The fourth month of my volunteer service was shaped above all by the rainy season, the further development of the garden and many joint events with the MDT.
While the previous months had been dominated by new projects and organisational tasks, the focus now shifted more towards looking after the projects already under way.
At the beginning of the month I helped put up shade cloths over the raised beds I had built. They not only protect the plants from the intense summer sun but also make working conditions more pleasant for us.
Alongside the garden work, the rainy season brought some challenges. The heavy rain once again caused problems with the roof and walls of our house. Time and again we found new places where water was getting in. After several months it was frustrating that these problems still had not been fully fixed. At the same time I was grateful that the MDT and our landlady actively looked for solutions and finally arranged for a roofer.
In the second week Radik and I supported the MDT at another large event.
Our tasks included putting up tarpaulins, tents and sound equipment and taking photos of the event. Working in the strong summer sun was tiring at times, but it was fun to work towards the event together with the team.
It was especially nice to see how well the cooperation now works and how naturally we are included in everything.
In the third week I once again spent a lot of time in the garden. The heavy rain had damaged some areas, which needed repairing.
I also made a natural pesticide from garlic and chilli to protect the plants from snails and crickets. It was interesting to see how many problems can be solved with simple, readily available means. At the same time I learned how important continuous care is in gardening.
A special highlight of the month was the MDT’s end-of-year party, to which Radik and I were invited. For both of us it was a lovely opportunity to spend time with the staff outside work. We laughed with many of the team members and enjoyed the evening in a relaxed atmosphere.
of the group.
Together with Khotso, Tsotang and other staff we spent time on a nearby mountain, took photos and let the evening come to an end together.
Radik and I spent the last week of the month – and so the Christmas season – mostly at the lodge. We celebrated Christmas itself quietly and spent the holidays playing pool with friends, among other things.
We finally saw in the new year with friends in Mafeteng, where we celebrated New Year’s Eve and looked back on the past months.
Looking back, this month was less about big new projects than the previous ones, and all the more about community. The garden continues to develop well, and it motivates me a lot to see the first results of the past months.
Looking ahead to the coming months, I am particularly looking forward to taking the planned bee project further. The preparations are already under way, and I am curious to see when we will be able to buy the equipment we need and take the first concrete steps.