A New Month!

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December 1 was our region’s Thanksgiving celebration, our Friendsgiving, and it was just what the doctor ordered. I made a sweet potato casserole and volunteered to show volunteer, Kelly, how to make the stuffing/dressing and gravy. I think there were 12 of us but I am not 100% sure. I do know that it was a fun crowd and I felt at ease with everyone. PCV Will, an English teacher at the primary school, is a generous host and has it down to an art form.

Sam and Sara, from my group 48, were there and it felt like seeing long lost friends. We saw each other every day for over 2 months and then nothing after swearing in. It is a bit of a shock to not have your training buddies around anymore even those you may not have been close to. They are your Namily and like family, they may frustrate you or you take them for granted, but you miss them when they are gone.

I helped volunteer Bryce problem solve his Mac ‘n Cheese dilemma which was basically to do nothing, I showed Kelly how to make dressing, I attempted making gravy, but the power went out and it never thickened. We decided to eat without it since the last of the fried chicken strips were done and all the other sides were getting cold. It was a feast!

Zach was the DJ of the day and much to my surprise it was mostly oldies and according to him, not because of me. Think “The Big Chill” with everyone moving to the music as they were preparing their dishes and hanging out. Maggie and Rose brought their dogs which is always added entertainment. Paavo, a teacher at the Primary School and the hostel superintendent, is a kind, sweet man who opened the school kitchen to us and shared in our celebration.

December 2 was my housemate’s son’s Baptism. There were about 20 baptisms which took a long time. They honored 4 couples that are getting married this month and then there was some kind of gift exchange, and there were multiple preachers. The service was 4 hours! There was lots of singing, no instruments, just singing and celebration noises they make. The kids can go in and out of the service and mostly play in the yard. Unfortunately, the babies are held, rocked and are mostly unhappy if they are awake. The service is not usually this long. It was due to the baptisms and a bunch of end of year announcements and activities. Oh, it was all in Oshiwambo so I could not understand the words, but I could still get the gist of what was happening. A family reception followed at a local resort and I felt honored to be part of their special day.

All for now, with all my love