Tag Archives: Africa

Packing for Peace Corps Swaziland: Clothing

Posted on September 24, 2016 by elliewick

Choosing what clothing I would bring to Swaziland was difficult. There are so many unknowns about the weather, clothing styles, and attitudes toward females wearing pants that depend on your family and/or your community. Of course, I had consulted many … Continue reading →

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What’s cooking: Oatmeal muffins

Posted on September 17, 2016 by elliewick

As a Peace Corps Volunteer in Swaziland, I have a limited food budget. But I also love food–both eating and making it. During PST, I cooked without an oven, refrigeration, and a non-stick skillet. Now at my permanent site, I … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: Rhinos

Posted on September 14, 2016 by elliewick

Rhinos. Bobejane. One of the animals I saw in Kenya from very far away, but today that changed.     I’m at Hlane Royal National Park. As a volunteer, I am allowed just one night away from my site per month … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: Umhlanga

Posted on September 7, 2016 by elliewick

The Reed Dance, Swaziland’s most famous cultural event, is a week-long celebration of young females, called flowers. This year there were 98,000 participants, about 1/12 of the country’s population. Any female up to the age of about 22 can participate … Continue reading →

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Learning about my community and the art of saying no

Posted on September 5, 2016 by elliewick

It took just three months — and moving to my permanent site — for the Peace Corps life to get real, and difficult. I have spent the last week living an easy life while meeting people at church and the … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: Bomangoza! 

Posted on August 31, 2016 by elliewick

Spring sprung earlier at my permanent site in the bread basket of Swaziland than in my training village. I left peach blossoms to find peaches already growing and what’s even more exciting, the first mangoes are already growing!   My … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: Eating sugarcane

Posted on August 3, 2016 by elliewick

  Sugarcane grows across Swaziland in large company fields and in home gardens. Some of it stays in Swaziland as processed sugar (only local brands available at the store!) and much is exported. But what most homegrowers use sugarcane for … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: Dirty water filter

Posted on July 5, 2016 by elliewick

Water is my biggest concern at my site, because I have to either go to the river and carry water uphill and back to my house or take the wheelbarrow across the street to a tap about five minutes away. … Continue reading →

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Q&A Session: Pre-Departure

Posted on June 12, 2016 by elliewick

As I have been preparing for my departure to Swaziland, I have been asked many questions about my future with the Peace Corps. I will provide below many of these questions and their answers so that you too can know … Continue reading →

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Yes, I’m moving to Swaziland!

Posted on June 7, 2016 by elliewick

Some of you know this, but to the rest of you: I am moving to Swaziland as a community health worker with the Peace Corps! Departure is approaching soon (Monday, the 13th), and packing is in full swing. Many of … Continue reading →

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