From the Author: Thabo Illustration samples

"Thabo Looks For The Animals" is starting the upload process. I received final illustrations today from South Africa. This is exciting.

Below are some of the illustrations. The illustrations are being done by students in South Africa. They are orphans and in an Art Programs sponsored by an NGO, Seeds of Life . We were introduced to this program while in South Africa.

When the illustrations are completed the story will be available on Amazon. Proceeds from the sales will be shared with the NGO to support their Art Program.
They are now completing illustrations with the narrative. As these become available I will share some.
I hope you enjoy them.


  

Two weeks and counting

We have been at the Back Packer since the 13th and last night Suzanne and I enjoyed a night walk, listened to live music at a nearby restaurant while enjoying a cup of tea with a brownie with ice cream. The two of us commented how nice it is to be able to do as we did.

Today we woke late and took a bus back to Khumbula to teach at the high school. We were told upon arrival there was no class but maybe next week. Yes, this is Africa. That is all you learn to say. So, we turned around and came back to where we started in the morning.

Between all that happens there are surprises. We asked the price for two potatoes and were told he did not sell just two. As we started to walk on he reached down and handed us three at no charge. That same shopping market day we were 20 cents short the price of carrots. " okay, bring it to me next time."

We received a call this morning before leaving to tell us Childline was looking at s flat today and could we come. Due to obligations we declined and did our work for the day. Strange was a second call asking about our where about. Checking, was our thought.

It nice to have light and air you can breathe.
That is our thought. And the owners of this Back Packer making this stay possible.

Cannot wait to share with all of you in person.

Marty

our one year anniversary in South Africa

Marty's and Suzanne's

As we celebrate our one year anniversary in South Africa we reflect on the year here.

Peace Corps has provided a Family and Friends Face Book link for those who want to stay in contact Book. Here it is:

 Family and Friends group

We have been tested mentally and emotionally. Suzanne  has been the strong one and support for me. I thank her for the presence she brings.

This country is a divergent mix of people and politics. The people are struggling toward their second twenty years of being out of apartied. There is distrust among many those of the same race and different races. As the only whites in a village of all blacks and coloreds we are obvious and approached often out of curiosity. The first thought is we are lost and need help finding where are going. Then surprise, when discovering we live here and are simply taking a walk (Si Hamba) after dinner.

From our perspective we look cautiously at all who approaches whom we have not met before, and make a mental note to change our route if suspect or given a look that is not good. So, there is distrust on both sides and caution.

We have ;learned to get inside by dark and if out after dark visiting friends we take a route known to us and often are escorted to our gate.This is how life is and we have learned to except it, not like it necessarily.

Still, we have made friends on the bus we ride everyday to and from Nelspruit. If we are missing for  few days one lady calls Suzanne to make sure we are al right. The people at the church we attend ask about us and how we are.

 

We visited Pretoria to see medical last week. We will be moving with the help of our org on the advice of the Peace Corps doctor. The garage we live in is damp and has too much mold. It has caused breathing problems for both of us. With the help of our org we will find a place to move after the first of the year.

The rainy season is upon us.Almost everyday there is rain, sometimes a thunder storm. When it rains hard we cannot hear anything above the sound of the rain hitting the metal roof of the garage. We find a flash light and sit to wait to see if the electricity goes out or not. Not much different in many other places. The rain has made our garden grow.

Church services are free concerts for the enjoyment. They are a mix of Ella Fritzgerald, Duke Ellington and Jimmy Buffet, a delight to the ears and a beat that makes your feet want to dance. We have enjoyed the people we have met through the church and are being invited to work with them more. Like anywhere, this took time for them to know us and us them.

We plan to get out  for the New Year and stay in town for a week. This is both for relaxation and the ability to do some day trips around the area. And yes, a regular shower where water flows over your whole body.

In a conversation about our trips we came to the realization we have seen the big five. It is important to get away and relax, play and not take life too seriously at times. The serious parts will wait for our return.

