Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Happy Holidays From Zambia!

It's Christmas here in Zambia, and though I miss sitting under the Christmas tree with family, I am at the Provincial House with 10 of my PCV friends singing Christmas music, baking, and enjoying one another's company.  We have a mini Christmas tree that we decorated last night, and though it's raining instead of snowing, it's a cozy kind of day.  There are a few major things that have happened in the past few weeks, so I'll start with the good.  I have given some really successful health talks at my clinic, mostly to pregnant women teaching them about HIV prevention, malaria prevention, and nutrition.  I have an incredible translator named Judy who is also one of my really close friends at the clinic, and who I have chosen as a counterpart to take with me to Lusaka for IST in just 2 weeks.  I am also hoping to start an HIV positive support group at my clinic, and I began mentioning my idea to the clinic staff, who seem to be excited.  My clinic is by the tarmac and gets very busy, so I think this group has the potential to be successful! I would also like to do an income generating project with this group (particularly because of the wonderful location of the clinic by the roadside), so I am excited to get back from IST to begin this project. I have a trip to Malawi coming up after IST for about 4 days (plus 2 days of travel on each end, which will inevitable be chaotic), and being by the water with friends who I haven't seen in a while should be so peaceful.

On the flip side, I returned to my hut after a heavy rainstorm to find what I have been worried about since I was stuck in a flood in Panama some years ago... my home was flooded.  Completely flooded, from the front door all the way across my hut and underneath my bed.  This is not a usual occurrence, because most volunteers have huts that are elevated on a layer or 2 of brick foundation, and not located on a slope.  My hut, however, is not elevated at all and is located on a slope-- not great for rainy season.  So, I have to get a new hut built in my village.  I have worked tirelessly to make my hut homey, putting up pictures and collages and shelves, spending weeks painting my walls and a beautiful tree on door #2 (the first door broke and this tree painted door resides at the provincial house).  However, I will be grateful to be in a new home where I feel safe and comfortable, it will just take some time and energy.  I feel a bit like a wanderer without a home; my mantra has been 'patience is a virtue.'  I am trying my hardest to stay present, accept that I will feel at home in the not-too-distant future, and I am feeling appreciative that I have so many beautiful friends here who constantly make me feel like I have a home and a family whenever I'm with them.  I know that the Universe tends to work in mysterious ways, and though the road now looks a bit windy and fogged, I'm still smiling and feeling grateful and loved.

For the holidays I wish for you to all feel thankful for family and friends, for sustenance, shelter, and love. I am sending my love to you all from Zambia!