Pamela Lowry in Namibia, Africa with the Peace Corps: February 2006

Common Namibian phrases

I was thinking about all the funny sayings I've been hearing over and over since I've been living in Nambia. I thought I would share a few with you all:

I am coming just now - this actually means a person is leaving and will be back in anywhere from 5 minutes to 2 hours to a lifetime later. It took me until about last week to fully understand what this statement meant.
I am telling you - as mentioned in a previous post, this saying makes me laugh everytime. I've heard it used a lot in story telling as well as informing me about the latest gossip around town.
Neh - a common expression. I especially notice it when I'm talking with someone on the phone. "yes, this is Pamela, neh" However, I haven't incorporated it into my vocabulary.
Full Stop - this is a phrase learners use in the classroom when talking about a period at the end of a sentance. I've also heard it used in the context of dumping a girlfriend or boyfriend: "I put a full stop on him"
You must help me, do this for me, come with me, etc. - I noticed this phrase right away, because I've always used the word 'must' when something is a little more urgent or needs to be done right away. I thought things in Namibia needed to be done in a more urgent manor until I realized many people do not use the word 'should' or 'could'
Is it?! - this phrase is used about every other sentence. "I love your outfit" Is it?! "I went to the beach yesterday" Is it!? you get the picture.
Now Now - I didn't quite understand this one at first too, but I find myself saying it all the time. It simply means right now or hurry up. I often hear it in the context of "I am coming now now" Which usually means the person will be there within a few minutes.
My dear - this is one of my favorites. All the women in my office will be telling me a story, "I am telling you my dear..." I think this one is so sweet :)

I'm sure this list will expand as I pick up more of the Namibian lingo. It's truly fascinating to me because I love hearing expressions and the context they are used. Also, sometimes I don't really pick things up until I talk about it with fellow PCV's and we recognize the phrases that are used over and over.

What will become of this day?

There is simply no word to sum up all that has been happening in the last day, week, and now month. Chaos? Hmm....that's probably the best fit. I only slept in my new place a total of 2 nights. The place was not properly cleaned when we moved in, and honestly after being there for 2 nights, I was getting more and more disgusted with the condition. I think initially I was so happy to be out of the house and in a safe place that I overlooked the roaches and trash left behind. What I am now learning is that government property is often not taken care of, even by the ministry itself. I'm having a tough time finding the right people to talk to who will make something happen. The situation is just so frustrating.

However, things also couldn't be better! In the meantime, I am staying with my choir director in a flat in the back of the house. It is really nice, but best of all, she is amazing! She is one of the sweetest women I have ever met. She works so incredibly hard and has so much passion for music and reaching these kids in the choir. She has now asked me to lead the training choir which meets on Monday. This is such an honor, as it is great experience to work with young talented singers in a prestegious choir!! I am thrilled!

Secondly, my after school music class with MYO has great news. We had a meeting with 2 predominant members of the Swakopmund community who want to donate funds to support ONLY the music program at MYO!!!! This is huge! I am telling you, (a common saying here in Namibia!) with the classy teamwork of my counterpart Shannon, who wrote an amazing proposal, along with my music curriculum, they were very impressed. We initially thought we could get only recorders, however after I spoke of these kids never having formal music training, I would like to take more of an Orff pedigogical approach and start with basic rhythm instruments like xylophones and metalophones. They completely agreed with my idea (they are German, how could they not agree with Orff!!) and told me they know exactly where to get these Orff instruments for a good price. Amazing!

So, as you can see, I have a lot to be thankful for amidst all the chaos. Who knew I would move to Africa and be so involved in music here. Actually, it's been a dream of mine my entire life and now it's happening! Yay!

Moving Day=Yuck.

Right now, I am so exhausted. I haven' t felt this way since my marathon move out of Boston back in July. I think it is now confirmed that moving is one of the top things I absolutely hate doing. So combine moving, with not eating all day, and sitting in the hot sun, oh the joys of moving.....

I ended up swapping houses with a family who has been living in the hostel at Namib High for the last 5 years. I think all around it will be a much better situation for us all, as the house is much more suited for a family than 2 single girls. The flat at the hostel is really really big! There are 2 bathrooms, a large kitchen, large sitting room, and a nice braai (barbeque) area out front. Plus, we have the protection of 70 boys around us! (yes, we are now living at the Boys hostel!)

