Picture it: two girls running, ok, more like waddling quickly, towards one another on the side of the road somewhere in sub-Saharan Africa. One dark skinned with wild curly hair and an overfull red daypack, the other with super blonde hair, freckles, and a green pack just as full, if not more.
This reunion was a glitter twin reunion. My fellow diva, a girly girl trying to survive in rural Lesotho, Jessalynne and I have obviously missed each other. This wildly strange and comical (hey, you try running with 15lbs on your back- I bet you’d look ridiculous too) reunion was also the beginning of some of the best days I’ve had in Lesotho so far.
It’s called and All Vol. It’s a time when All (most) of the VOLunteers in country get together, hence the name. Yes, we have sessions of training and venting about our sites, but we also have evenings free to socialize. Let’s just say this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday end up being delightful and dehydrating.
When we arrive in Mazenod, right outside of the capital, we wait for the other volunteers. This is also a time for us CHED ‘11’s (my group) to meet the rest of volunteers in country. We all arrive, hug, kiss, and probably a lil too much squealing. We watch a touching video commemorating the 50th anniversary of Peace Corps.
Then, we eat dinner and begin socializing. Let’s just say we reconnect and I smoke entirely too many cigs. I meet tons of people, and a very important person, who redeems her first impression by being genuinely interested on the meaning of my ink-Yep, Kelly listened to my whole rant about my back piece.
The next morning comes too quickly, and we are at breakfast by 7am-far too early for me. I did, however, get the chance to take an EARLY morning HOT shower and even did my hair!! No more nappy dirty hair for Cassie. We have a few morning sessions and then we head off to the ceremony. Men in jackets and ties while the ladies are in our best dresses from ‘Merica. We clean up nice if I do say so myself ;) Amanda dubs my taupe pencil skirt, black turtleneck, and leopard print scarf, Business safari-BAM!
The morija museum is small, but pretty and the grounds are completely covered in red, white, and blue decorations. The ambassador and the king are present, so we begin the show. Many people speak ,a nd the camera guy for whatever tv station, how would I know I don’t have a tv, is working real hard to get everything-especially when two groups from a local school perform traditional dances.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KBXOg7pbKA
Then comes the good stuff-no not food, I’m offended-it’s time for us new volunteers to Swear-in (again!)
My group, which I lead, alphabetical, while we take the oath-the same oath that the president of the United States takes-serious stuff. Then, we shake the hands of the ambassador and the king. Exciting right?! I totes touched a king-My grandbabies will hafta hear this story more times than they will ever care to hear it ;)
Once the ceremony concludes, we feast! In true PCV fashion we overeat and enjoy every bite. We dance, laugh, and a few people don’t mind sneaking off with me while I sneak a cig or two ;)
We head back to our “hotel” which is more like a mental hospital converted over and the rooms are at best, TINY. We begin to All Vol Talent show. Hot damn, Peace Corps Volunteers are talented! Poetry, singing, dancing-we have it all. My good friend, Tara Daggum Hughes, preforms a song written by her in honor of my upcoming birthday. It’s amazing and makes me laugh-HARD.
As a finale of the talent show, a group of volunteers preform a well choreographed dance to the “hit” Friday by Rebecca Black. It’s on youtube under Friday dance Peace Corps Lesotho. Yep, I live, work, and love these crazy people. DISCLAIMER: To do PC you kinda sorta definitely have to be a little unstable and totally okay with regular humiliation. It’s in the fine print of the application.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJyo9vzNepo
After the talent show, we feast! Yeh, starving in PC just doesn’t happen. Anywho, the priest who lives on the compound donates a few boxes of beverages and our last night begins.
The best part of these few days was the last night. We literally had a dance party, remnant of my ATL days, with a bunch of people. Granted it has its PC flair, but goodness it was fun. The Basotho can dance, and I’m pretty sure we all learned a few new dance moves. It was epic to say the least. I did the salsa all night with Jessalynne and someone even did the worm. A few boys shaved their heads and I got to talk about my fave show, The L Word, with a few new friends. The nights ends with Tara and I singing Dixie Chicks in the bathroom while our friends shower. Idk why this always happens, but our southern root betray us at times and this is what happens. I teach Kelly how to shag, and I’m off to sleep.
The next morning comes too quickly-4 hours of sleep just isn’t enough. I bask in one more long shower and head off for a few last sessions.
These few days make me realize that PC is exactly where I am supposed to be. While I may miss my family and friends immensely-I do have a family here. And well, that’s just the beginning of why I love my PC family.
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