Visit to Ketane & Outreach to Qacha's Nek

Ketane

The cliff hugging, unpaved, never-ending road to Ketane wasn’t nearly as bad as its reputation. I may be biased, however, considering the 12 hour trek led me to my favorite person. The journey to Aaron’s site was long overdue and unfortunately too short because of a work-related outreach planned in Qacha’s Nek immediately after. Having been engulfed in work in the capital for the past several months, it was quite nostalgic being back among bustling village life- the simplicity of daily living, the snow-capped mountains, the smells of food cooking and trash burning in the distance, hiking barely visible trails and the fear of getting lost, cooking in the dark, and of course the renowned pee bucket experience. Above all, it was heartening to watch Aaron in his comfort zone, among his Basotho friends and family, and succeeding in his role as a PCV in one of the most challenging posts in the country.

(The women insisted I wear a traditional blanket because of the weather)

(Catholic Relief Service rural outreach site)

(Mosotho woman awaits commencement of CRS community gathering)

(Aaron enjoys the view)

Qacha's Nek (QN)

My arrival in Qacha’s Nek was met with a mix of emotions. Because the outreach was with Baylor, I was afforded private transport, my own hotel room, and per diem that amounts to much more than what a PCV is accustomed to having. It isn’t a stretch to say that I felt guilty using those funds, considering I used to live in a poor village 3 kilometers down the road, traveled on public transportation, and ate for a fraction of the cost. Lebo and I suggested that we instead find cheaper, alternative options and use the money for our psychology projects, but we were denied. Evidently UNICEF provides resources strictly for these occasions and we either spend it or we lose it.

Throughout the week, Lebo and I met with the majority of the HIV/AIDS stakeholders across the district- governmental officials, ministry representatives, heads of NGOs, community based organizations, faith based organizations, remote clinics and the district hospital- no one was exempt. We explained our Strengthening Clinical Services program and assessed the needs of each group accordingly. Our outreaches are becoming increasingly overwhelming as we’re discovering the need for psychological services is so great. It’s becoming an hourly reminder, that we are only two people in this country where over a quarter of the Basotho are infected with HIV and many more need psychological intervention. But we press on where we can, with what little we have. We’ve got to start somewhere!

I went back to Ha Mamosa to visit my old host mom and said hello to nearly all of my old friends. I was welcomed with 2 jars of home-canned peaches, yum! I was happy to see my African Library Project running smoothly at the district library. A visit to the Snake Park was of course in order, but unfortunately the owner was away. Walking down the main strip in town was surreal, quite the twilight zone experience. Most people in town thought I’d left to return to America so they were thrilled to hear I’d be staying another year, albeit in Maseru. Qacha’s Nek will always be my “home” in Lesotho and I felt completely at ease while there, but I no longer sensed as though that was where I was meant to be. Ultimately, I am pleased with my decision I made to the move to the capital 8 months ago. I do, however, miss having a family and a strong Basotho community but my work is more meaningful, related to my area of expertise, and productive. A tradeoff, one of many I’ve made these past two years.

Next week I officially start my new role as Peace Corps Volunteer- Leader. I’m interested to see just how busy I become as I try to juggle two jobs. After several months off at the gym because of my partner’s foot injury, I’ll be back at it at 5:15 every morning. Groan! Daydreams of September’s Cape Town vacation are increasingly making their way to the forefront of my thoughts.

(QN Snake Park is open for business!)

('M'e Malebohang, my QN host mother, in her traditional Seshoeshoe attire)

(My 2 best buds in QN: Standard 2 student Liteboho & neighbor Tumelo)

(QN gully)

(QN Prison)

(QN Baylor Satellite Clinic triage/treatment room)

(QN Machabeng Hospital Public Service Announcement)