The holidays are different here. Our close friends are not here and Thanksgiving is not a holiday here. Christmas starts later which is nice. But the poverty in the communities make New Years more important to the people here, hoping for a better year, maybe a job or pay increase at one they already have. It is lonely not celebrating with our close friends and family, but a joy to share with the friends we have made here.

This coming year promises to start with projects we have been working to get started since August. In perspective this is not so long, but we are anxious due to we will soon be counting our second and last year of service. I feel the year 2015 will bring Suzanne and I closer. We hope success will mark our progress as we continue to work with the people we know.

That is all for now.  Stay Safe and Have A Blessed New Year

Suzanne and Marty

 

From the author: Rainy days

It is summer here and the rains come every other third day or so. Last
night it rained through the night until early morning just before we
got up. Before it rains you can see the steam in the air that hangs
like smoke. It is the moisture caught in the air.

We are doing well and keeping busy. Also getting around the local area
to see Gods Window and other sites.
Some people have asked about Chagall dragons are not big in stories
here. It is more hippos and elephants with an occasional giraffe. So,
I would not expect it to become a best seller, but I plan to share some copies.

 

From the Author: A Letter from Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Ra​delet

NDirector of Peace Corps addressing the Ebola Epidemic and response to date.

To date all reported cases of Ekabola in South Africa have tested to be negative or Malaria. While Malaria is not good it is easier to avoid, treat and contain. If Noah had swatted those two mosquitoes on the Ark maybe there would be no Malaria.

We are well and working hard. Also taking time out to see some of the area around us. Returned from Regional Training in Tzaneen where we stayed in a 4 star hotel and showered every day. And yes, we learned a lot too.

Busy writing trainings and helping out in general.

More later.

From the author: Almost a vacation

It is Friday here just after noon. We go to training in Tzaneen, about a 4 hour ride for Peace Corp Training. This means ten days of luxury. Almost a vacation.

South Africa is a land of contrast both geographically an socially. I have started a story on this theme. I truly have no idea where it may go. The working title is "Reflections of an Angry Land". So no doubt it is a more serious topic.

The rainy season started with thunderstorm every night this week. Unfortunately the down spout off the roof to the JoJo slipped out of place and the rain did not fill the JoJo. This also means the start of mosquitoes and needing to take more precautions against them.

I will write more as time allows for better reflection.

Marty

From the Author: Childline So far so good.

Marty

We have now been with Childline for a month this week. So far so good. Staff is excited we are here and we are happy. Our garage is comfortable and made into a home. There is a room to cook and sit, one to sleep and one to bathe, etc.

The neighbors are friendly and very helpful. There was a fire that burned around our house and caused no direct damage. The only concern was the smoke. Our neighbor came down and invited us to stay with her that night. Another came over to check to make sure we were alright.

We are starting to travel out to other sites. The first was back to where we were, almost, Acornhoek where we said hello to people we knew from Houespruit and took part in a permaculture gardening class.

Last weekend we spent the weekend with one of our co-workers, my manager and her husband. They invited us for Saturday and Sunday church services. We shared in her youngest being blessed. The music and singing was very calming and uplifting at the same time.

After a big lunch we went home after stopping to do some shopping with their help. We shared some ice cream and visited some more.

There is a strike now blocking the road in and out of Nelspruit between where we live and work. We are told the taxis are not running to Khumbula today, where we live so we will be driven home. The strike is to get water. It is in the national news so it is getting coverage. If it continues we may stay home until it is over. Where we were to go today for work was cancelled due to the strike. It is part of our welcome to South Africa.

I have two projects ready to start but on hold waiting for budget approval. I may write a small grant to help supplement one, permacultural gardening training. I am waiting to decide.

From the Author: New Location

We have been with Childline for one week now. It is in Nelspruit and we live in Khumbula, about an hour commute by car and two hours by bus.

We have been warmly welcomed and enjoying the people and surroundings. We are in mountain range that is part of the Drakenburgh and about 200 km from Mozibique and Swaziland. This week we have been driven by car and next week we start using the bus.

