Zambia is amazing. I've just returned from my frist site visit in Mpeka in the Northern Provence. The villagers were so friendly, the first evening we were there the neighbors came over to dance and play the drums for us! On the second day I slaughtered the chicken we ate for lunch!! I had to stand on its wings until it stopped twiching, and there was blood all over my foot... but it was a good cultural experience. The chicken that was slaughtered before me actually got up after it's head was cut off and started running around, which brought a whole new meaning to "running around like a chicken with its head cut off". It was quite a site.

I'm learning Bemba which means that I could be posted in a variety of places in Zambia. I'm hoping for the Northern Provence, but I'll be happy anywhere.

I've just moved in with my host family 2 days ago. Things are going really well. When I get home from training, my Bamayo (host mother) prepares bathing water for me, after that, we eat dinner together, just my Bamayo and I. The children eat in another hut after we eat. There are 6 or 8 children, I'm not quite sure. Everyone is so friendly. I have yet to meet my Bataata (host father). He works very hard, and comes home after I've already gone to sleep and leaves before I get up. The two oldest boys (William and Timothy) speak English pretty well, so they help me with my Bemba. My Bamayo also speaks English but not as fluently as her boys. Last night, my Bamayo was teasing me. She said that since I'm learning Bemba so well, she is only going to speak English for 2 more weeks, then after that, only Bemba!! I tried to barter with her for more time, but it didn't seem to work, in fact, the more I tried the shorter the time became. So in the end, it was "in 2 days, no more English, only Bemba". I guess I'd better get crackin' on my Bemba!!

I have my own hut with my host family. It is much more than I expected. There is a small living room with furnature, and a bedroom with a bed. I feel bad because my hut seems to be nicer than that of the family.

Well, I'm at an internet cafe in Kitwe, and the group I'm with is finished. Ba Harriet (one of the language trainers) has been so kind to sit and wait for us all while we've been emailing for the past hour, so I don't want to keep her waiting any longer. I'm trying to post some pictures, hopefully you will be able to see them by clicking on the link in my blog. Please write, letters mean so much, and thank you to those who have written already. I miss you all so much.

Alive and Well in Africa

Well, today is my second day in Zambia. Things are going well. We're staying at a little place about 15k outside of Lusaka. Tomorrow I'm off for my first site visit in the Northern provence. It is near one of the national parks. The PCVL's (Peace Corps Volunteer Leaders) say that they have a suprise for us, but they won't let us know until tomorrow. I hope that it is a stop at the national park. Today we got some more shots and will be fitted for our bikes. I've now heard that we will be able to have internet access about once a week while in training. Last night I ate pizza with banana's on it, it was interesting. Haven't had any traditional Zambian foods yet. Well, there are only 2 computers here and I don't want to keep people waiting. I'll write soon.

Just a quick second...

I'm in Philly, arrived on Monday. There is only one computer in the computer lab at the hotel, so I probably shouldn't keep everone waiting too long for me to finish. Staging went really well, we're off to get our shots in a few minutes, then to JFK to fly over to Jo'Berg tonight at 5:55 pm. We've been told that we won't have access to internet during our entire training! So I'm not sure if I'll be able to use email. But please write.... I can't wait to hear from everyone!!