Coast To Coast

A long overdue post. I seem to be doing more of that these days - - I apologize. I have been so busy! So let's backtrack... to January! 

My lovely friend, Kate, came to visit me for a whole month. I first met Kate at the University of Hawai'i where we both spent our freshman year of college. Despite us both transferring for our sophomore year, this gem of a woman has remained one of my very best friends. I'm convinced we would have a great time together just sitting in a cardboard box... HOWEVER, this is a blog about our ultimate adventure, from coast to coast. 

a map our our destinations 

I met Kate in Johannesburg to start our coast to coast adventures. We also met up with another friend and Peace Corps Volunteer, Ashley, to join us on our first leg of the trip. But first, we explored Johannesburg during the day before our bus left in the evening. We went to the Apartheid Museum and Kate received a crash course education on the history of Apartheid in South Africa. The museum was very well done and I wish I could have had more time to walk around... there was a lot to see and learn! Poor Kate was feeling really tired part way through the exhibits, but we carried on! From there, we went to the Lion Park outside of Johannesburg. We got to drive around and see several types of lions, fed some really friendly giraffes, and drum roll please..... we played with baby lion cubs! They were exceptionally adorable. 

Visiting the Apartheid Museum and the Lion Park in Johannesburg

After our day trips in Johannesburg, we boarded the bus for our first stop: Maputo, Mozambique. Welcome to public transport, Kate. Our first bus ride was about 10 hours and she got to experience the joys of sketchy border crossings at 3 AM. We arrived safe and sound around 7 AM and spent the day sorting out some boring administrative details which I won't go into. Let's just say that we were certainly longing for some helpful banks and customer service! We moved on up the coast to Tofo, after another five or so hours on a bus, and wound up in a delightfully beautiful location. It was my first time to see the Indian ocean and I certainly wasn't disappointed. The water was turquoise blue and the temperature was about the same as a lukewarm bathtub. Simply amazing. Ashley, Kate, and I spent our time lounging in the sun (much to Kate's liking), eating fresh fruit, and sipping on cocktails as the sun went down. Sounds really rough, huh? 

delightful Mozambique memories

From Tofo, we traveled further north to Vilankulos. We played in the ocean, enjoyed the beach, and explored the local marketplaces. The main highlight? A day trip to snorkel out by Two Mile Reef. While it wasn't exactly what we Americans would call a guided tour (AKA we were dropped off on an island with a cooler of food), the girls and I made the most of it and really enjoyed ourselves. We also hiked up to the top of the dunes on the islands to look out upon the reef and the Mozambique coast line. Really remarkable stuff! Oh, and while snorkeling, my scalp was severely burnt. You'll hear more about that later. 

Play time in Mozambique with Ashley & Kate

Sadly, we all boarded a bus again after about a week in Mozambique to head back to Botswana. It was time to show Kate my sweet village of Kang! 

Kate in Kang

Kate got the full tour of Kang and all the kiddos immediately fell in love with her (it's easy to do). I showed her a little bit of my life as a volunteer, although it's difficult to actually get anything done with a visitor around. And that is quite a beautiful thing because we got to enjoy other adorable moments. She helped me organize all the reusable sanitary pads my family sent with her to make kits for the girls at the school. She experienced movie night with my family and we appropriately watched Lion King outside under the stars together. Oh and remember that sunburn on my scalp? Kate was a trooper and she also spent that week picking thumbnail sized skin flakes off my head and slathering baby oil on top. It was a really entertaining week. Just ask Kate :O)

Then, we took off for our next country: Nambia. We stopped to see my friend TJ along the way, another PCV who lives close to the Namibian border. Windhoek welcomed us with a delicious meal - Kate tried all kinds of game meet: zebra, ostrich, kudu, etc. - and then we celebrated properly by going to a Karaoke bar. Kate rocked it! After Windhoek, we went to Walvis Bay to kayak with some sweet seals and check out the harbor. The rest of our time in Namibia was spent in Swakopmund. 

Nambia, round 1

In Swakopmund, we met a fun local guy who actually met some of my other Botswana PCV friends. He was our own little personal guide, showing us all the best places to go. Check him out in the photo above - - this guy was nuts. He could dance like a crazy man with a beer on his head without spilling a drop! Oh the people you meet... 

We soaked up the sun on the beach for a few more days, although it was MUCH colder than in Mozambique. The highlight? Skydiving! Kate and I first went skydiving for our 19th birthdays in Hawaii, so we decided it was time to go again. It was breathtaking to see the Namibian desert sand dunes lined up right along the coast. We had an amazing time - and celebrated after our dive with chocolate and beer. Just like everyone should. 