From the Author: Gardens and art

Marty's experience

Nothing in the below text is the opinion of Peace Corps, but are the thoughts and impressions of Marty Strauss and Suzanne Del Sarto.

Thursday, June 26th we received direction from Peace Corps to be ready to be picked up and brought down to Pretoria on Saturday where we would stay until reassigned. We were told it may take a month to relocate us. This action was taken due to not being able to secure housing for the balance of our assignment.

This decision was made after visits to site by Peace Corps staff and discussions with both ourselves and our sponsor.

We arrived in Pretoria early Saturday night and reported to the Peace Corp office on Monday to do paper work, etc.

We are now at a hostel. Our room is comfortable and we share a kitchen. While we wait we are discovering Pretoria and meeting interesting people. We are also preparing our three month report for an upcoming training the latter part of this month.

That is all for now.

Marty

From Suzanne's Perspective:

After completing our business with the PC we stayed at a Hostel called the Backpacker. During our stay we went to the National Botanical Gardens and Institute.   The garden was mostly asleep given this is mid-winter.  There were enabling gardens where seedlings are started, a medicinal garden with 3 rondeval thatch roofed huts with plant information, and medicinal  information. We took  the path that surrounds the gardens.  Got to see a small waterfall, some small critters, and took a tour through the Herbarium.  There we learned how plants are collected researched, and stored.
Saw some plants from Venuzuela, and the USA.   People throughout Africa and the rest of the world send samples of plants to this Institute to find out classification.  South Africa does research on herbal traditional herbal remedies.  The Institute plays an important part in this research. We met Anne-Lise Fourie, Director of the Library.  She took time to discuss the library and the South African National Biodiversity Institute.  She explained that the institute was organized into 3 regions, Western and Central Africa region, Eastern Africa Region and Southern Africa region.  She explained how this organization is building up an international network of biodiversity librarians and connecting them with each other and the international research community.  This international collaborative is receiving some support through the Smithsonian, as well as other international organizations for its very important research and connectivity through downloadable identification of these plants, and trees.  Their global initiative with project nodes in Egypt, Europe, China, Brazil, Austrailia and sub-Saharan Africa is to improve accessibility to this information by digitalizing using high definition technology the natural history, botanical research, and other biodiversity literature.  Members can access this information on PDFs free on line at www.biodiversitylibrary.org

We had a lovely lunch in the garden and visited the bookstore to purchase our books on medical plants developed within the sub-Saharan cultural use of herbs.  We hoped onto a taxi, missed our stop and discovered more of Pretoria on foot as we quickly made our way home.

We watched the American verses Belgium cup competition, which was riveting!  USA lost by 1 goal with a score reached in over time of 2 to 1.  What a game!

Another time, we visited the Pretoria Art Museum, and were impressed with the artwork of the artists of the resistance who painted during the 1960s through 1990s.  Very moving and well worth the entrance fee which was reasonable.  Walking home we visited a small outdoors arts and crafts coffee shop.  This was across the street from the Sheraton Hotel, on Wessels street.  There were beading artists and displays of paintings that were of museum quality, as well, embroidered jackets, carved soapstone, and wood.  We met Wellington, a PHd student at Pretoria University, and  volunteer for the shop.  He is  from Zimbabwe.  It was a well spent 1.5-2 hours. His parents migrated to Indianapolis, USA.  He wanted some time with us to discuss a business plan and the steps to take to design one.  He was helping this NGO.  The NGO had a homeless program with a soup kitchen.  The bed cost 8 Rand per night and the applicants had to work on a self-sustainability plan, how to earn money and get off the street. This shop provided financial sustainability to this program. We also talked about the PC and how organizations could apply for volunteers and what the volunteers do.  He took our contact information and will be in touch with us.  We are open to assist while we are in town. We walked hastily home and continued to work on the PC statistical assignment due July 10. 