My day began at around 10am when I went with another TRC collegue to pack up the dishes and books. Then we had to wait around forever for the moving truck to arrive. The truck didn't arrive until let's see, almost 3pm!!!! Once it arrived, we had to move all the furniture in the house to one room in order to unload the family's things. Then we had to fun task of moving huge tables and wardrobes onto the truck. At this point I just kind of stood around, there was no way I was going to be able to lift any of it! Once everything was on board, yeah....the truck wouldn't start!!! (it is only now that I can sort of laugh about it!!) So now we had to go find the mechanic or someone with jumper cables....and it was already after 5pm. The entire town shuts down at 5. Luckily, someone knew someone who was able to help us out.

Once we arrived at the hostel, we were greeted with a dozen boys who were happy to help. Every time I thanked one of them for carrying something up, their response was "it's a pleasure miss" so sweet!

The day wasn't quite over, as I needed to get my room cleaned up and at least my bed made so I could sleep. My friend Foxy came over and we danced to music as we swept my bedroom floor. It was hilariously fun! It was actually a nice ending to such a crummy day. I am so tired and sunburned right now. Hopefully now I will be able to get a good night sleep. I'm sure if given the chance I could sleep from now (10:30am) until tomorrow. But, I guess I should get back to work though.

Safe and Sound

Hello Everyone!

Ok, so a lot has happened in the last week, I don't even know where to begin. I suppose I will start with what is now being referred to as the "incident." I will spare all the creepy details, but I will give you a general idea. I awoke last Tuesday morning at 4am to 2 men in my house. It was scary as hell, but fortunately my roommate and I are both safe and nothing serious happened. Waldo, my Associate Peace Corps Director (APCD) was in Swakopmund by 10:30 that morning all the way from Windhoek. He arrived along with the Safety and Security Officer, Blanche. It's Peace Corps policy to remove the volunteer from the scene and back to W'hoek for medical follow up. I was glad to be out of that house and away from anything familiar that reminded me of that night.

I arrived in W'hoek on Tuesday afternoon, with a small bag of clothes and things, thinking I would be back by Friday. Yes, I am writing 1 week and 1 day later....I JUST GOT BACK TO SWAKOPMUND!

This past week was crazy, I mean W'hoek is crazy in itself. It's dirty, loud, lots of people. I love it. Of course, I am a city person......However, there is only so much money PC will give in order for one to survive. I was out of money by Saturday. It's very easy to spend money in the capitol simply because everything you see you say "I can't find that anywhere in Swakop!"

I forgot to mention my house was broken into a second time since we moved out of the house. At this point, Peace Corps drove me back to pack up everything and get it out. What a whirlwind! (Did I mention it takes 3 hours each way from W'hoek to Swakop?)

I am grateful for my time in Windhoek. I was able to see many of my friends from Nam25....I'm not mentioning who, because we are technically not allowed to be in W'hoek without permission. But we did have a fabulous Indian dinner Sat. night. YUM!

The Ministry of Education is now going to put me up in a Hostel at Namib High School. Hostels are very common here in Namibia, and all of Africa I believe, simply because the land is so vast. The learners live at the school and return home (many live on farms) during breaks. I am happy with this arrangement, because I know it will be safe. I haven't yet seen my new flat, but I've lived in a closet before in Boston. I can live anywhere!

Thank you to all my friends and family for your thoughts and well wishes. I'm sure now that this traumatic experience is over, I can move on and really have a great time being a volunteer. I look forward to all the great things ahead!

Double Rainbow

My house!

There's a separate room for the toilet, shower, and bath...it's kind of strange, but it's great!

My room...I've fixed it up a little since this picture, but you get the basic idea :)

My friend Patrick and I at the swearing in Ceremony

Lindsay, me, Snoti, and Karen

Our Omaruru CBT group (we all trained together for 4 weeks)

Mariel, Caitlin, and I

New Year's Eve Dance party

Erikka and I right before our Swearing In Ceremony

Me with my buddies Andres and Emily. They took me by the hand and showed me all around the farm. The only speak Oshiwambo, so I would just sing to them and they would dance :) They also like me to chase them around. So cute!

This is a small picture, but hopefully you can see the overloaded Bakkie!

My host brothers...they are so fun!

Mariel and I on the way to my host family's farm

My host mom and little Dori Ann

My first experience watching a goat being slaughtered. I felt really bad taking pictures of it, but everyone was so excited it was my first time seeing this, they encouraged me to take pictures.