Namibia, round 2

From Namibia, we endured some crazy travel stories that are too long to type out - - so we'll just say that we made it back to TJ's house. After an evening in Karakubis, we were back on the road, hitching to Maun, Botswana. I wanted Kate to see the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. Kate met a few PCV friends staying in Maun and went on her first game drive! We had good luck and saw all kinds of wildlife - - giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala, hippos, warthogs, monkeys, elephants, tons of birds, and even A BABY LEOPARD! It was a lovely end to our trip together. 

End of time with Kate in Bots! 

We traveled back down to Gaborone, ate some yummy food, and flooded the airport with tears. I always hate to say goodbye to Kater -- especially after we had such an amazing month traveling together! 

And my final statement - Kate is a trooper. She endured a lot of crazy things on this adventure and she really just went with it. If you ask her, I'm sure she'll tell you I gave the PG rated account of our travels... but I'll just leave you to hear how crazy things were from her. 

That's it folks! A month of fun with one of my best friends. I sure am a lucky woman! 

Love & Light, 
TMV 

Made My Day

Here is a text conversation I had today that just melted my heart (I left the spelling exactly as it was, because that just makes me smile too..) Especially in a culture that doesn't express gratitude very well…

* * * * *

ME: That was so nice of you to help out at the event! I'm happy to hear it went well and you had fun too.

FRIEND: I try, it's just like u guys (Peace Corps), I always wanna do what I can to help because u've been selfless enough to come here & help us out & u work so hard, u've such a big heart & I wish u the very best in all u do…

ME: You just made my day :o) thank you! You are such a gem. This community is lucky to have you!

FRIEND: I mean it though, every time I see u guys, I'm like, wow, they endure so much just to help us, it humbles me, u're amazing.

* * * * *

Just a few words made my day. It was such a sweet thing to hear… in a thankless job, it's so delightful to hear any kind of appreciation for what I do.

And to top off my day… I spent the afternoon surrounded by my family I love so dearly. I played with the sweet lil cherubs, went on a walk with my sister, and had a surprise visit from my auntie.

morning play time at my house 

good morning, (my not so little) Ayanda

the sweetest thing to come home to -
Mama snuggling her great-grandbaby

our new tiny human we love & adore

silly Romeo 

my sweet auntie home to visit!

As things start winding down around here, I continue to remind myself that my job is to live, learn, and build relationships in another culture with the freedom to explore new things. And I think I'm so lucky… because I'm living in this moment - this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - that many people never get to experience.

My absence on my blog means one thing: I'm savoring all these precious moments and faces.

My day was made… by the sweetest and most simple things. I hope your day was too!

Love & Light,

TMV 

A Gift to Myself

A gift that will keep giving.

A gift that will transform.

A gift that I'll always carry with me.

I'm leaving the Peace Corps and giving myself the gift of YOGA.

I've decided to attend a 200 Hour Yoga Teaching Training Program in Rishikesh, India. The four week program runs from mid-June to mid-July. I will be attending the program with one of my favorite volunteers I served with here in Botswana, and I believe it will also be a great opportunity for us to sift through our emotions of ending our Peace Corps service.

I'll be pushed and challenged, attending classes six days a week and abiding by a strict schedule. I will learn more about yoga, meditation, and human anatomy. I will receive proper training to become a certified teacher. It will be a welcomed change of pace from my life as a volunteer.

I've always dreamed of doing this, and I'm beyond thrilled to take advantage of this opportunity.

This will be my belated 25th birthday present. A celebration of my success as a Peace Corps Volunteer. The chance to live out another one of my dreams.

I'm so incredibly grateful!

Love & Light,

TMV 

100 Days

100 days. 

That's it. 

That's all I have left in my service in Botswana. 

People keep asking whether it feels bittersweet... and quite honestly, I don't quite know how it feels. 
I'm wishing for more time. I'm unsure of what the future holds. I've changed so much since I've arrived in Botswana. I worry that I won't like America anymore. I am afraid of letting my memories of Botswana fade away. 

But mostly, I just can't believe that I only have 100 days left. 

100 days left to keep fighting for my community. 
100 days left to be an advocate. 
100 days left to listen. 
100 days left to spread my love. 
100 days left to tell people I believe in them.
100 days left to squeeze in all the hugs and kisses I possibly can. 
100 days left to read stories to the little ones. 
100 days left to enjoy the African sunrises and sunsets. 
100 days left to sit with my thoughts about my service. 

It may sound like a long time to you, but goodness, I wish time would slow down. 

100 days is not enough. 

Love & Light, 
TMV 

What Love Looks Like

Happy (belated) valentines day!

I've spent a lot of time the past few days thinking about Valentines Day. It's a funny day. I mean, really… I understand that some people like being showered in flowers, chocolates, and lovely presents. Some people love feeling spoiled by the person they love, and rightly so.

But that's just not me.

I think  love looks a lot different than that.

Love is so much more than romantic. Love is found in all areas of life, if we're looking for it.

Love is accepting your own flaws, as well as others.

