Its been a while huh???

So i just thought about it and last time i posted anything was about a month ago...jees. Well I am an official Volunteer now and I have my own home and my own assignment. It's in the northern part of Lesotho, in the Leribe district. It's at a center that was originally started for disabled adults and then it has slowly evolved into a center that houses disabled adults and children, orphans, has a primary school, an agriculture group, hat weaving group, Warrior Women and a sports group...oh and a youth group. SO! I will have my hands full for the next 24 months...that's a guarantee!

The previous volunteer at first was going to extend for a year and then changed his mind because he missed his mommy and daddy too much! Anyway, he did extend for a month which means that he and I overlapped for 4-5 weeks. Which is very much awesome, except that we have gotten to know each other so much we can pick on one another like brother and sister. But he just had his going away party yesterday and let me tell you...every single person in the project had fallen in LOVE with him...which means I have huge shoes to fill!!![I keep forgetting how to spell words in English..its the most peculiar thing...]

Anyhow, too bad I can't post pictures for a while. Actually I probably could sooner but i dont want viruses on my camera!! and I just haven't figured it out! The peach trees started to bloom about 2 weeks ago and believe me they are all over Pitseng (where I live)!!! They are beautiful pink and purple! Oh and Ntate Moshe is leaving a dog for me to take care of -- I have no objections whatsoever. Although Seshlana will never replace my OBI!!

I have had to some harsh realizations too, while I'm here. No not everything is honky dorey in these parts. Ask my mom. She knows. I've already called her (in the middle of her work day at that!) and started sobbing. It's kinda like I've read about all kinds of things -- conditions, diseases, hardships and then I've discusses in theory how would be the best to solve some of these issues, but its much MUCH MUCH different when you see it up close and personal! This little 5 yr old single orphaned girl was left all by herself and given food only once a week. Nobody visited (except the father who dropped off a single bowl of food once a week) because they were all scared of her or what diseases she might give them... Just think about that.
WELL. I met this little girl. She did not laugh or make sounds or even smile when she first moved into our center. But now she has been here and around other kids and having people CARE for and about her and she smiles and laughs and plays and makes sounds. ALMOST TALKING!! Luckily, she will be starting ARVs soon and who knows after that??!! But just think how it COULD have turned out...hache.

Okay well just so you all know, I love all the letters and I actually received 3 of my packages! THanks mom and dad and Ryan and Krysta! Get ready for fall and winter and cold temperatures everyone back home in MI!!! Muahahahha

<3 Am