Suzanne

From the author: Local wildlife

This last week of May was productive. After getting away from the house the weekend before we found out the prowler was the grounds keeper.
The up side is we met Farm Watch, wonderful people who look out for one another. They came to find out what occurred and helped us move bedrooms to be more secure at night. They recommended leaving the outside lights on and the sitting room lights on at night. They gave us a second lock for the gate so they can get in if need to and a radio to contact them if there is the need.

Peace Corps Security came up and will return to secure the house with burglar bars on the windows. We also received permission to move into the smaller house on the same property.

I participated on my first recycling event/ewaste collection. Rural South Africa is where many of us were when recycling first started in our country. Enthusiastic people doing their best and learning while going forward. They are successful in getting it off the ground. Unlike home much of what was brought in to recycle was sold by the end of the day to people who will try to fix it. I met one of the haulers and hope to know him more.

Another event was National Play Day where we played with the children. Adults and children had fun.

I am talking to a group about community gardening and will continue to do data entry and editing reports. Those provide the funding

That is my week.

This is Suzanne's perspective.
This week I found myself waiting for a taxi in front of a Snake Park.  Held out my hand to signal a taxi, all the while looking about for Park escapees.  The wait was blissfully short and we were off to an Herb Garden Bush Party planning meeting.  Later that day we returned to a cafe that is part of the Snake Park.  Again, I found myself looking for resident escapees, only to look up on the way into the park and see we were escorted by an ostrich.  Only a small part of neck and the head was visible!  Darnedest thing was that this big bird escorted us both into and out of the cafe! 
We received a visit from a tribal prince, owner of the guest house where we currently call home.  We requested to move into a smaller neighboring house.  The Prince and the farm owner visited.  The farm owner wants to rent the big guest home for his manager and wants us to stay in the adjacent house.  That was Friday, and we are waiting a response.
Peace Corps set up an electrical alarm system, so when we hear night noises, growling, monkey chatter and sometimes a critter bunking into the house, we do not worry! We just wonder what creature it is and go back to sleep. 
This week the manager at the Herb garden orients me so that next week and the week after, I can take over for her.  I will also be working with a volunteer pediatrician from LA, to give physicals to the youngsters in daycare programs that have health issues.

From the author: sweater weather

This is Suzanne, It is winter here.  Brisk in the morning and evening.  Sometimes it stays cool enough for a sweater.  To me, it feels like late autumn on the Pacific Coast and mid Autumn on the Atlantic coast.  Sunday we had 10 monkeys running and climbing trees along our way as we went to a silk farm.  We also passed a boxing turtle, and saw a couple of interesting green, red and tan birds.  We took some pictures, and someone told is they are rare birds.  On the silk farm they no longer use mopani worms, but import their silk for skin, clothing, and sheet products.  It was an education on silk production and products.  We are not to far from a wild life rehab reserve.  We hope to see that on our off time.
I really like working with my organization.  Usually different assignments are given.  This keeps life interesting! We have very little news about what is happening back home, as the radio waves are infrequent and we have no tv.

Marty

It has been a busy week and the season is changing with cool nights and mornings, warming in the day. Monday was sweater weather.

Suzanne and I went into town on Saturday to look around in shops we have seen but not poked our noses into. We found the Environmental Fair at Southern Cross School and enjoyed seeing a trash fashion show. We bought groceries there; vegetables, cheese and bath. Sunday we biked to the silk farm and earned our lunch. Round trip it was about 32 k. We checked out a wildlife estate for possible future trip and going on a bush walk. And checked out accommodations for fellow volunteers and/or other people know who may come to visit the area. We also have room.

Tuesday was a workshop on the Olifants River and discussion of its history and uses. They are addressing the mining and other uses of the river; agricultural, more homes, etc. It is a river that crosses international boundaries and is used by many different users. So, it will not be easy to address its future.

At the workshop were locals from nearby villages. Some talked to Suzanne about her bead work and me about trash. We both learned and met a lot of interesting people and may be given the opportunity to get further involved with the community and surrounding area.

