Lesotho

Lumela! This is the first Sesotho word I learned and memorized. After 14 days of this trip, I can say it's been an experience. Although each day is structered fairly the same, they are never the same. Each day broadens my interactions and experiences. Today was a day of celebration and goodbyes. We began the day with lectures from experts in development and education. They gave more insight into the country and the culture in which people live. Then we went to the Habitat house. Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to help build because I was so involved in the preschool mural. The first day we saw the habitat build I was surprised with how the layout was and how they expected it to look. As our viewing today I was in awe of the work my peers put in to make such a difference in the lives of a family here. In the afternoon we visited the preschool and community center space to finish up the last adjustments and fixings. As a leader on the front wall, I had to remind myself that it was not mine and all the work and time I put into it was for the kids I played with every day, the community that supplied us with a reason to be here. A going away ceremony was held for us as a thank you . The kids danced and community leaders gave speeches as thanks for the work we did. At one point a preschool teacher began singing and soon the surrounding area was finned in song. It reminded me of home and family but also gave me the reminder that I am not home, but in Africa. It was a very surreal experience because it embodied so much of their culture. Today was a goodbye to the community and mountains. Na Ramambata has become home in such a short time and for that I am grateful. I will always remember the people and the nature we saw every day! I love you and miss you Dad, Mom, Kaitlyn, Kendra, Kyle, Kelsey, Kaleb, Kaeden, Kodah, and Jayden!

a ready for more adventures, Kristen Sallee

Hey yall! This is Nick and this is my first time writing the blog. I don't think I will say as much as Kristen did but I really want to say I am so happy to be a part of this trip here in Lesotho. The days are going by so quickly, and I love our group of people here. This experience has already been incredible, and I can't believe we are halfway through our trip. I am so proud of all of us and what we have been able to accomplish on our goals that we have set for our trip, for example the preschool looks amazing, the house with Habitat For Humanity Lesotho, the upgrades to the playground as well as making the greenhouse from scratch. Everything is going as planned so far. So far on this trip my biggest takeaway is that the Basotho people are the nicest most loving and caring people I have met in my life, they love us being here and are so very kind and wonderful to be around. I am very grateful to be here and I am so excited for the next half of this trip!

Goodbyes Are Never Easy! Today was our last day before we leave for Molimo N'Thuse.  We started off morning with yet again another run.  Elyse, Taylor, Jack and I have been diligent with our running preparing for our upcoming cross country season (the elevation here is no joke!).  Let me tell you the views make it worth it for getting up so early though.  After we ran, we had our typical breakfast and then had two guest lecturers.  After our lectures we were able to go visit the habitat for humanity house.  This was incredible to see how far the house has come since we first started on it.  The house was almost done, and the family would be moving in soon.  After lunch we then headed to the community center to finish some details on the different projects.  We knew going into today that we would have to say our farewells to the individuals that we have made connections and bonds with.  This was the part that we have been dreading since the day we got here, but I truly never knew how hard this would be.  Throughout the day we played with the kids.  Towards the end of the day the community all gathered for a celebration of our goodbyes and celebrate the opening of the preschool.  We had multiple individuals from the community speak, as well as saw multiple groups of kids preform different dances.  These dances were amazing to watch, and it felt so surreal.  When the celebration ended though we had to say some of the toughest goodbyes I have ever said.  It truly hit me that we would be leaving this place we have learned to call home for the past 13 days and the friends we have made when one of the little boys was hugging me and started crying.  We all then walked back to the trading post hand in hand with our friends when we had to say our final goodbyes.  Although there is a language barrier the message was very clear that there was a special bond between all of us and some of the kids.  This is a bond that would never be broken, and I will hold near and dear to my heart.  Luckily, I was able to have Jeremy, a member of the Peace Corps, translate to my friends "Thank you for being my friend". Although this part of the journey is coming to an end we are starting the second part of this amazing journey.
I love and miss you Mom, Dad and Aidan.      

-Mackenzie Kelley