March 30, 2006 (written by Janeen)
Well we are back in Maseru and let me say, it is a very different feeling. It is Friday afternoon at the end of the month and the lines for the ATMs are HUGE! I bet people stand in line for about 2 hours or more! Most people get paid at the end of the month and then withdraw most of their money at that time, since the bank pretty much charges for any transaction (deposits, withdrawals, from the ATM and even more inside the bank). Plus most people here do not really save money. They live paycheck to paycheck.

Anyway, my friend and I walked around downtown Maseru and it was pretty crazy! I felt a little flustered because there were so many people around and I am not used to that. It kinda felt like the mall at Christmas time!

It is nice to be back around with other volunteers, but its pretty crowded at the training center this time because other volunteers not in our group are also staying with us because there is another group of volunteers also in town because they were having their Close Of Service (COS) conference and the transit house was full. There were a lot of volunteers in Maseru this week!

So this morning we talked to our country director about something very important to us. We have been considering adopting a child while we are here, but had to get his permission before we do so. He has given his blessing and we are going to start looking into that process. Its pretty crazy to think that within a year or so we could be parents!!!

Well next week we are off vacationing and are excited for that time. The only unfortunate part is that I have to grade papers while I am there. Report cards are due four days after we get back and my 200 students all took a quarter exam last Monday. My supervisor is going to bring them when he comes on Monday for a workshop. So I am trying to enjoy my time until I have the burden of that grading. Jason and my friend Nichol (who is my twin & born on the same day & year) have offered to help, so that will be nice.

We are coming up on the 5 month mark of being here. I can’t believe its been so long, but at the same time miss everyone like crazy. Love you and miss you much!