Well we have now completed our COS (close of service) conference. They do it early so that everyone knows all the logistics of things we have to do before we can get our “R” (as in Returned Peace Corps Volunteer). Getting on a computer has been a long line. For some reason there are a TON of volunteers in town. The seniors- our group (23 volunteers), the juniors- the CHED group (16 volunteers) were here for their one year re-connect, some of the sophomores- the ED group (not sure how many of them are here) are here for reasons I don't know, and even some of the freshman- the newest CHED group who've only been official volunteers for a month are also here. Back when we were new, we weren't allowed to come to Maseru for the first 3 months! Anyway all those people share 4 computers! I am typing this off line so that I don't waste any valuable time on the internet..
The conference was emotional, but no I didn't cry (but you can guess who did). They were trying to prepare us for the readjustment back to the states. Our boss calls it “reverse culture shock.” I don't know if they were trying to make us nervous or just trying to make us realize how difficult it will be. Apparently I'm going to want to talk about my time here and all of you won't understand (so they say). I mean I guess that's true because you didn't experience what we've experienced and your lives have continued and we haven't been a part of them at least not regularly and physically. So I guess you could say I am a little apprehensive about coming home. I mean I am excited to see everyone, but nervous about integrating. Not to mention finding a job in a time of economic decline. The pressure is more on Jason because I will most likely teach and therefore, he has to find a job first because that will determine our location.
So that's what I'm feeling right now. Pretty soon we'll start packing up our home and getting rid of stuff we're not taking with us. I guess now I can just focus on all the compositions I have to grade. I did an estimate the other day about how many I'll have completed by the time I am done and the grand total was 2,400! And that is compositions alone! I know you are all jealous and wish you could say you've accomplished such a feat! Love you all and can't wait to see you!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Saturday, September 06, 2008
September 6, 2008 (written by Janeen)
Well I am in the middle of grading compositions-- so not fun. I have only finished one class, which means I am left with 90. The bad thing about it is that my form C students (76 of them) are already going to write another test this coming Wednesday and its another composition and letter. So basically if I finish this weekend, which I really should do, then more papers will almost immediately fall into my lap. The only good thing about it is that THIS IS THE LAST ONE for my form C students! WOO HOO!! After we end this quarter they write their national exams. I REALLY hope that they all pass English. They write on October 13th and 14th. So if you want to say an extra prayer for me and them on that day, we'd appreciate it! Oh yeah and don't forget that we are 9 hours ahead, so you can pray the day before. I'm not sure if post-dated prayers work, but the results won't be out until at least January, so it couldn't hurt!
Here is an update on the cat-- It has now been just over 2 weeks since he sliced open his belly (which we had a nurse friend visit this week and confirmed that the bump is probably a hernia). Unfortunately, the stitches opened up this week. The worst part is that this time we can't stitch him again. We tried, but I couldn't hold him down. He was WAY more squirmish and part of the skin was beginning to attach to the stuff underneath. It was bleeding a lot more and we just couldn't do it. SO... we are now letting nature take its course. We are no longer keeping him inside. We'll see if it heals. He is still active and does all the normal cat things.
That's it for my news. Jason's building is supposed to start next week. We're a little worried that it won't get finished, but we are still hoping for the best. He is just about finished with the renovations. He is only left with some final touches for the playground. For all those who donated, the photos I had printed are on their way to Lesotho and soon will be sent back to the states accompanied by an official thank you card. We haven't forgotten about you, but we're on African time!
Love you and miss you all. 89 days and counting!
Here is an update on the cat-- It has now been just over 2 weeks since he sliced open his belly (which we had a nurse friend visit this week and confirmed that the bump is probably a hernia). Unfortunately, the stitches opened up this week. The worst part is that this time we can't stitch him again. We tried, but I couldn't hold him down. He was WAY more squirmish and part of the skin was beginning to attach to the stuff underneath. It was bleeding a lot more and we just couldn't do it. SO... we are now letting nature take its course. We are no longer keeping him inside. We'll see if it heals. He is still active and does all the normal cat things.
That's it for my news. Jason's building is supposed to start next week. We're a little worried that it won't get finished, but we are still hoping for the best. He is just about finished with the renovations. He is only left with some final touches for the playground. For all those who donated, the photos I had printed are on their way to Lesotho and soon will be sent back to the states accompanied by an official thank you card. We haven't forgotten about you, but we're on African time!
Love you and miss you all. 89 days and counting!
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