Well everyone, it’s official, I am now a Peace Corps Volunteer! Last week, 33 of us gave the Oath of Service and Peace Corps Pledge to officially be sworn in as the 35th cohort to serve in South Africa. The day was filled with inspirational speeches, songs, and dances. I got shivers as our group proudly sang the South African and United States National Anthems, and teared up a bit as we belted out our cohorts favorite song; Shosholoza, one last time. A week before sware in, we had our Family Appreciation Day. It was a huge party, complete with a traditional cow slaughtering, to show gratitude to our host families. Culturally, only men are allowed to prepare the cow meat, but I think they saw the 'Wisconsin Hunter' in me and I was allowed to help. I’ll leave out the gory details of the meat processing, but I’ll just say that every single part of the cow was used. With all the excitement of these days, there was still a pit in my stomach knowing that it was the end of all that I had known in SA so far. The following days were filled with tough goodbyes to my host family, teachers and entire cohort as we all headed out to our final sites. I was shocked at how close I got to other PCV’s during these first months. When picturing my Peace Corps Service, it didn’t occur to me how much I would rely on other volunteers and how inspired I would be by them. We are now scattered throughout villages in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Now, I'm writing from my new village. Here is a photo of my room and belongings for the next 2 years. Even being just 3 months into service, I already feel like I overpacked. Over the next few weeks I will be attempting to transform this room into a fully functioning kitchen, bedroom, shower, and toilet (yes, I go to the bathroom in a bucket in my room once it get’s dark). Stay tuned!
9 Comments
Eileen Kennedy
4/17/2017 05:51:00 am
Wow, Josie! What an emotional time for you. I really enjoy reading about your experiences. Keep the posts coming! Good luck in this next part of your journey. I know you have so much to offer.
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Josie
4/18/2017 11:15:01 am
Thank you so much Eileen :) It mean's alot.
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Mom
4/17/2017 06:28:15 am
Hi dear daughter - just read your blog - written with your amazing levelheadedness & patience (those did NOT come from me :/). I know there is a lot going on there that you have not figured out how to put into words yet, and despite being able to text with you frequently, I look forward to your blog updates where I can get a better feel of how you feel "at the end of the day" instead of in real time. You are amazing - keep your chin up, good luck this week - and I have to ask....what kind of floor is in your bedroom? Is it concrete? Carpet? I can't tell from the photo.
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mom
4/17/2017 07:00:11 pm
https://youtu.be/qTsjQAW_ez0
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Josie
4/18/2017 11:14:22 am
Tack sa mycket Madre.
Katie Meland
4/17/2017 05:44:16 pm
Your courage and strength are so impressive. Look forward to hearing more about your experience.
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Josie
4/18/2017 11:09:41 am
Thank you for all the support and encouragement Katie! And for taking care of my parents while I'm away ;)
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Nikki
6/12/2017 05:56:29 pm
Josie! How I miss you! I was thinking of you today and thought I would take some time to reread your blog! You are such an amazing person, who will change the world one day very soon! Hope all is well in Africa! Love you lots!
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Josie
6/24/2017 11:06:52 pm
NIKKI! Thanks for the message and thanks for thinking of me! Miss you guys to bunches too. Can't wait for our reunion. Hope you have a awesome summer!!
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