quick tidbits

Life in the village has been good. Its always excellent to get back into a routine, back to work, and be in my own hut after being away. Christmas and New years wee relaxing and I was eager to get back to work.
Other than my 3 current projects (sewing IGA, youth friendly corner, and community AIDS task force training) I've been spending a lot of time just soaking-up village life. The time between now and the end of July is just going to FLY by!
One day EVERYONE painted their nails with the polish I bought the girls for Christmas. I planted a field of corn and soya with the help of every village kid- I guess its more entertaining to hoe in my field and watch me than work with their parents in their own fields. I watched half of a movie at my nurse's house, the solar power ran out... since it is the rainy season and all. I do laungry and pray that it doesn't rain.... but inevitably it takes 3 days for ANYTHING to dry. I hang out and chat with anyone who is around. I confuse the new teachers at the school who, no matter how much I explain who I am, are still confused every time I walk through the school on my way to work or to fetch water. Finally, I eat a lot of mangoes... sadly the mango season is ending... but guavas will be here soon!
Work is going well, which is rare for the rainy season so that is keeping me motivated! Unfortunately we did find out that a little boy that I adore tested positive for HIV at 18 months old (both of his parents are HIV positive). That has been one of the toughest things to deal with in my service here, and my life in general! He is an awesome kid. We have been eating breakfasts together now so that he gets breakfast (since no one usually eats before going to the fields and return around 10am or 11am). He is IN LOVE with hot chocolate... "AKet, nipeko ho cho cho, ho cho cho" "Katey, please give me hot chocolate"... adorable, right?
I am looking forward to seeing americaland and the people there in a month... the week i am there is just going to fly by!

Sewing along

A while ago I started a group comprised of representatives from all of the HIV/AIDS groups in my area: Zumwanda Cooperating HIV/AIDS Partners (ZCHAP). The group has big plans and lots of ideas for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) support, as well as community outreach HIV/AIDS education programs. Each group represented has been able to implement their own programs (home based care, education, etc.) but the cummulative group, ZCHAP has no government supporter or funds. The group therefore decided to start an income generating activity (IGA) of their own in order to fund their programs. The idea of a sewing business was born.
With the kind support of friends and family at home as well as the DCHS National Honors Society, the club was able to purchase a sewing machine and all the start-up materials necessary for their business. A member of the group is teaching others how to cut fabric and sew. They are sewing school uniforms and will begin shortly to make purses and other bags to sell.
The whole venture is proving entertaining and rewarding. Entertaining as they teach eachother and laugh and exclaim that the other has failed before they start over again. Rewarding because its a big project and its actually coming together nicely!