Internet Again...??!!!

I've found myself in Lusaka once again.  Wow, two weekends in a row!!!!  Thank God.  I'm especially happy I'm here so I can buy some more toilet paper.  I ran out earlier this week and you DO NOT want to know what I had to use to wipe myself with yesterday morning as I found myself running outside to use the bathroom with poop practically running down my left leg.  But I'm back in the city for a field trip to the Lusaka Museum  and I'm happy to check in with you all and let you know how my week went.

Another volunteer went home yesterday and although I wasn't too surprised at his decision, we all collectively supported him in his choice to leave.  This week has been a good one, and as I continue to learn how to adapt to my life here in Zambia, I find that taking things one day at a time is my best bet.  My BaTaata fixed my door this week so hopefully the mouse that was staying with me off and on will find a new place of residence.  I'll keep you all updated on how that goes.  On another note, I completely wiped out on my bike earlier this week and broke it.  I mean I straight up cleared grass and ate dust and dirt with this accident.  But it's all good.  I just picked myself up and kept it moving.  The next day I found that I had a flat tire and had to get my holes patched up, so needless to say, this hasn't been the best bike week for me.


My ass is spreading from east to west here with all the carbs that I am eating.  I'm not joking.  I read prior to coming here that women tend to gain weight here especially the first three months because of all the carbs that we are feed, but got damn.  I mean really.  I eat 5 to 6 slices of  bread for breakfast.  Donuts for tea time and potatoes/rice/pasta for lunch and all the above for dinner.  No joke.  But with all the crap that I am eating, I'm just thankful that I get food to eat.  Ahhhh, I am really looking forward to the care package that Imani sent out earlier this week.


My host family continues to show me lots of love while I am staying with them.  I spend half of my time with my BaTaata studying my language, as he constantly stresses the importance of my studies, and I spend the other half of my time with my BaMamma learning how to cook like a Zambian woman.  Oh my life.  The kids in the family spend most of their time starring at me which is okay cause I just stare back.  I mainly stare at my two year old brother who when done using the bathroom scoots across the front yard.  I'm not sure why and I haven't yet asked.  I'm not sure if he has worms or if it's because they can't afford toilet paper to wipe with.  I really want to flip him upside down and examine his butt, but I'm not sure how that will be perceived and I really don't want to end up on locked up abroad Zambia edition for child molestation.  But other than that, I'm really enjoying my time spent with them.

I continue to take things one day at a time and the outpouring love and support really makes me feel good.  A care package with lots of chocolate would also make me feel good.  So feel free to drop that in the priority mail anytime soon.  I'm not sure when I'll be back in Lusaka to update you all.  I'm heading down to Southern province in a few weeks to checked out my house and village for second site visit.  Please keep me in your prayers, as I have been told that second site visit is another culture shock that normally sends more people home.  I love you all and don't forget about that care package I asked for.  I'm serious.  Until next time friends and family around the world.

Peace & Love,
Baby Cheers