From the Author: now available to purchase

I am happy to "Thabo Searches For The Animals" is now available to purchase.
And remember, when you purchase a copy the royalties will be shared with Seeds of Light to support the Art Program for the Students/Orphans who did the illustrations.

you can follow the link below.

https://www.amazon.com/Thabo-Searches-Animals…/…/ref=sr_1_1…,

or go to Amazon and type in the title, "Thabo Searches For The Animals".

Thank you
Marty Strauss

From the Author: uploaded

"Thabo Searches For The Animals" is uploaded onto publisher's website and will be available in 3-5 days.

All proceeds from sales will be shared to support the Art Program the students/orphans who did the illustrations. We met and worked with the director of NGO while serving in the Peace Corps with Suzanne, my wife in South Africa.

Enjoy

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.


  

The Goldman Environmental Prizes Presented this month

The Goldman Environmental Prize honors grassroots environmental heroes from the world’s six inhabited continental regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands & Island Nations, North America, and South & Central America. The Prize recognizes individuals for sustained and significant efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment, often at great personal risk. The Goldman Prize views “grassroots” leaders as those involved in local efforts, where positive change is created through community or citizen participation in the issues that affect them.

 

                    

Zuzana Caputova

Slovakia / Europe

A public interest lawyer and mother of two, Zuzana Caputova spearheaded a successful campaign that shut down a toxic waste dump that was poisoning the land, air and water in her community, setting a precedent for public participation in post-communist Slovakia.

                  

                    

Leng Ouch

Cambodia / Asia

In one of the most dangerous countries in the world for environmental activists, Leng Ouch went undercover to document illegal logging in Cambodia and exposed the corruption robbing rural communities of their land, causing the government to cancel large land concessions.

                    

Máxima Acuña

Peru / South and Central America

A subsistence farmer in Peru’s northern highlands, Máxima Acuña stood up for her right to peacefully live off her own property, a plot of land sought by Newmont and Buenaventura Mining to develop the Conga gold and copper mine.

                    

Destiny Watford

United States / North America

In a community whose environmental rights had long been sidelined to make room for heavy industry, Destiny Watford inspired residents of a Baltimore neighborhood to defeat plans to build the nation’s largest incinerator less than a mile away from her high school.

                    

Luis Jorge Rivera Herrera

Puerto Rico / Islands and Island Nations

Luis Jorge Rivera Herrera helped lead a successful campaign to establish a nature reserve in Puerto Rico’s Northeast Ecological Corridor—an important nesting ground for the endangered leatherback sea turtle—and protect the island’s natural heritage from harmful development.

                    

Edward Loure

Tanzania / Africa

Edward Loure led a grassroots organization that pioneered an approach that gives land titles to indigenous communities—instead of individuals—in northern Tanzania, ensuring the environmental stewardship of more than 200,000 acres of land for future generations.

 

Read more

http://www.goldmanprize.org/

From the Author: Holiday update

Dear Family and Friends:
This Holiday Season is special for Suzanne and me because we celebrate it with family and friends. We have lots to be grateful for and celebrate this last year.
Since becoming grandparents last December we decided to spend time closer to family in California so we can get to know our new granddaughter, Chloe born December 2, 2014.
Our return from South Africa was May 12, 2015. We landed in Bangor, Maine and spent a week with Suzanne’s family.. We enjoyed visiting family.
After a week we started our journey down the East Coast to North Carolina to our home in the mountains and woods. On the way we visited friends and family. Memorial Day weekend Marty’s nephew, Simon Strauss got married in New Hampshire. We celebrated their wedding and enjoyed dancing for the first time in a long while.  Marty caught up with his older cousin and wife at the wedding.
We arrived in North  Carolina early June and worked with the house sitters on a schedule for us to move back into the house. We made contact with Suzanne’s nephew and niece and welcomed them to their new home in South Carolina. We visited Suzanne’s niece and our adopted granddaughter in Wilmington, NC and saw her cousin in High Point, NC.
We prepared for our move to Nevada and returned to Maine to celebrate Suzanne’s, mother’s 95th birthday. Now we are in Carson City, Nevada and enjoying the time to reflect and play. Snow has fallen and more is predicted, breaking the draught. Thanksgiving week was in Squaw Valley with family coming from both sides of the mountains to celebrate and visit. We played in the snow and enjoyed the time.
It has been family and friends that made our re-entry easy. The gift this season is family and friends that celebrated our safe return and joined us in life celebrations.
We will be in  Carson City, NV for the holidays and returning to North Carolina early January.
Suzanne and I wish all everyone a joyous and healthy Holiday Season. We send you our prayers for safe travels in these troubling times and thank all of you for your support and love.
Seasons Greetings
Marty and Suzanne

