Wow almost two weeks since I left C-bus and I haven't cried yet! Not to say I'm overly emotional (I am) but I expected to be sadder than I am. The reason for my lack o' saddness is Namibia has been incredibly welcoming to this American and there is literally nothing I can complain about. Arrival was tiring, but smooth for me... It's got to be because I am such a smooth talker to officials during immigration processes that it'd be shocking if they didn't let me through. We were greeted by the money handler of PC Namibia Karen, Carolina who is our ACPD coordinator or placement liason, and Loise who is the assistant to Dr. Justin and Aunty Kate who are our PCMO or Peace Corps Medical Officers for Namibia.  After collecting our baggage (I'm sure we were judged for being over-materialistic but whateva) we headed out to meet the rest of the clan of greeters and were welcomed by a loud awesome bunch of resource volunteers, S/O to Nicole, Brett, and Alicia for beeing BAMFs! The heat was ridiculous upon arrival, but heck we were all expecting that. 

I could tell everyone was super excited to meet us but I felt a soft wave of saddness among all the PC staff, and this was because of a recent passing of a dearly loved PC volunteer in group 35 who had passed away just a few days prior to our arrival. There is more information on here: http://www.peacecorps.gov/media/forpress/press/2342/ Please send positive vibes and prayers to her family, friends, and PC family and friends! News like this is hard to digest during these difficult times, but hopefully her passing will give all of us a greater push to make a difference during our time in Namibia, just as she had after hearing about her efforts form PC staff and other volunteers. Cheers to Ashley! 

Our first 6 nights in Namibia were near Kakuri Learning Center where we were fed more than enough food and the times there were reminiscent of camp for me with roomates, dining halls, and LOTS of GOSSIPING. We had quite a bit of rain for a few days, but I loved it! Slept the longest when it would rain and the skies were incredible, I could stare up for hours, but didn't for fear I would crack my neck! This time was a good period to get comfortable with Namibia because we were situated in Okahanja, Namibia, which is about an hour from the capital Windhoek, Namibia. We were able to hangout at Rhino's restaurant, which has WI-FI and solid food albeit expensive. 

  Now our Pre-Service Training (PST) classes are quite long, from 7:30am-4:30pm and consist of safety and security sessions, cross-cultural training workshops, HIV/AIDS informational sessions, and language training...there are many other topics, but I'm not going to bore you with the details on that. I was recently placed in the Afrikaans speaking group with four others and I couldn't be more excited to start learning Afrikaans. It is a challenge to say the least, mostly because you have to speak with your throat, which I've never done... But in time I guess I'll get the hang of it ek hoop (I hope). Other than the frustrations of not getting the accent Afrikaans es uitstekende (excellent)! My language trainer is called Aunty Martha and she is the hippest old woman in all of Namibia! I'll have pictures of her in the coming posts, she is quite camera shy!  

I've moved in with my host family for PST and they are super modern, so definitely not what I expected outta my 3 months stay =) I live in the town titled Smarties (yes, named after the delectable candy) known for its vibrant colours! I finally have younger siblings that I can boss around (quite the contrary) 1 host brother who is 11, 1 host sister aged 6 and a baby host sister aged 1. My host brother helps me with homework, my host sister is the head boss of me apparently, though I didn't get this memo until two days ago, and my baby sister who makes it a habit of stealing very expensive personal items from me. I've told her parents my predictions for her future career is of a stunt double in hollywood movies because she has a habit of climbing up furniture and jumping off... 

Yesterday we travelled to Heroes' Acre, which is a memoriam dedicated to all those who faught for Namibia's independence in 1990 and sacrificed their lives for the betterment of Namibia. Heroes' Acre is about 15km from the capital Windhoek and I was increidlby honoured to visit this site, there are 174 tombs, 11 of which actually have the remains of heroes and heroines from 2002 onwards. There are 9 symbolic graves as well. There is also an eternal flame to symbolize the undying spirit of those who were courageous enough to fight for independence. 

The last portion of yesterday was spent at the new Heroes' Museum that had opened just last Thursday. This museum was a bit more visual of the struggle to independence. I was quite touched by these visualizations because a lot of these horrendous acts occured around the time I was born. There were numerous paintings showing quite clearly what had happened to members of SWAPO (South West Africa People's Organization) and other young men not affiliated with SWAPO, women and children. If any villages showed signs of assisting members of SWAPO their houses were burned down and many were killed. 

I have learned a great deal this past week, and I do apologize for not completing my first post ages ago... It's just taken some time to adjust =) Oh, and don't worry, most posts will not be this long... 

Cheers from Namibia! 

Sinthu