Fetch, Fifi!

I have decided to include more random facts/aspects of my life here--realizing that, while it seem normal to me now, you may have no idea how to take a bucket bath. But that comes later. I will start with my South African moniker (which, despite my forthcoming rant, I really do like).

A rather embarrassing fact (that fellow volunteers love to capitalize on as often possible) is the unfortunate nickname of my Setswana name, Refilwe (ree-feel-way). Meaning “given to us,” it is often shortened to “Refi,” “Re” or, the terrible one—“Fifi.”

Yes, yes, I know. It sounds like a small, fluffy white dog. So hilarious. But, after a few “what did you call me?”s and eye twitches at the sound of it, I’ve decided to embrace it. It’s endearing and, more importantly, does not concoct an image of a poodle in people’s brains here. So neither shall it in mine.

BUT—and I can see the gleam in some of your eyes—this does not mean you can call me Fifi back in the States. That is a firm rule.