Safe and Sound

We arrived safely in Zambia over three weeks ago and very quickly began our training. 

First was our "First Site Visit" where I stayed with a current volunteer for three days and three nights in Eastern Province.  I tackled the food, a mountain, and the ichimbusu, or pit latrine.

Then we had our "Ring In" ceremony, a brand new Peace Corps/Zambia tradition that announces our arrival in country.  We were fortunate to have the American Ambassador there, as well as Johnny Carson, the Secretary of African Affairs who works directly under Hillary Clinton.  Also, the Ministry of Edcation sent a speaker who spoke of the process it takes to eat an elephant ...

piece by piece

We then moved in with our homestays in Chongwe District of Lusaka Province.  I am staying in Chishiko village with Ya Mayo (mom) and her son Ya Ken (24).  I'm not sure I have ever been fed so much or doted upon quite so thoroughly.

Training days are long and exhausting, but we are learning alot.  We have sessions on
cross culture
language
HIV / AIDS
Co-Teaching
Medical
and the Zambian Classroom

I am learning Mambwe, one of Zambia's 72 languages.  This will take me to Mbala District of Northern Province at the conclusion of training (Easter weekend) right on the border with Tanzania.  The area is surrounded by waterfalls, rivers,  and lakes, so if you are looking for an aquatic Africa adventure, possibly filled with shisto and crocs, come my way!

Things are very good here and I am having a wonderful time getting to know my fellow trainees, our fantastic Zambian trainers, and my very welcoming host family and host community.  Zambia is filled with friendly families and open arms that are thrilled to have us here, learn the language and cutlure, and do what we can to help the education system. 

And I must say, there is nothing that beats the African night sky.  I saw the Southern Cross for my first time during First Site Visit, and have spent many a night since trying to describe and identify Orien and his belt (which has shockingly followed me to Zambia) to my mayo and neighbor children.  My mayo and I spend our nights learning Mambwe songs and practicing the traditional nsimba dance, which I am told I will be performing at Swear In (no promises on video).

All from me for now.  Our time in Lusaka is limited and I am desiring some ice cream.  Hope to have pictures for you all soon. 

Thanks for all the notes, letters, emails, prayers, and good wishes.  You are all in my heart as I face each new day.

All my love ...