfway house and child headed household programs that are struggling due to lack of funds. This means that I have been able to fundraise about R225,000($22,500) since I've been here. I am pretty excited about this. The greatest part is that now that we have a new position of Programs Manager (like an Assistant Director) I have someone to transfer these skills to so when I leave they aren't all gone. She is great and I love working with her. The money we have gotten has gone to start a community garden, build 3 of the new buildings (the temporary ones we are in now), and keep one of the halfway houses running. I also am involved with perpetually asking for donations--like for the xmas party that we had in december for 170 of orphans and vulnerable children we serve. Anyways, I prefer being modest generally. But, I am feeling good today about this new donation, so there. sorry! this being said, alot of our programs are struggling without money right now, so I must continue my fundraising work ASAP, like, tomorrow.
-I am going to paint a huge mural of the world on the outside of one of the new buildings. It is going to be sweet. Also, I might just paint a ton of murals everywhere because that would be fun. This will be done with some of the older interested kids from the club. We will have weekend parties and paint up a storm once the buildings are finished
-I do a lot of publicity for the center. I made their website which you should definitely check out to see all the sweet progress of the new buildings (click here for that). I also have done brochures, maps, and letters getting out the word on us. I am starting a quarterly newsletter with the Programs Manager this week.
-The bakery is getting its supplies delivered next month. Once we get electricity (we are operating on a generator right now) we will be up and running. This project frightens me. I will be RUNNING this bakery. I am not a business manager. However, I will put all of my life into it, so hopefully that will tip the scale my way.
-My newest project is setting up a curriculum for the early childhood (they call it creche here) program. We have 45 cutie babies come to the center every day. They are my biggest fans (every single time I see them they yell my name in unison until either I am out of site or I have been there too long and they get tired of yelling it--also they all mob me for hugs every single time I enter the creche gate) and whenever I am feeling bad I just go over there and play with them a whole lot. Anyways, they basically just toddle around and climb on the now 1 working swing and weirdo climb box. So, I'm thinking of structuring some fun daily activities that the teacher can do with the kids. The teacher is a very sweet woman who I get along with very well who really really wants to improve the program, so it should work!
Ok that is that. You people [I mean wonderful readers of this fine blog :-) ] seemed to like it the last time I had that happiness peace corps graph, so i updated it for you (i have alot of time on my hands).
* just something i just googled and i thought it was funny. oooh life in africa
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