My PC Family

It’s come to my attention that I haven’t told you much about the PCV’s I consider family here in Bots. I think it’s time to rectify that and share some funny little stories from our times together.

I have 2 PCV’s who are closest to me in proximity as well as relationship wise. These two, Nadine and Robert came over with me on the plane and hopefully will be around for many many years to come. Just so they know… I’m doing this in alphabetical order so as not to cause conflict between you to. Somehow I got really lucky to be place close to Nadine and Robert. They are both 61 years old and have become sudo-parents for me here.
Nadine lives in Kasane and is completely wonderful to open up her home to me when I need a place to crash. She works with an NGO called Fair Lady Day Care Center and is doing amazing things with her organization. Just this year she raised money to support something like 10 orphans for this school year. So cool. She is also working to make her organization self sufficient, although they have a long way to go to get there, she is really getting the ball rolling. Nadine has really taken me in as a daughter and is always there to give advice, listen to me vent, is an amazing cook, let me teach her how to make tortillas, bakes cookies with me, helps me with projects, supports my decisions, and is all around a wonderful woman. She was a complete Godsend during the holidays. She realized I was depressed & missing home, and she made me come into town to spend the holidays with her. When Justin was here, we had Thanksgiving with her. I had Christmas with her, Monica, Cassie, Liz and Leah. Her birthday is coming up this month and I plan on spending that with her too. Life here would be a lot tougher if I didn’t have Nadine around.

Robert is my resident psychologist and father. Dad… don’t worry he hasn’t taken your place; he is just filling in while I’m here. I absolutely adore Robert; he is my traveling companion, advice giver, never afraid to put me in my place, shares my sense of humor, is always good for a laugh, and currently is my reluctant partner in crime. Robert lives in Pandamatenga and works at the clinic like I do. His interests are very different from mine and he works more with the older community. Right now I believe he is working with support groups, the social worker, and the local police to cut down the alcoholism in his village. It’s a steady problem throughout the country and Robert is working hand in hand with his village to create self-esteem within the community so people face the problems rather than try to drink them away. Robert would fit right into the Tokar family, probably as an uncle or something. He has our same pick on each other, sarcastic, anything goes attitude. And it’s delightful to have him around to keep me grounded as well as protect me from whatever I may need protecting from.

Recently both Nadine and Robert had been really concerned about me. They see me and are typically the best judge of my character as well as mood. The could both tell I was going through a rough patch and took turns supporting me, talking with me, and kicking me in the butt when needed. I really do owe them a lot of thanks and I’m sure I will never be able to thank them enough for what they do for me here.
Now don’t get me wrong… I have more than just Nadine and Robert here to support and love me. Of course I have all of you at home, but I also have other PCV’s who rarely get mentioned because they are so far away. These PCV’s know who they are and know how much I miss hanging out with them, talking to them, and getting my daily quota of hugs. I love you guys!