Update!

July 6, 2012

Sanibonani!

We have officially entered our second week in Swaziland, and I think it’s safe to say we’re all far from being experts on our new home. Every day involves learning experiences, however. We went shopping for the first time on Friday. It was a bit of a relief to be able to buy the things we forgot and those we didn’t know we needed. Washcloths were key on my list (to improve the bucket-bathing experience), as were a pitcher (for washing hair), a broom and a small mirror with a stand. I realized early on that I was leaving the house without glancing at myself in the mirror. That’s OK, of course, but I was still curious. I also haven’t been wearing contacts because they’re a pain to put in and keep clean. I want to have the option of wearing them, however, so a mirror is a bit of a necessity. I probably could have gotten by with my compact mirror, but you know how it goes. Women.

Our Fourth of July celebration was great. The U.S. ambassador gave a brief presentation, and we got to spend several hours learning from the current volunteers. Group 9 is entering its second year, and Group 8 is (mostly) on the way out. Several volunteers are extending their service, so we’ll have the benefit of their expertise as we go forward.

The language remains a challenge, but everyone on my homestead is very helpful as I muddle through. I’m beginning to see the structure of siSwati, which makes a big difference as I try to learn prefixes, suffixes, etc. We’re also doing a lot of training on our Peace Corps projects, focusing mostly on PC’s strategy. So far, so good.

The food is still treating me well. I had goat for the first time the other night, and we’ve had chicken and beans on other occasions. I’m on the schedule to cook on Sunday night. I think some neighbors are coming over, so here’s hoping I don’t embarrass myself. Or America.

A neighbor taught me the proper way to eat a grapefruit today, and I’ve got to say it’s a vast improvement on my experience with that fruit in the U.S. She removed all the membrane from each slice and ate out the fruit pulp inside. Much less bitter that way. It’s messy, but I might be a convert.

I don’t need anything right now, but if you’d like to send a letter, I’d love to read it and respond. I even bought envelopes today! The first 20 of you are covered. So far, I’ve received a confirmation of my out-of-country voting address from St. Louis County. They’re on the ball, man.

My mailing address:

My name, PCV

US Peace Corps

P.O. Box 2797

Mbabane, H100

Swaziland

AFRICA

Salani kahle, my American friends!