Happy Tuesday

I know I have sooooo soooo much I need to say and write. The truth is, I have ups and downs, and many times, no real workspace, and I run out of motivation, when who knows if the internet is going to work, or when I might get to some good wifi.....

I thought I could keep up this motivation for the blog, but unfortunately, it's not going how I'd like. 

So...one of the things I've learned here, is when you fail or mess up (at least in your own eyes), you must forgive yourself, come up with a plan to make it better, learn, and move on. And do the best that you can do, with what you're given. And I'm tired of stressing over internet, etc. I've even slowly started giving up on facebook (my friends would be shocked!). I try to load the page, and it takes 10-15 minutes for it to load. Then, if I want to actually update my status, or heaven-forbid I want to upload a photo, it can take another 15-45 minutes. 

And that's another thing. I realized how much I relied on the internet before I came here! And I still try. I have downloaded (when in a good wifi area) so many resources to learn more about everything I'm doing here. I want to research everything on the net! I want to research NGOs and other organizations - trying to figure out my next step in life. I want to search and plan for my birthday trip in January - somewhere around Africa. 

But I've learned to have patience. And this kind of surfing may only be able to happen twice a month (maybe).

So, I've decided, when I log onto my blog to write an update, I'm not going to stress myself out about trying to write about what happened 2 months ago. Instead - it's all about right NOW. And who knows - maybe I'll write a book someday - and so you'll get to hear all of the details....Of course, I guess I always have the rest of my life to update this blog and tell different stories....

So - today. I'm getting prepared to finally have a Girls' Club meeting. My AIDS Awareness Club did an amazing job on Friday with AIDS Awareness Day, and yesterday we met, and will begin Grassroots Soccer on Monday! I also brought them sweets (they say this, instead of "treats"), and so they were happy. 

Saturday, I am hoping to have another meeting with the Committee for a project - a Sports Field - we are trying to have here in the village. I don't think I've said much about it, here on the blog. I didn't want to jinx myself, but things are slowly happening. Though it's keeping me busy - with trying to meet with the contractor, drawing up the plans for the field, trying to find funding, etc. And most importantly, I'm putting together a video to help show what this is all about. We are in need of 12-24 Americans to commit to coming over HERE to Namibia...to MY village next summer (northern hemisphere-summer). As soon as I get this video finished, I'll post it, and if you're interested, we would LOVE your help! Until then, the organization I'm working with is called Courts For Kids. If you read this, and before even see the video, jump off your couch, excited by the opportunity to come here, and hang out with me, and build a court, contact me and I can send you details and get you in touch with the organization!

Also - my parents are coming here!!!!!!! They are spending their wedding anniversary HERE, in Namibia, with me. I am so so so so so excited to see them, and tour Namibia with them, as well as hang out in Cape Town for a few days! They will be experiencing a true Owambo wedding, here in my village. It's going to be a fabulous time! 

I really didn't realize how much I would miss family and friends...but I do. I miss your faces. And Skype doesn't cut it, sometimes. You must come visit me :)

Oh, and one last piece of fun - my (Namibian) brother got accepted into Camp GLOW and my (Namibian) niece was accepted for the Diversity Tour!!!!! All 3 of us are super excited. These kids finally have been given an opportunity to get out of the village, see Namibia, meet other kids from all over Namibia, and have fun, and maybe even learn something along the way.....
If you want to still make a donation to Camp GLOW, click HERE.


Well, I guess I must be running....
Hope you are all well and Happy Tuesday!!!

Ondi ku hole,
Ndapandula


p.s. I started back with an Oshikwanyama language tutor - and apparently I know more than I thought I did! Oshi li! Nawa nawa!!!!

Camp GLOW

Every year, Peace Corps Namibia, Fawena, and Kayec hosts a week-long camp for Namibian children, ages 12-18, called Camp GLOW (Guys and Girls Leading Our World). This camp helps teach the kids about leadership - with sessions focusing on stereotypes and character building, gender awareness, health, sexual health, ambition and self-confidence. They take a total of 80 children - from all regions of Namibia, and many of whom have never left their homes. This year, it will be held in Windhoek over the August holiday, with field trips to Parliament and the University of Namibia, to name a few.

The children are selected by being nominated by Peace Corps Volunteers. This year, I'm actually nominating 4 of our learners from school, here in the village (one, being my brother - so I hope he gets chosen!). These kids all just need a chance. A chance to get out of the village. A chance to meet other students their age. A chance to learn more about leadership, with a week-long camp, all about THEM. A chance to bring out their true potential! Well, I hope the ones I'm choosing get this chance! And I look forward to their stories about their time at the camp. 

Camp GLOW is run, based on donations. These help cover the cost of accommodations, transportation, meals, materials, admin costs, and more. Unfortunately, this year they are slightly below what is needed.

If you would like to help these kids and staff have a successful camp this year, you can choose to make a donation. And truly, anything will help these kids! (1 USD = approx. 10 Namibian Dollars)

Click HERE to learn more about Camp GLOW.

And to make a contribution, click HERE

Here's a video to show a little more about the camp.....
(This can also be seen on Vimeo at http://vimeo.com/97240861)

Glow 2013 from Steph Namutenya Sestito on Vimeo.

Thanks, in advanced, for checking out this great event for the children of Namibia!

Peace & Love,

Ndapandula  

(I am thankful)