March HCT

I would say overall this HCT was a success.  I really enjoyed myself.  There were some setbacks, but overall I think GRS deserves a nice big ole' kilo.

First off, it was raining.  We showed up and couldn't set up.  Team starting showing and we had them waiting in classrooms.  I was soccer coordinator for the day, as well as scheduler.  My schedule changed a bit which stressed me some, but we worked it out.

The rain eventually slowed enough that we could get teams outside.  Nowie and Xolie ran the girls' netball and Lusi helped me out with the boys' soccer.  We had to cut down games to 8 minute halves instead of 10 until we caught up with the schedule, but everyone went through all their activities, got to play all their games, and ate lunch.  The one thing not everyone got to do was testing which is a super letdown because that is the main point of an HCT.  Two soccer teams didn't get a chance to go for HIV counseling and testing because the nurses ran out of testing kits.  We had 168 people tested (with a goal of 300) because the nurses didn't bring enough supplies.  Last time the nurses were told not to test anyone under 18 and now this....we have bad luck with testing partners.

Anyways, everything else went well, congratulations to Vulumzi High for their win - everyone got some sick new cleats.  When the boys opened their boxes and the closing ceremony everyone went crazy.  It was pretty cool.

Lot of work going into it - I worked closely with Siya for this one and think I could coordinate the next tournament if we host another one before I leave.

Extra note on a difference between SA and USA: the idea of reciprocity is very different (yes, I took a Anthro 100 class!!)  The coaches at our HCT were very upset that we didn't have gifts for them.  They coach a youth team and needed gifts, even though we gave gear to every team and prizes to the winning teams and trophies to the winning coaches.  I can't help but think that in the US coaches of youth sports teams don't do stuff like that...maybe I'm wrong.  This trend penetrates all aspects of society here though.  No one does something for nothing.  It's different.

Computers and Things

So I think it's about time I updated this baby.  It has been a while and there are a few things to catch up on now that I am fresh and back from seeing my family.

First thing's first.  Computer news: my computer was stolen.  I left it in the office when I went out for a meeting and when I came back it was gone.  Super bummer.  Lost some music and a lot of photos, but otherwise most of my things were backed-up.....good news?  Now I have my new toshiba that my parents generously brought to Germany for me.

Other good computer info: Will and Jess finally did the impossible and go out house unlimited internet so....skype date anyone?  Plus I can catch up on all my tv shows that I have had to give up....yay!