This post has two audiences in mind: folks back home who want to know what I have been up to for all this time without posting, and peace corps volunteers who are bored and reading other blogs... wondering what ever happened to that wedding Libby was having!
So, since the pcvs are probably paying for internet, I'll tell the story of Libby's wedding first. Her family and friends that came from the states are lovely people (and I'm not just saying that because Kara gave me a really pretty dress!). I must say it will probably be one of the most memorable weddings I ever attend due to the mix of two cultures in what is such a traditional event! I had a great time hanging out with everyone, meeting Blessed's family and friends as well as Libby's. Those of you who know me well will not be surprised that i turned into the wedding planner of sorts to help out... thanks mom for that trait... and all that catering of weddings i did in hs! In the end I think it was a perfectly lovely wedding... the only thing that could have been improved would be throwing the MC into the pool (which I REALLY wanted to do!). There is a common practice of hiring an MC to conduct the reception (as there is traditionally a lot of dancing.. into the reception, to the cake to cut it, etc.). This MC however was rude and loud and not liked by many. Oh well...now we can all laugh about it right!? Thats all you'll get from me about the wedding... check libby's blog later.. im sure she'll post. Also, i should have posted pictures of the wedding as of today!
Now, my life in the village can be summed up in one phrase: i dont have a house. as you know, i have moved villages and am living in a temporary hut (which is in shambles). My house was supposed to be well on its way to being built by the time i left for Libby's wedding, but alas, not even weeds were cleared. Needless to say, I have spent a lot of time at site tracking down the appropriate people, and the people they blame, and the people that they blame to discuss my house, or rather the lack thereof! I think I finally got through to them, maybe not in the kindest way, but I hope it all works out and I have at least walls and poles for a roof when i return from vacation with my parents in south africa!
I did have one FANTASTIC training, not sure if I already wrote about it... but it was an IGA (income generating activities) training for a pta, neighborhood health committee, cooperative group, and home based care group in a particular zone of my medical catchment area. It was hard to crawl out of bed (as it was early and FREEZING!) and bike the 20km to the workshop, but both days I was pleasantly surpised to find people very punctual, attentive, and willing to discuss such controversial issues as female condoms! (as many people, especially women, are so shy to talk about sex that talking about condoms, let alone female condoms is often difficult and one feels that there is a room full of 13 year old boys giggling about it! Anyway, it was one of my proudest moments thus far in Zambia since it was very successful, and community initiated. They wrote me, asking to conduct the workshop becuase they identified IGAs as a possible tool to fight the economic imbalance due to HIV in their community.
My new village... despite the lack of house is lovely. I am enjoying their company and slowly getting used to an even smaller world... there are only 19 people there now.. wow. who would of thought life could revolve around so few people on a daily basis! I have also been back a few times to visit my old village. They are so different, and I love them both ... but i find myself missing my old village.. especially Barbra and Efrieda... a lot sometimes. Its good to go back and see them, I feel like an aunt talking about how much Efrieda has grown etc etc.
Well, i cant really feel my fingers its so cold so it hurts to type. ill leave it at this short update and say... enjoy the pictures!... when i finally get them posted... maybe in cape town?? maybe later today??? who knows!
