49: The number of days I have left in Botswana

As my time in Botswana starts to dwindle down…Ive begun to think about the experiences Ive had, the funny stories I now have, the places I’ve been to, and the things I may (some surprisingly) miss. In future posts to come, I’ll be sharing some of those moments. Today, its all about numbers...

57: The number of trainees who Swore In as official Peace Corps Volunteers on June 9, 2010.

1: I have had one cat. I actually haven’t been alone for the past 2 years. I’ve been kept company by one little cat, who I named Keyara. She was born on the 4th of July (how fitting!) and has been so sweet and cuddly. She’s also had her moments of spazziness, running all over the place, making all kinds of funky noises. She’s always trying to either lie directly on me or now that it’s getting colder—she weasels her way under my covers to snuggle. Im going to miss her incredibly but I’m happy to say she’ll be heading to live with another volunteer (not sure who yet) to keep them company for their 2 years.

61: The number of volunteers who have stayed at my house

3: The number of counterparts I have had. We all know that’s been a long journey…but now that I look back on it; I realize how far I’ve come! And 3 is also for the number of houses I’ve lived in while being here. I lived in Molepolole for the first 2+ months during Pre-Service Training; with the very gracious-Sekete family. Then moved to Tlokweng and lived in the house for most of my service. But in October/November was asked to move to a flat in the same area…and I’ve been there ever since!

6: The number of countries I have traveled to! South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana! All GREAT trips!!

112: The approximate number of nights that volunteers stayed with me.

2: The number of birthdays I have celebrated here! I celebrated both my 23rd and 24th birthdays here in Botswana. Both were great! I won’t forget sitting in my room (while several friends were in the living room watching a True Blood episode), staring at the instant play by play streaming of the JMU vs. VT game…and SCREAMING out of excitement! My friends thought I was crazy! But Im looking forward to celebrating my quarter-century birthday in the states this year!

43: The number of volunteers who officially “COSed”! Congrats Bots9! Our roller coaster ride is coming to an end but I wish you all the best in future endeavors!

4: The number of Ghostbusters and members of KISS that were present at Halloween parties here in Bots! Haha to the 3 other girls who dressed up with me for Halloween! I think we need to get together next year…whats our costume going to be?

6: The number of Bots9 volunteers that are extending! Five of them will be extending for another year; and one will be sticking around for 3 extra months!

44: The number of STEPs screenings I have held.

786: The total number of days I will have lived in Botswana for.

And then there’s things like the number of…combis I’ve rode in, cakes I’ve baked, movies/tv shows Ive watched, savingrams I have written (memos), proposals I have turned down, cows/goas/chickens/donkeys that I have passed on the road, etc. And the answer is…TOO MANY!

Next up: Top 10 favorite moments during my service

Today marks...

TWO years of being in Botswana. On April 12, 2010 I first step foot in Africa. I remember it being dark on the way from the airport to the hotel; and being bummed that I couldn't really see anything. I remember being groggy and tired after 20+ hours of flying on a plane and sitting in airports.

57 of us started. 43 of us will complete our 2 years. 5 people are extending.

More to come later!