Group 35 PST

I’ve been going to rugby practice every Tuesday and Thursday. I’m not particularly good but that’s mostly because I don’t really understand the game, or what position I am, or what I’m supposed to do. However, the coach and other players seem optimistic that I can be turned into a solid player. I am faster than most of the guys, though out of shape, and made some good, hard tackles during practice. However, my body has only so many tackles in it before soreness becomes a problem. Oh well. If I get injured Peace Corps will pay for everything.
In other (and more interesting) news, I went to group 35’s pre-service training (PST) as a resource volunteer this past week. It was awesome working with them. They’re an excitable group of individuals and seem eager to get to their sites. It was a bit strange because they made pop culture references that I missed in my year and a half here. I gave a presentation on working with Namibian children and I specifically tried to scare them. I could tell that I burst their optimism bubbles but as a group they bounced back and are determined to prepare themselves for the things ahead. I explained that sometimes things here are miserable but you have to push through it. “The highs are really high and the lows are really low.” Many people appreciated my honesty but one girl was particularly weird. *Carley interrogated me several times and said some really awkward things. I feel sorry for her parents. The older volunteers in the group are totally awesome people. I enjoyed talking with Cathey, Jim, and Mary in particular. I don’t know what any other PST was like (other than my own) but as a whole, group 35 looks like they’ll be a solid and fun group to have in Namibia. As a side note, there is another Rob in Namibia now.
One thing that made my week was when Nicole delivered a can of enchilada sauce that was given to her by Matt Flick, a volunteer from my group who left Namibia. She also gave me an orange and blue survival bracelet that he had made. I’m not in the habit of accepting jewelry from guys, but it was pretty moving. Not only do I get to flaunt the dominance of the Gators over everyone else but I also get to eat enchiladas while doing it.

*Carley is actually a pretty awesome individual. However, she told me her dad found and reads my blog so I had to say something. I hope you are well Mr. Johnson. She’s in good hands with Peace Corps.