do not walk any distance in the South African sun

Suzanne and I learned a valuable lesson this last week, not to walk any distance in the South African sun. After what would be considered a short walk and taxi ride to go shopping we came back dehydrated and shaky. We slept three hours and ate salted pop corn, along with drinking lots of water. The next day we got up and caught the morning bus into town. It was not until eating a banana that both of us started to recover. Our electrolytes needed to be recharged. Not a medical term but describes what happened. It brings home the saying,"Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noon day sun."

Suzanne and I are team teaching a Zazi and Brother's for life class at a local church. There are 14 young men and women in the group. The young men number 10 and the young women number 4, if everyone shows up.  They talk about their self image and cultural roles in South Africa. Discussions include relationships, gender roles, domestic violence, human reproduction and health, children, and other topics. The goal is for them to know themselves and learn to respect one another.
We did our first meeting with help from a co worker. The second week was Suzanne and myself. The second week started slow due to they attended church in a neighboring town about 7 to 10 km away and church ran late. And they had to arrange their own transport which met many walked or took a taxi if they could afford to.
Suzanne and I hope for more young women to balance the class. The time of the class may be a factor, 3 to 5 Sunday afternoon.

Suzanne started working with Human Resources and I started helping the Finances Department in Childline.do work for different departments of Childline.

Suzanne and I went out to xsites to teach Permacultural Gardening. Suzanne introduces the subject by talking about nutrition.  I follow by linking nutrition to the garden and Samson, our office partner talks about where to plant what and when, and what grows together. One of the objectives is to teach inter planting and the use of mulch and compost. It is all linked to food security and staying healthy. The other week we went out to sites to teach

In the morning we taught and in the afternoon we did a practical by having the class dig and plant a garden.
The class planted two beds about the size of door frames. One garden is at a school and another is at an orphanage. There were about 34 people in each class. Another goal is for them to teach others. Next quarter we will teach a second part, saving and drying seeds. Then we will ask how many planted gardens and how many used what was taught.

The first group was more responsive than the second. Maybe it was the weather, the first blowing and cold while the second it was much warmer. Or the first just enjoyed themselves more. We do two more on the 16th and 18th.

That is it from me.

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 Thanksgiving

We had a quiet Thanksgiving in our small home in Khumbula and were thankful for our blessings and each other.

Suzanne describes our trip to Sabie and Taxi Ride Story,,so I will not repeat it.

We had a wonderful weekend seeing many of the sights we hoped to see; God's Window, the Potholes and many wonderful waterfalls. We looked down into Blyde Canyon and learned the story of the River of Tears and River Joy where the women and men found one another after thinking both were lost to one another. The tour took the morning and part of the afternoon, afterwards we stopped in Graskop for lunch.

We visited a Shongan Village and were told about traditional marriage and wives of the chief. We were introduced to a Shamgoma,Traditional healer.

We did a night drive through Kruger National Park where the highlight of the day happened toward the end of the ride.After seeing many Waterbuck and Impalas we saw  two male lion walking along the road marking their area. They stayedwith us for about ten minutes.It was quite thrilling and scary too. We were in an open vehicle that if they were startled they could have easily jumped into. The driver instructed to not talk and be quiet for this reason. The pictures we took of them we have yet to see if they turned out.

Happy Holidays to all and Bless Everyone

This is Suzanne's Tahnksgiving update:

We take the bus to work every day, it is crowded and usually we stand for an hour, of the hour and a half we travel to work.  I have come to know many of the ladies on the bus by face recognition but I have a hard time remembering thier names.  They tell me it is summer now, her in Nelspruit, but the weather has been dool and rainy.  The ladies tell me this is unusual.  It is usually sticky, hot and muggy.  I am grateful it is usually cool and rainy, but it is starting to get hot.  It will get very hot and sticky as this is the sub tropics.  

