Tag Archives: Peace Corps

What’s cooking: Lentil soup and menemen

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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Homestead hospitality in Swaziland

Within the last month, other PCVs in Swaziland finally started visiting my site to see the little slice of heaven where I live. Not only has this given me the opportunity to play host, but my make loves it too. … Continue reading

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Wednesday photo: Book club

My group here in Swaziland started a book club in September but it took until January to have our first meeting. It was a grand success with nine volunteers travelling to my community for our first discussion. We have picked … Continue reading

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Dreams and hope in Swaziland

“Start doing things you love” is one of my favorite lines from the Holstee Manifesto.   It is one of the reasons why I am here in Swaziland in the first place. When I graduated with an MPH, I really … Continue reading

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Wednesday photo: Pin the tail on the elephant 

In December I helped a vacation bible school plan a fun day. I helped organize some carny games that the children really enjoyed.  My favorite game was pin the tail on the elephant, which I made myself.     We also … Continue reading

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The chicken diaries: The first day of freedom

I became a parent to two chickens I named Sitfwatfwa (snow) and Thandi (love) in January 2017. This is their story.  My chickens were released from time out thanks to Thandi’s escape tactics.  I had just removed the jerry can … Continue reading

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What’s in a Swati name?

Sisi, greet this person. Sisi, greet this person. Sisi, greet this person. I was receiving a tour of my soon-to-be home and community from my eldest sisi, and she wanted to make sure I made a good impression that day. … Continue reading

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The chicken diaries: Time out

I became a parent to two chickens I named Sitfwatfwa (snow) and Thandi (love) in January 2017. This is their story.  My chickens spent a week in time out because of their flight risk. Apparently, chickens just want to go … Continue reading

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Wednesday photo: Me and my chickens

I told my tutor that I wished someone who lived near us sold eggs. A few days later, she showed up at my house saying she bought me chickens.  My response was something like, “Uh, I don’t know how to … Continue reading

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There’s more to me and America than what Swazis know from TV

We are all guilty of knowing and assuming a single story about a group of people, their homeland, and their culture and traditions. Before coming to Swaziland, I knew very little about this tiny country in southern Africa. I knew … Continue reading

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