Ok, so computer issues. Then my phone cord died. And there was a power surge at the clinic, and all of a sudden, the other day, I heard a "pop" from the outlet. Luckily, the little iPhone charger converter-box is the thing that blew - NOT my phone. So I was out of a phone for about a day and a half. And for some reason, I have no idea why, I remembered that I had brought an adapter plug to use an iPhone 4 cord with and iPhone 5. (Of course, these things are rare to get in Namibia - it would have meant I had to go all the way down to Windhoek to find....and that's not easy or fun, when you don't have a car). And luckily, I had my cord for my iPhone 4, here.
So, away from technology for a bit...but kind of a nice break.....
I'm back to working on the video as well! The Court & Field project, itself, is moving slow. And we're about to have a holiday in August, plus I'll be out of the village for a few weeks when my parents come. But you learn patience here......
I almost had the chance to play my guitar and sing a few songs at an expo this weekend! But I got sick....
My friend, Erick, is an amazing guitar player, and we were planning on playing. Luckily, he also invited another volunteer who plays as well...and they're hoping to get to play this week....
This last week has been rough. I realize how much I miss my family. Sometimes there are happenings in the village that I just have to accept, and it's emotionally draining. And then all of my technology started dying. But I got away for a few days, and will finish up getting some quotes for materials for the court & field, and this week will be better :)
Oh, and I'm going to Etosha next weekend with a few other PCVs and Namibians for my dear friend, Crystal's birthday!!! Bring on the elephants, lions, and giraffes....
This is how life goes, sometimes, in the PC....
I started Grassroots Soccer with my AIDS Club. I think they're really enjoying it! And hopefully learning. This last week they started exams, so we're holding off until after the holiday, to finish the program. But this last time we met, since many didn't show up, we decided to open the floor up to any questions about HIV, sex, etc. Well, they definitely had a lot to ask about sex, and I guess you'd say, I've become the one to talk about sex. I never thought I would do this, but I have no problems with it. I want these kids to understand and learn! And no one else will talk about it.....
But during this class, I started learning a lot about Namibians' thoughts on sex, etc. It's very eye-opening. And the thing with HIV/AIDS and it's high rate - well, it's not about the virus, or a disease. You have to dig deeper - into the culture, the way of life, the way of thinking. And it opens your eyes, and challenges you to try to figure out a different route to "attack" this virus. For example, what I have heard so far, at least in this particular class, is that rape, here in Namibia - and let me preface this by saying that rape is rape, period - occurs because a man wants sex. It's not about power or control, (Though, I'm sure there are times where this is the case) which is what my western mind is used to. Girls turn guys down, and so they find a girl they can rape - so they can have sex. I really don't know how violent it gets, if it does at all. I'm sure every case is different, but again, this is not about power for them - they just want sex.
And I guess I should let the cat out of the bag now....
I'm highly considering staying here a 3rd year!!! I'm gaining an interest in HIV/AIDS, as well as International Health and Development. And, well, I'm living internationally, so why not stay here? I feel like I'm back in school, and I've not finished learning. For my 3rd year, I'll get to pick my own project. So, though I'm still discussing it with my director, I'm thinking of doing some work for PC, as well as an organization such as USAID. Everything is still very early...but I'll keep you up-to-date! Needless to say, I'm pretty excited!!!
And for anyone interested in working in the States, or Internationally, with an NGO, UN, etc, check out the link for FundsforNGOs. There is a place on there where you can sign up for job opportunities - JobsinNGOs.
Well, that's about it for now....we have had to start saying our goodbyes to Group 36...they are about 2 months away from finishing their service. It's weird that they're leaving. And hard to say goodbye...but I know we'll all stay in touch and hopefully meet back up sometime soon! And we just had Group 40 come in last week to begin their training! There are 52 of them! And I've heard there are a few who will be up north, near me. So that's something to look forward to....
Well, time to sign out for now. I hope you are all well and safe and healthy and happy. This world is a-changin', but I have hope that it will all work out in the end.....
Love and Miss You All,
Johanna
p.s. Come visit me!!!! (since I'll be here an extra year - you have no excuse!!) :)
p.p.s. My sister and her boyfriend are racing in the IronMan in Lake Placid, NY today!!! I am so incredibly proud of her - this is her second one! As of right now, she is #17 in her age category!!! Go Cortney!! You are a true inspiration to never, never, NEVER giving up and continuing to push yourself to become better and better everyday! Love you lots!! <3
**Update- even through thunderstorms and lightning and the mountains, she came in at #16 in her age category!!!!**
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