Tribute to Jan: January 9

We spent the morning touring Bundu and visiting with the Nkosi’s. It was then that we learned from Sesi that Jan had committed suicide. Supposedly, he had hung himself in the house after discovering that his bank account had been wiped clean. We can only speculate that one of the oversees job employment agencies that he had been applying to lately had gotten hold of his bank account information and robbed him blind. We will always remember Jan as a proud man with big dreams and aspirations. He was successful in school, landed jobs in the business world and cared deeply for his family. Furthermore, he was always looking for ways to give back to his village, school and family. He volunteered at the local high school in an attempt to start computer classes and was always encouraging his younger sisters. Additionally, he openly accepted us into his life and was always going out of his way to make sure we were comfortable and that we were expanding our knowledge of South African language and culture. From translating entire church services into English, to teaching Joe to cut wood for the stove and prepare traditional foods, to brainstorming ideas on how to improve the community, Jan was always full of life and fun to be around. We will always carry a piece of him in our hearts.
On a slightly more positive note, we got to meet Antocia’s mother and younger brother who were in town for the funeral and we were able to inform the Nkosi’s of our swiftly approaching departure in person. Sesi summed it up best with one line, “Peace Corps can go to hell.” Like everyone else we had told, the Nkosi’s couldn’t understand why we were being sent home instead of being punished in-country. Returning to Vezubuhle, we busied ourselves with preparations for dinner as we had invited all of local PCV’s over in order to say good-bye. It was great to exchange laughs, hugs, vacation stories and appreciation for all of the support over the past few months. Furthermore, we were able to give away handy items that we would not be taking back to the states. Our family friend Linky took off with some whole wheat pasta and a cribbage set. We had a good laugh as to what a five year old would possibly do with two such random items. We are eternally grateful for the time we were able to spend with our friends and family, allowing us a bit of closure to the whole nightmare. We will treasure our Peace Corps memories dearly and have vowed to stay in touch with all of our new friends.

Pictures: Jan Nkosi; touring Bundu; the Nkosi family; dinner preparations