littleka

I had to buy a new phone and so I can't update my blog from my hut anymore, but I will try to update as often as possible. Here's a mishmash of my thoughts over the last month and a half.

I gave a few books in Nyanja (local language) to my siblings and they have been reading them endlessly. It's great to see them passing around the books because it isn't super common to see in the village. I was blown away the other day when Agogo (grandma) picked up the book and started reading aloud. She is at least in her 60's and I was very impressed to see she knows how to read. Also I've been letting the kids play with a soccer ball and jump rope and they love it. Sometimes I just give it to them for the day, and sometimes they have to do little chores like bring me fire or water. It is a win-win for both of us. i'm trying to get the kids to speak English to me, they have progressed from "bola!" to "ball please" All about the baby steps.

I am beyond excited to see Aaron (my brother) in April!! And to top it off it will be in Morocco which will be beautiful and delicious! I can't wait. I think it helps a lot to have something to look forward to, so it doesn't just feel like I will live in a village indefinitely.

I am 1/3 done with my entire service and 1/4 done with my time in the village. Just a year and a half left. Its strange because most days are slow but the months fly by. I've started studying for the GRE which is good, keeps me busy and feeling like I'm still learning. I'm thinking I want to go to Grad school after PC so hopefully I"ll get a great score since I'm starting to study so early.

I recently had a meeting with my Safe Motherhood Action Group who does outreach for family planning, antenatal care, bringing women to the clinic for delivery, and nutrition. They have started a chicken raising Income Generating Activity to help raise funds because they need bikes to be able to reach people who live further away. I'm working with a few members to write a grant because it would literally take years for them to raise enough money to buy enough bikes to reach the entire community. A chicken is sold for $6 USD and a bike costs $100. I'm impressed with their commitment and follow-through so it encourages that the bikes will be well-used and sustainable. Also they can bring women to the clinic to stay at the Mother Shelter before giving birth, and use the bicycles as ambulances. I am beyond impressed with these women who walk over 3-4 hours to reach the clinic at about 9 months pregnant. Zambian women are incredibly strong, and don't even make noise when giving birth. When Zambian men ask to marry me I just tell them I'm to weak and lazy, nothing like a Zambian, and we both know its true.

Yesterday I want to a traditional festival called Ncwala, to celebrate the beginning of harvests and the end of hunger season. There were tons of people dressed in lots of fur, lots of topless older women, and of course tons of dancing. It was super hot and crowded so I left early but what I missed was the Paramount Chief (topmost chief) came and drank cows blood that was freshly drained while everyone watched. Also the President of Zambia, Michael Sata was flown in by helicopter and gave a speech. I feel lucky that even at huge festivals the extent of harassment is people calling me madame or sister and asking how I am.

My cooking in the village is getting much better. Which of course makes life more enjoyable. I still miss variety since its usually just onions, tomatoes, bell pepper, and green beans with soy and pasta/rice. But I've been making lots of soups which are delicious.

Here's some of my favorite Zambian sayings: So cabe (pronounced chabey, meaning just so), littleka(little little, littleka spoon, etc), maths, instead of saying many saying much (you have much bags), bungalolo (centipede), how to say a new one in nyanja- ya new one.

I painted nearly my entire hut purple inside. I love it. I feel much more at home and the wall lime isn't rubbing off on everything anymore.

As always I love you and miss you all tons and tons xoxoxox