Hello all! Tomorrow I swear in as a Peace Corps Volunteer after 3 months of Pre-Service Training... I can't believe it! It is bittersweet, celebrating with all my friends before we leave each other for some time as we begin our service in our respective villages. The next few days will be a bit chaotic, buying things for our new huts and preparing for Community Entry, but I feel ready for it all.
For a good story... about a week ago I heard a noise under my door around 7pm as I was sitting on the floor of my hut. I turned to shine my headlamp towards the noise... it was a snake! The only thing I have ever seen Zambians fear is snakes, because most of them are very poisonous. I jumped onto my table, called my host Mom, and before I knew it the snake had slithered out the way it came in. My host Mom saw the snake, but it slithered back into the bush. It was all quite terrifying! Now I know I need to always put something to block the space between my door and the ground, especially at night.
I had to say goodbye to my Bamaama 2 days ago after cultural day (a goodbye celebration with our host families with tons of singing and dancing), which was incredibly difficult. We developed such a meaningful relationship, and I will never forget spending time fetching water, washing clothes and dancing to Paul Simon, talking and laughing for hours after dinner with my host Mom. She is one of the strongest, most beautiful women I have ever met, and I know we will stay connected in one way or another.
We are currently staying in a hotel in Lusaka, taking REAL SHOWERS before 2 years of life in the Zambian bush... I have never appreciated warm running water more in my life. On Saturday we move to our provincial house where we shop for our new homes, and then next week I will be posted in my village. Cell service in my hut is spotty (texts are much easier, as I have to climb an ant hill on the side of my hut to make phone calls), but at least I am 4km from the main road. I am ready to become a part of my village, I am ready for the ups and downs of the toughest job I will ever love, and I am ready to continue allowing Zambia to fill my spirit with the deepest inner peace I have ever experienced. Sending you all love and light!
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