Week 1, getting better each day

My first night in my new home I felt homesick, but I'm much more comfortable now and getting moreso each day. The next day my counterpart came over and brought stands for my.water filter to make it like a sink,.and helped me set up my kitchen stuff. My.atate brought a bed frame. I'm enjoying spending time with my family and I have a lot of fun with my peer age sisters. They braid my hair, teach me how to do their hair, we dance, visit people around the village. It's nice Im never alone unless I want to be.

Its also given me a really good perspective to read The End of Poverty by Jeffrey Sachs. It's very interesting and well written and breaks down political, economic,environmental, and social problems that hold back poor countries. He groups all of sub-Saharan Africa together although he does mention Zambia specifically. Whereas the chapters on India and China, Bolivia, and Poland focus mostly on free markets and changes in economic policy AMD farming techniques, when he gets to Africa he writes almost exclusively about the need to reduce malaria & HIV prevalence, as well as water.and sanitation. I was shocked and couldnt help but feel good. He complains that.the developed nations have.yet to reach their goal of contributing 0.7% of GNP (gross national product) to help fight poverty, and so much that could be done, isn't being done. While I think he's right, I am a proponent of capacity building and direct education more than aid. And I can't help but think peace corps is on the right track by having us teach people.about HIV, malaria, nutrition, and water and sanitation. The optimist in me has resurfaced and I know I can help people change their lives for the better. Having a bigger perspective helps me stay motivated. Yes I miss running water, and so many other American luxuries, but I am living in a way that is considered extreme poverty and with that considered I'm pretty happy. And even if I'm not, I'm confident I can help people and that's why I'm.here.
Thank u friends and family for your support I couldn't be here without u.