Peace and Philadelphia

So, I finally received my staging packet, and of course once again the limited amount of information the Peace Corps gave me, was inaccurate. So, it turns out that I am in fact leaving on July 23^rd, as opposed to July 17^th. I dont really mind the change though, it just means I can work for an extra week, which is especially good because I need to fix the back of my car which recently got messed up by some jerk. The party is still on July 15^th though, and for those of you who did not hear, its peace themed, so come dressed up in your best Hippie Garb! (See invite)

I am starting to get really excited about leaving! Everyone I talk to comments on how beautiful South Africa is. Recently a PC Volunteer from Cameroon even wrote me a message with a subject line lucky bitch because South Africa is so amazing. What a sweet heart! I also have decided that I want to go visit the Meerkats from Meerkat Manor on Animal Planet. They are so cute and they live in South Africa! I have my luggage already, (thanks to Nancy for those!) and a new laptop since mine was only working on occasion (thanks to Dad for the early birthday present!) plus a sleeping bag and a few other things. I have been talking to several of the volunteers in my group who all seem really nice, and I will probably be meeting up with some of the Southern California volunteers in the next couple of weeks. I do know that I will be sitting next to another volunteer on my flight from LAX to Philadelphia where my staging (orientation) will be held. I am also really excited about meeting all of the other volunteers once I get to Philadelphia. I will be staying at the Holiday Inn which is located in the historic district so that is nice. I get to see some American historical artifacts like the Liberty Bell before I ditch America for South Africa.

The one thing I get more and more worried about as time goes on is the HIV/Aids epidemic and the attitudes of people in South Africa about HIV/Aids. A few examples. A head politician who had planned, and may still plan on running for president in SA was acquitted of rape charges (he is in his 60's, she in her 30's) because he could tell by the way she crossed her legs in a knee length skirt that she wanted to have sex with him. He also did not use a condom even though he know she was HIV positive, but he stated that he took a shower afterward to minimize his chances of becoming infected. At one point he was also the head of SA's HIV/Aids program. Another example, students were shown a student produced and executed play on date rape, where several of the children watching were heard commenting, but if he is her boyfriend, she has to have sex with her. A huge proportion of the boys interviewed also said that gang rapes sound "fun." Yikes, that's all I can say, yikes. Good thing a nice lady from the Red Cross is sending me some HIV/Aids prevention programs for teachers.

Thats all for now! I am sure you will be hearing more from me soon!