Work is administrative for me. I sit with Chris and input data sheets that translate to funding and help to track HIV in the area.

That is it for me, except to say the above does not reflect the opinion or views of the Peace Corps, but are from both Suzanne and myself.

From the Author: Marty ans Suzanne

Hello all:

We are starting a new format where Suzanne and I will be writing separate updates and sharing them in the same Email. Our thoughts and views of the world may be different in that it is seen through different colored glasses. Also, we are doing different things during the day so, our experiences are different.

From Marty

The week has brought a change in weather with cooler mornings and warm afternoons, with it cooling off again. The walk in the morning is comfortable with a light jacket.

My days have been spent inputting data to record the number of people tested for HIV and the results. This gives a gender count and total count. Also, age can be determined and statistics can be compared to prior years at the same time to see what the trend is at this time.

The NGO we are working with is expanding services and therefore the record keeping is more important. The records not only tell the story of what is happening but also provide the funding for the programs conducted. In short it is an important to keep up to date. We are starting to work on March 2014. It is slowed by internet access coming and going throughout the day. This is a problem I understand is true throughout rural South Africa. I say this from talking to an IT person from Health Department with the Province.

Another task this week is the review of two reports written in English by people who speak Tsonga and Afrikkanse as a first language. The facts are there and the editing is not difficult.

We are discovering our way about and gradually making ourselves known by walking up and down the road. People have stopped to offer us a ride and find out about us. A local minister who lives out our way has offered to help us come to services on Sunday. It will be a big help in getting to know more people on a social level and buying groceries that are too bulky to carry by hand up the hill from where the taxi or bus lets us off. I keep reminding myself of how healthy i will be when I am 70.

That is about it from me this week.

Sdelsarto

May 6 (3 days ago)



to me

For my part as the other person on this note, I spend most of time trying to remember names , especially at the crèche (day care center).  My purpose there is to try to organize an activity calendar.  I spend most of my time addressing hygiene needs, getting equipment fixed, supplies needed, and manage to organize some activities during the day.  I found that everyone likes to learn to count and introduce themselves and kick or throw a ball.  So still working with the scheduling concept!  Visited a clinic on an environmental health college.  We saw giraffes and a camilion.  Sunday we saw a blaze buck, looks like a horse, but not the face of it.  This animal is a charcoal color, a grazer, and it was galloping.  I am getting to know our host family little by little as we live independently.  Christine Is an social entrepreneur in the health care field.  She has am amazing amount of focus and drive.   I am amazed at all her work here with the farm workers.
We are also friends with our prior hostess who has similar drive, for education and the love of her people.  Mmakoma is a primary school, 2nd grade teacher with many other involvements.  She married a man from the village  where she lives and teaches.  Lost her husband a couple of years ago.  She has rooms for rent.  Through her we met 3 other teachers.  2 are from Zimbabwe and one from Zaneen, a town about 2 hours away from Macomma's town.  It will be good to get better acquainted with our new host and the village we are currently staying.

We have been asked to write a disclaimer, so please understand that
none of what is written represents the Peace Corps, in any way.
Thanks!
>
 Marty and Suzanne

From the Author: Pretoria and Jo'burg

Came down to Pretoria today and will meet suAnne in Jo'burg tomorrow morning.

We go to site on !Monday and discover what we will be doing the next two years.

Hope you all are well.

Salina lharle

Marty

From the Author: Rhotoke, Limpopo

Suzanne and I are starting our third week in South Africa. We are in Rhotoke, Limpopo province being hosted by a local woman, living in a compound with four other people.

Our days are full of studying and nights doing homework and preparing for the next day, getting water, cooking, etc.

One of the neighbors loaned us their laptop and interet connetion to allow us to check out email.


