For the first time in two years, I got to go home for the
holidays (which was awesome). I realized from people’s questions that it has
been hard for them to picture where I live. So, as I prepare to leave, let me
tell you where I have been living for the past two years.
My hut:
My hut is actually quite a nice room that is separate from
the main house. My host brother’s room, a storage room, and my room are all
under the same tin roof (meaning we hear a lot of each other’s going-ons) but
all have outward facing doors. The tin
roof makes for some awesome thunderstorms.
Electricity:
When I first arrived, my room didn’t have electricity but
after a couple of months my family was able to jankily hook my room up to the
main house’s electricity. It has had its ups and downs, including periods of
candle lit nights, but I currently have a light and an extension cord that runs
to the next room for power. My host family has a water tap in the yard; I fill
up a bucket to keep in my room for drinking, cooking, and bathing. When the tap
runs dry (for mysterious reasons, quarrels with neighbors, and things that I
don’t fully understand), my host family always has huge buckets of stored water
on reserve.
Bathing:
I rock the bucket bath every day (well, not in the winter
because I’m too cold). I squat in a basin and pour water over myself (usually
with a red solo cup that ventured my way in a care package). It’s not the
prettiest of sights, but it gets the job done. That being said, I have a huge
new found appreciation for hot showers.
Internet:
I’m lucky enough to serve in a country that values smart
phones. I’m unlucky enough to serve in a country that still loves the
blackberry [blackberrys are the worst…first world problems, right?]. I have
internet access on my phone for almost everything except video streaming and
buzzfeed. Unfortunately, my house is on the side of a hill and, therefore, in a
black hole for cell service. After two years, I have found some sweet spots in
my room where I can leave my phone to get messages. I also can get internet at
the center where I work but I limit myself (no videos/skype) because it is
expensive for the organization.
My Village:
My village is beautiful and full of people thrilled to hear
a zulu greeting from an American. Upon hearing I’m from America, people’s first
responses are usually, “OBAMAAA!”, “Do you know Jay-Z (pronounced Zed) and
Beyonce (BB for short)?”, or “Eish, I’d love to go there.” There are no
elephants, zebra, or giraffes roaming around but rather cows, goats, and
chicken. The roads are unpaved, houses are made of brick or mud, and on a clear
day, there is a fantastic view of the Drakensberg Mountains.
If you are looking for a new book to read:
Power Lines is written by Jason Carter (Jimmy Carter’s
grandson), who served in Peace Corps South Africa in 1998. Although he served
in a different part of the country, 15 years before me, he still has many
experiences and sentiments that have been very similar to mine.
