It has been a bit since I last blogged, and so much has changed... I don't know where to begin! First thing is that I biked 80km with 10 of my friends to Lake Kariba. It was incredibly difficult, probably one of the hardest physical challenges I have ever embarked upon...but I did it! We camped for 3 nights, relaxing together by the lake and swimming pool (the first pool I've been to in Zambia). After our trip we had Provs, where all of the 30 volunteers in my province come together for 4 days of meetings (dancing and celebrating at night of course), and on the last day we had a lovely Thanksgiving with staff members and volunteers together at the house. After our bike trip and provs, I felt like I have a family here in Zambia. The volunteers in my province are some of the most beautiful people I have ever met, and I know that this support system can carry me through anything here in Zambia.
I have also begun to feel completely comfortable in my hut. I used to be very nervous at night, when all of the critters come out, the noises in the dark used to be foreign to me. But now "I am used" as we say here, and I feel at home. The shift happened after provs, when I put up shelves, collaged candle holders, put up pictures of family and friends, and of my favorite musicians from Rolling Stones 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. If I ever feel sad, Jimmy Hendrix, George Harrison, and Joni Mitchell keep me company in my hut. One night when it was raining, I lit candles, blasted my ipod speakers, soaked my feet in a warm water bucket, and then painted in my hut. It was beautiful. I thought, I am home. My host family and the clinic staff help me when I need, they give me their love and smiling faces every day. And now, I also enjoy being alone, writing and reading and creating. Thank you Zambia! Sending my love to you all
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