After 9 weeks of PST, we were sworn in today by the US Ambassador as official Peace Corps volunteers in Namibia.
It was a moving ceremony, the stream for which you’ll find on Periscope when you search for “Namibia.”
The Okahandja Youth Choir sang and danced for us.
After heartfelt goodbyes, and a quick load of all our luggage into our counterparts’ vehicles we began to disperse to all corners of this vast country.
In our possession were our new Group 43 t-shirts that I was pleased to help get made. The design was modeled after the Namibian hand gesture that resembles the shape of the country (see how the thumb forms the extension of the Caprivi Strip into the Zambesi Region?). I’m very happy with how they came out!
3 hours after leaving my American colleagues in Okahandja, I arrived to a very warm welcome by my new Namibian colleagues in Arandis.
I will live in a new and quaint 2-bedroom bungalow with running (hot!) water and electricity – more than my friends will get in their huts in the North and I feel very fortunate!
Aloha, Chris!
…and so your adventure in Namibia begins!!! Looking forward to “traveling” on this journey with you – vicariously. Will check-in on your blog often. Photos of local food and art/crafts would be especially enjoyed! FULL STEAM AHEAD! Blessings, Irene/15 Craigside Library.
Thank you, Irene! You’re free to check in whenever you can, or to enter your email address to receive a notification whenever I post something new. I’m a bit behind as I settle into my new home but hope to get back on track soon. Some “food” pictures can upset people – how about you? E.g., this was from a friend’s celebration dinner last weekend… Too graphic?
Congratulations !
(So – for your first step – you are bringing custom T-Shirts in. Nice.)
Ha! Yep, there was no way I could avoid chairing the t-shirt committee…
I’ve been enjoying your Flikr photos when I can get online – thanks for sharing! Hope you’re well!
Chris-
Glad to hear that you are finally in your new assignment!
Your positive attitude will be a big plus for whoever you are working with.
I admire your “pioneer spirit” and your sense of adventure- as Rudyard Kipling once said…”you’re a better man than I am. Gunga Din…”
Cheers,
Cap’n Van
PS
I took Tyler out for a nice sail to Capitola before he left for South America- he’s a real adventurer, too- I guess the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree…
Be safe, you’re not missing much in the US with the crazy election rhetoric…
Thanks for your kind words, Van! I’m not missing the “crazy election” stuff (actually, it’s hard to avoid it – even here) but I am missing the ocean! I head to the coast today for a meeting and look forward to smelling the sea air! Take care!