Where in the world is Botswana?

When I tell people "I'm moving to Africa with the Peace Corps," the overwhelming favorite response is not "Oooh! What an experience!" or "Congratulations!" It's "WHY?!?" To redirect my blog and answer everyone's questions, I've decided to answer the who, what, when, where, why, and how of my choice to join the Peace Corps.

I have to put this disclaimer:  The contents of this blog post

 are original thoughts and opinions. In no way does it reflect the views or policies of the Peace Corps or the U.S Government.

Let's start with the WHY: Every year around February, I get pumped up about the massive, i.e. $750, tax refund I'm fixin to get. This year was no different. I finally received all 4 of my W2's. You read right, 4 of them. I worked 8 days a week all of 2011, 3 or 4 jobs at a time. Having worked all of those hours and paid all of those taxes, I expected a hefty refund. You can imagine that I was shocked when Uncle Sam informed me that I OWED MONEY. Yeah. Not only did I get no refund, but I had to PAY! After shelling out $500 that I didn't have, I decided that I would not spend another year working my ass off, barely making ends meet, and then having to pay extra money to a corrupt government. I looked into my options and decided that with my experience and temperament, I would be a perfect candidate for Peace Corps Service!

Who: The Peace Corps is a government agency founded by President John F. Kennedy in the 60's to promote peace and friendship between Americans and other countries worldwide. Volunteers are selected through a rigorous application process. That's right. VOLUNTEERS. Peace Corps Volunteers serve for two years, sometimes more, in communities where they act in various capacities as consultants, educators, facilitators, etc. Volunteers are given a cost of living allowance and an adjustment allowance at the end of service. Volunteers are expected to live modestly in their community (which may be considered poverty to us rich Americans) to build trust and credibility with community members.

What: I was invited to serve as a School and Community Liaison for Life Skills volunteer in Botswana, departing September 2012. This means that I am going to be working in a school, not necessarily as a teacher, but more in a guidance/counseling capacity. I will be educating about HIV/AIDS prevention, sex, menstruation, and all other uncomfortable/coming of age topics. There are a lot more duties of my job, but I will speak on those in future blogs. I will also have a secondary project that may include a community garden, clubs, etc. For those of you who know me, you're probably thinking "that is perfect for Sarah. She isn't afraid to talk about ANYTHING." Peace Corps always puts people where they are most likely to succeed and they hit the nail on the head.

Botswana is the dark blue country! It's a little bit bigger than Texas.

Where: The Peace Corps does not let you choose where you go, but I'm delighted with my assignment. I'm serving in Botswana, Africa. Where in the world is Botswana? Botswana is a dry county in Southern Africa-not to be confused with South Africa- with a sparse population of only 1.7 million people. Botswana became independent from Great Britain in the 1964 and has since been governed smartly and with minimal corruption. Botswana is one of the richest countries in Africa thanks to their diamond mines and wise governing. Despite their booming economy, Botswana has the second highest prevalence rate for HIV/AIDS in the world: 1 in 4 adults is estimated to be infected with HIV. This is staggering. The people of Botswana speak two languages English (taught in schools) and Setswana, a Bantu language only spoken in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. Many people have asked me, "Are you gonna have to wear a scarf on your head?" The Batswana, the name for people of Botswana, are a mix of Christian (70%) and other, traditional beliefs (30%.) Botswana has lots of wild animals: lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and leopards!

A lechwe in the Okavango Delta.

When: On September 11th, on a plane departing at 9:11a.m. (no shit), I fly to Philadelphia for a day of orientation. At 2:30a.m. on September 12th, me and 34 of my fellow volunteers will get on a bus for the JFK Airport to fly to South Africa and then to Botswana. After nearly a a day of flying, we will spend the night in a lodge in the capital of Botswana, Gaborone. The next day we get on a bus for the village of Kanye, where our 9 weeks of training will take place. In Kanye, we will be matched with our host families (during training you live with a host family) in a fancy schmancy reception. We will spend the weekend with our new families and begin training the following Monday. Towards the end of training, I will find out where I will be spending the next two years. I may or may not have electricity/running water! What an adventure!

How: Deciding to begin the grueling application process for the Peace Corps was by far the best decision I have ever made. It took two interviews, many essays, $2000 in medical tests, and an infinite amount of patience but the time has finally come for me to pack up and ship out! I have become a master at jumping through flaming hoops but I know that it will all be worth it when I'm living in a village without air conditioning, swatting at bugs the size of mice, and using the latrine by the light of my head lamp.

Look at that sunrise!

To all my friends and family who have tolerated me through the app process, thank you! I'm hoping that I will have internet access and I can update you regularly with all the excitement of a Kentucky girl roughing it in Botswana!

Until next time,
Sarah

PS-if anybody has any questions, you can direct them to me at my email address: doodlebug1285@gmail.com