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| My host brother becoming a herd boy |
Already my time in Lesotho has come to an end. I had a very busy last few weeks saying goodbye to everyone at school and my friends and host family. I tried to make sure I had at least a few more days of spending time at home with the neighborhood kids, doing laundry by hand, taking bucket baths, and all those other things I am really going to miss (really). I don't think I will ever have this type of lifestyle again and I know I will miss it. But I am also really excited to go back to the modern conveniences of showers, washing machines, and electricity. Will I ever have a house where lots of beautiful children just show up all day to play in the yard and herd the sheep, maybe, but probably not!
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| My Basotho Blanket |
On the last day of school we had a big parent meeting and the teachers and parents surprised me with a goodbye party. Several people gave speeches and I also had to give one. I tried not to cry and struggled through words to express my appreciation and good wishes for everyone. The students performed and I was given some gifts including a traditional Basotho blanket and hat. It was so special to hear everyone's good wishes. I hope that our friendships and connections continue. We had a big feast and then I had to say goodbye to many of the students and their families. I was able to spend some more time with the school staff later in the week when we had a staff party.
When school ended I spent a few days with my principal, one teacher and the Australian volunteer traveling in South Africa. We went to the coast and spent some time driving in reserves to see all of the animals. The teachers had never seen many of the African animals and it was really fun to see them together. We did an amazing Hippo boat trip and one of my friends had never been on a boat before. Everything is amazing when you experience with people who are having new experiences. We did some swimming in the Indian ocean and we collected a lot of sea water to bring back to Lesotho. Many people in Lesotho believe that sea water keeps away bad spirits and it is a great gift!
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| My teacher friends collecting sea water |
I was lucky to have such an amazing experience and learn about the Basotho culture. I will never forget my time living in the "Kingdom in the sky." Now I am enjoying a few days in Sweden with good friends and next week I will be back in the US. I can't wait to reconnect with family and friends. Thanks for reading!!
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| Saying goodbye to friends on the last day of school |
