Tag Archives: Life

How I spent March’s living allowance

Posted on April 23, 2018 by elliewick

I ran out of money in March, too. It’s a trend in the PCV life, especially when I am 100 percent a cheese boy (well, girl, in this case). I didn’t even buy cheese with March’s money, but I did … Continue reading →

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Gratitude: Payday and phone calls

Posted on April 21, 2018 by elliewick

    I am most grateful for being paid this past week, which enabled me to leave my house and buy groceries. I also had a wonderful FaceTime conversation with a friend from home that conveniently finished that month’s data … Continue reading →

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“You’re a Swazi now” and my role as an ambassador, otherwise known as life as a PCV

Posted on April 19, 2018 by elliewick

I am regularly surprised when I surprise siSwati and isiZulu speakers with what I think are my poor language skills. Speaking a few words of the local language has always been important to me. I have spent many hours learning … Continue reading →

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Gratitude: Work assignments, showers, packages, and quiet mornings

Posted on April 14, 2018 by elliewick

This week was better, as I managed to stay much busier. I went to Mbabane twice, once for an HIV Committee meeting and once for a meeting with PSI. Fellow HIV Committee member and G14 extender Blake spent Sunday night … Continue reading →

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Saturday gratitude: Extension and other wonderful things

Posted on April 7, 2018 by elliewick

I have been in a funk lately over the ever-continuing disappointment in my site and staff not following up on my requests for help. I have spent so much time reading in my hut recently that even one of my … Continue reading →

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A moment in my life: Ants

Posted on February 23, 2018 by elliewick

So many entertaining things happen in my life in Swaziland. These are the moments I will want to remember because they make me laugh, and they show insight into my daily routine. These moments are often hard to photograph and … Continue reading →

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Wednesday photo: Death and life

Posted on January 24, 2018 by elliewick

I woke up on Tuesday to the news that Hugh Masekela, a South African musician who performed at Bushfire last year, had died. Watching him perform was beautiful, especially because of the way a 78-year-old musician was still rocking on … Continue reading →

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Day six: Delivering reeds to the queen mother

Posted on September 19, 2017 by elliewick

I thought to myself, “I wonder if the king is here,” and then I looked up and made eye contact with him. It was the day of reed delivery to the queen mother, and it only made sense that the … Continue reading →

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Let the dancing begin! It is time for Umhlanga

Posted on August 29, 2017 by elliewick

The integration activity of the year for young females is here. One year ago my babe said I should dance at Umhlanga with my sisi this year. Today it officially starts. There was a community meeting with the caregivers of … Continue reading →

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How I spent July’s PCV stipend

Posted on August 28, 2017 by elliewick

July was a much more expensive month. I took a vacation to Lesotho and Durban, and I had saved enough money that I was able to spend only $50 from my American account. Yay me! There was lots of good … Continue reading →

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