Life in the U.S. is full of distractions; that's probably not news to you, but it does come as a shock after living in a rondavel in Lesotho, where my only distractions were the sounds of roosters crowing at 4 a.m., donkeys braying day and night, dogs defending their territories, and Basotho villagers yelling across the corn fields. I used to think Continue Reading
Last Minute Glitch in Completing My Peace Corps Project
The day before the completion date of my Lesotho school renovation project, I got a phone call from my counterpart at 7 a.m. “The contractor needs you to buy 115 meters of electrical wiring.” “Why didn’t he tell me this before? We are running out of money.” “He didn’t know,” my counterpart said. “How much does it cost?” “48 Rand a Continue Reading
My Opinion on How to Get Things Done in Lesotho
My opinion on how to get things done in Lesotho is based on treating people like I'd want them to treat me. In the case of my school renovation project, it looks like the work will be completed before the scheduled date of November 28th. How come? Because I believe in signing contracts, treating people with respect, and: paying people on Continue Reading
Jealousy Over a Radio in My Village
“I’ll take the radio back to the shop if it’s causing arguments,” I yelled. “I’ve had it with petty gossip and jealousy in this village. “This radio has caused nothing but problems, and all I want to do is help.” My host “mother” was shocked to hear me yell at her. “Take the radio,” she said, pouting. I never wanted the radio Continue Reading
My Experience Working With A Contractor in My Village In Lesotho
I woke up at 4:20 a.m., excited and anxious about working on a construction project with a local contractor from my rural village in Lesotho, and his team of workers. I kept my fingers crossed there would be no glitches, and that we'd buy all the materials at the Basotho equivalent of "Home Depot." After that, I'd offer lunch to everyone at KFC Continue Reading
