Yay! An update from the Rooster! I (Maggie, friend from Willamette) recieved this letter yesterday, and attempted to hack her account, only to find out she doesn't even have the right password for her account (really, rooster, REALLY). It is with further ado that I bestow these wonderful words upon the masses!

Friday March 13th, 2009

Currently I am sitting on my little stool watching my Bamama cut up vegetables for dinner. It is right before sundown and I can almost feel time slip by me- those last few minutes of usable light never seems long enough. The giant sky is threatening a storm and thunder is looming in the distance. But I am still not sure if rain will really fall. It is the tail end of the rainy season here and it is starting to cool off at nights- but it is a perfect 75-85 degrees during the day.....that is a guess- and hopefully soon my guesses will be in celsius!

As I switch to lamp light.....I am just finishing my third week in Zambia and my second week with my family. I will be here until the end of April (I think)....and honestly I keep waiting for the big freak-out but it hasn't happened! Life kind of just goes on....and although I am nowhere near comfortable, the unfamiliar is becoming comforting. Plus training has a very structured schedule so it just feels like what I am supposed to do. I am adjusting to the diet and minus one day of general stomach aching, I haven't gotten sick. Knock on wood- but I know my time is probably coming.

I had my first language test today. It was an oral test with two different teachers covering basic greetings, talking and asking about me/other people/ where I come from/ what I do/ what my family does/ names/ marital status, etc. Then the test my vocab on school supplies, gardening tools, food, body parts, eating utensils, illnesses and a few commands- oh and describing another person physically. Not bad for a only two weeks fo language class. I feel like I still have so much to learn and don't understand most of what my Bamama asks me but I made it through the test and I don't think they are sending me home yet ;)

Saturdays we only have half days of class. So after HIV training and then HIV training again in Kikaonde, a bunch of us usually play some kind of game at the football pitch. (**editor's note- roughly translated to SOCCER FIELD....she is so cultured!)

And really I am super excited for Sunday- we get to go into Lusaka and go to an "American" type shopping mall. Who would have ever thought I would look forward to a mall!? But it means a grocery store and I can buy fruit for the first time in weeks! ....and maybe some ice cream...... There is a fruit shortage or something in my village so an orange has become gold! Well, dinner calls......

Miss you all!

Shalaipo!

Stevie