Love is the twinkle in the eye of someone who loves you when they see you.

Love is soaking up the silence between two people, comfortable in each others presence.

Love is taking the time to help teach a new skill.

Love is helping to do the chores.

Love is the daily presence of someone in your life.

Love is communicating without words.

Love is celebrating the successes and comforting the failures.

Love is sweaty, dirty little fingers wrapped around mine.

Love is watching the sunrise and the sunset each day, knowing my Creator painted it for me.

Love is hugs and kisses, every day. Not just on valentines day.

Love is blind.

Love is the best kind of laughter that brings tears to your eyes.

Love is knowing that each person has entered the story of your life for a reason.

Love is a daring adventure.

Love is expecting nothing in return.

Love is laying on your back staring up at the stars.

Love is seeing your loved ones after you've been away.

Love is feeling your heart smile.

Love is cuddling with your favorite furry friend.

Love is giving more than you receive.

Love is writing your own life story according to your own heart.

Love is validating the self worth of others.

Love is scattering your dreams with the wind.

Love is empathizing with what others are going through.

Love is promising yourself to be better.

Love is being aware.

Love is sharing everything you can.

Love is continuing to believe. 

Love is exploring without hesitation. 

Love is refusing to let the bitterness in the world keep you from loving more.

That's just a taste of what love looks like to me.

"Love is a verb - it ain't a thing - It's not something you hold - it's not something you scream - When you show me love - I don't need your words - yeah love ain't a thing - love is a verb." -John Mayer

And I'm so blessed to have so much love in my life!

Love & Light,

TMV 

The Magic of Mirrors

Hopefully you all know of Romeo by now.

He's my little heartbreaker. My family here calls him my husband - - because I told them I won't love any man here (taken!)… but they know I'm in  love with him.

For the lucky few who have met him… you know what a doll he is. I truly  can't even use words to describe it. He's this precious little bundle of joy  that was dropped down from heaven.

Anyway, I have an entirely different relationship with Romeo than I do with  the other kiddos. The other kiddos have an interest in learning English &  talking to me. Some of them just talk to hear their own voice (ayanda!). But  lil Romeo is a man of few words.

Since day one, Romeo has been sweet, respectful, and attentive. If I asked  him to do something (in English or Shekgalagari), he would do it. But never has  he bothered with talking to me. I used to watch him talk to the other kiddos or  his grandmother and wonder when he would ever begin to talk to me…

And ladies and gents - - the time has come. Romeo speaks to me now!

Slow at first…. Just a simple - BONA, BOITSHEPO! (look, boitshepo)

Then…. CATSE YA KO E KAE? (where is your cat?)

And we've progressed to talking about all the animals in books. He'll list  the animals, I'll ask him to point them out, he'll tell me what the animals  say…

Just precious. And why now, after all this time does this sweet lil 3 year  old start speaking to me? To pull on my heartstrings… I swear.

But the best part of all came today.

Romeo LOVES my mirror I had hanging on the side of my fridge. He has taken  it down and plays with it now… and I love catching him admiring his reflection.

This new toy has opened up a whole new avenue of discussion. He's less shy  about talking to me when we talk in the mirror. It's a game! He'll hold things  up in the mirror in front of us and talk about them. He'll hold eye contact in  the mirror. He talks and talks and talks!

A simple joy, I know.

But goodness, my heart just overflows.

And after putting his shoes on to go home and go to bed, a simple "i  lub you, Boitshepo" just leaves me on cloud nine.

These children are my world. Tiny humans are the best!

Love & Light,

TMV 

New Year, New Resolutions

I've been thinking a lot about new year's resolutions. I think they're funny. Mostly because people make them, forget about them, neglect them, or work at them for a limited period of time. Last year, I chose seven new resolutions to live by. Seven that I just couldn't imagine life without. And I stuck to them. Of course, I posted them in my kitchen to see every day, but I can honestly say I lived by them.

And I'm not ready to let them go. 

So this year, I'm adding to the list. I'm keeping my old ones, because I think they made me try to be a better, more relaxed person, and I'll add my new ones to live by this year. 

This year is going to be a big one for me. I finally feel like I am aware that I'll be saying bye to this sweet place and familiar faces. I'll have 1/2 the year in Bots, 1/2 the year in the USA. It's a lot of change, a lot of good-byes, a lot of hellos, a lot of new beginnings. So here's my list: 

1. Seek simplicity.
2. Keep faith.
3. Notice more. 
4. Love harder. 
5. Stand strong. 
6. Enjoy life slower. 
7. Spend more time under the stars. 
8. Treat others according to my character, not theirs. 

* * * * * and now my new resolutions for the year * * * * * 

9. No comparisons. 
10. Be calm. 
11. Embrace change. 
12. Savor precious moments. 
13. Believe in myself. 
14. Breathe through it. 
15. Follow my own truth. 

Love & Light, 
TMV