Today was a lovely day, and we spent most of it in a taxi.  It was bright and very hot, but we climbed into the mountains at top speed.  However, it took all mornng to fill the taxi with people.

The ride today on the taxi from Nelspruit to Sabe had the flavor of many taxi rides we have been on before.  We boarded the Sabe bound taxi at 9:10AM and there was a slender black man and his wife, a tall over weight black lady already in the taxi.  She had many large vegetable and fruit packages she directed him to put under the seat.  She told us in broken English that the bus had to fill up and it takes a long time.  In about 15 mins a young black man with a large speaker, entered an agreement with the taxi rank chief.  The taxi rank chief told the elderly couple they had to sit in the back of the taxi.  So the young man with the speaker took two seats with his speaker, towards the front of the 15 seated Quantum van they call a taxi here and the elderly couple left the taxi.  The older man of the couple came back with two more beers.  He grumbled about not having a choice and went to sit at the back of the bus. About 10:00am a young black lady boarded the taxi.  I asked her if she might know  how long this taxi might take to fill and if she thought of taking the bus.  She told me that this was her first time taking the taxi to Sabe.  She thought it would leave at about11:30am.  She told me that she had heard if you take the bus to White River then you had to transfer to Hazy View.  Even if the bus left at 9:30 AM she would get there faster taking this taxi.  So, we sat and waited, practicing bladder control and getting out of the taxi to stretch every hour or so. 

A young very good looking black lady came into the taxi and we invited her to sit with us, and she did for the entire ride.  A young  slender black couple entered the taxi and took two seats in the back of the taxi.  They were very friendly and talked to everyone on the taxi.  The older black man brought another beer and went on and off the bus.  About 11:30 an elderly black gentleman and an younger healthy looking black lady approached the taxi.  She had a huge canvas suitcase.  This couple got into a verbal argument with the young man and the speaker.  She said she had purchased the extra  seat, and he needed to move.  The taxi rank chief came and told her she could put her suitcase on her lap, as the young man had already made arrangements.  At 12:30pm  The taxi rank chief collected our $35 Rand apiece.  The young man with the speaker told him he didn’t have enough rand to pay for 2 seats.  The chief told him no extra rand no trip to Sabe.  The young man came up with the extra rand.

Doors shut and we were underway with the full taxi of 15 people.  We rode through the mountains.  The older lady from the couple had not returned and her husband called her several times, and was speaking very loudly.  While under way the couple in the back and the older man sang about going to Sabe.  The trip itself was about an hour but the older man in the back seat apparently could not hold his beer.  We had to stop so he could relieve himself.  The taxi driver honked all the time he was waiting.  The couple in the back seat laughed all the time we waited for him.

We got off in the central taxi rank in town.  The older man took off the produce.  We asked directions to Merry Pebbles, the guest house where Marty made arrangements for us.  We found the town was maybe ¼ of a mile up the street and the guest house was about 2 miles from the town and a wonderful walk after sitting all morning.  Sabe itself, is a beautiful small town set in the mountains of South Africa.  It is south og Hoespruit and very close to Kruger.  After our trip, we had dinner, explored the shops and swam under ¼ of a moon under African skies.  It was a beautiful and restful day.

May goodness and mercy follow you all wherever you go!  Love, Suzanne

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: Regarding the News

Suzanne's and Marty's Update:

Greetings Friends and family,

 We have heard from many of you regarding the Ebola Outbreak.  It is in the Congo and that is approximately 1700 miles from us.  The illness spreads from bats to gorillas and chimpanzees.  People in rural, poor areas in Northern and Western Africa sometimes resort to eating what is called bush meat.  Bush meat can include gorillas and chimps.  The specific bat variety does not live in this climatic region, but we do continue to watch as with global warming living areas of creatures have been known to change. So we are aware of this health issue and we are watching it.  So far there is no threat to South Africa that we see.  

We have been notified that a site has been found and we will be working with a child welfare type of agency.  We may be taken to this site sometime this week.

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