Planes, Buses, and Pit Latrine!

Lumelang!

September 27, 2025 – One Week In

It’s officially been one week since I left home and started my Peace Corps Pre-Service Training

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This first week has been a whirlwind of meeting new people from all over the U.S., struggling with my (very heavy) suitcases, and missing cheeseburgers and fries. Someone please FedEx me a milkshake!

Peace Corps kicked off in Philadelphia, where we had a quick orientation before getting to the travel portion. Getting to Lesotho was a 25-hour trek that went like this:

• 2-hour bus ride to New York

• 18 hours of airport waiting + flight time

• 2-hour plane ride from South Africa into Lesotho (the only way to get here!)

• 3-hour bus ride to our lodging

I think I’ll have nightmares of my middle seat on that plane ride.

Training life means everything from learning Sesotho (the local language) to immersing ourselves in the culture of the Basotho people.

I wasn’t sure how the Peace Corps would really keep us safe as volunteers — but to my family and friends reading this: they truly go above and beyond. They gave us training on how to cross the street properly haha. so the big stuff was definitely covered.

Our first week was a rare treat; we stayed at a lodge with indoor plumbing and electricity. it was so beautiful and I loved every minute, but now it’s host village/family time.

~update~

My new family welcomed me with huge smiles and warm hearts! I am now a big sister and officially part of the family. This stage of Peace Corps life feels so new and overwhelming that you don’t even have time to sit back and think, Whoa, what am I doing? — at least until the wee hours of the morning.

The Basotho people are renowned for their hospitality and family-oriented nature. They gave me a new name: Keneuoe Moshe, which means “The Given.” It feels so special to have a place in their hearts already

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With less data and electricity in my future, I’ll do my best to keep you updated as often as I can.

Sala hantle (stay well), Kamrin

“Lerato la pelo tsa rona le teng ha se timeng.”The love of our hearts is there and will not fade. — Lesotho Proverb