We are studying Tsonga, as they may place us in the Northern region of Limpopo and/or Mapopolanga provine, near Botswana, or Zimbobwa. We will be sent to our sites, in a couple couple of weeks for a site visit. Two weeks ago we were visiting an extened PC volunteer (PCV) in Polokwane. We stayed in a Game Park and slept with our host in a Roundofall. This is a round house with a ceiling of logs that point to the sky, and a thatched roof. That PVC got the municipality to visit a small town, repair the preschool, and they are pipng water into the village.
Currently we are a school teacher's home and walk to our teacher's home, or to the community center. Graciouness is a way of life here. More bout that later.
There is wifi here at our compound. We get our laptops back, maybe on Monday. Sat, we travel to Pretoria, and hope to pick up a modum, then we will be more connected.
Life right now is immersion into language, village life, and planning our first project we will complete as a team. This will hapen at our next site visit scheduled for March 5. Until then...Sala Kahle (hle) is pronounced by putting tip of tongue behind teeth and softly blowing air our of both sides..Try that without spitting...Takes talent! t means in Tsonga.. Stay Well!

Marty and Suzanne

From the Author: Arrived

Heard from Marty earlier today,

They have landed safely and are proceeding to their location :)

Chris

From the Author: Welcome to the peace corps

Due to the winter storm on the East Coast we are held over in Philedelphia one more day. Scheduled to leave 2 am for JFK Thursday morning.

Marty and Suzanne

From the Author: start staging

It is Tuesday morning and we are prepared to start staging (Orientation and Safety).

One last note to add to last night's. We will be pretty much out of contact until April due to training and access to the internet, etc. We will communicate as we can and let you know what is going on and where we are.

Thank you all for your prayers and blessings for us as we begin this adventure.

Marty and Suzanne

From the Author: checked in safely

Suzanne and I arrived in Philadelphia and got checked in safely. We start staging tomorrow.

Below is a paragraph that summarizes where we will be starting Thursday, the 24th, 2014.

Upon arrival at O.R. Tabo International Airport in Johnannesburgh, you will be driven for approximately 3 hours to Lowveld College of Agricultural ( Marapyane Campus) in Marapyane, Mpumalanga Province. You will stay in a dormitory, which is basic by U.S. standards, and spend the first week or so at a center being oriented to Peace Corps and South Africa. Thereafter you will go on site to current serving PCV's for a period of 3-4 days, after site visit you will then be welcomed into the home of a South African family who will be your host until the end of March2014 when you will be sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer and be posted to your community of service.

There is a winter storm approaching and we are safe and warm in the hotel room awaiting tomorrow to start the next adventure.

Marty and Suzanne

From the Author: Ready and set

We are packed and ready. Tomorrow we leave for Philadelphia and then early Wednesday morning we fly to South Africa.

As time and circumstances allow we will stay in touch.

From The Author: Depatrure

We depart on Monday. Suzanne and I participated in a conference call this morning. On the line were Peace Corps Volunteers in South Africa with whom we could talk and ask questions about conditions, daily routines and what to bring and buy there when we arrive.

We learned a little more of what we may be doing. Our work will definitely be defined by where we are and what is available and requested.  Suzanne and I talked about the conversation and agreed the best approach is to be open to what ever we are asked to do.

We have decided to concentrate on greetings in the four languages sent to us to study. We also learned more about parasites and clothing. Office dress is expected and not safari.

We have both been cleared medically. I have one more polio shot to get before leaving for staging. That will happen in January. We will receive money to purchase a phone but communication will be off and on depending on where we are located. Also, the cost. We were advised similarly to what we learned from Suzanne's friend, to wait until we visit a place with an internet cafe and purchase a phone card that is local and not try to use our USA based service provider. Also, keep any electronics close to avoid having them stolen.Sleeping bags were advised for travel over night outside our post and when attending training.

What we will be doing is still not known. We will develop capacity and provide support as requested for program development.

We are excited about leaving and a little bit nervous.

So in summary, when we know where land and what we are doing will tell you when we can. Post cards to family may be what happens on a more regular basis.



that is it for now.

Marty