One Day At A Time

I apologize about the delay.  Peace Corps wasn't joking when they said that we wouldn't have access to email/internet during our first three months of service, but in desperation, I have found myself in the presence of an internet cafe.  I arrived safely in Zambia on Wednesday July 20, 2011, and it has already been a roller coaster ride of emotions  I am currently living about an hour away from Lusaka h my hot family in a village called Chishiko.  My host family consists of my BaMamma and BaTaata, three of there children, their daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, an orphan they took in some years ago, four cows, four chickens, a dog, a cat, and a rooster that I want to f**king kill.  I live in a mud brick hut with a mouse and wall spiders, free of charge of course.  The main house has roaches.  I bathe outside everyday in a bucket with warm water that my BaMamma prepares for me which comes with challenges considering the fact that I dropped my soap in cow shit the other day.  I poop in a hole outside that's about 8-9feet deep.  I do keep a pee bucket in my house cause the thought of leaving my house in the middle of the night scares the Hell out of me.  And with the exception of me dropping my bucket the other morning and spilling my pee all over me and the wall, it seems to be going great.  I am dirty about 95% of my day.  My skin is terribly dry from the Doxy, soap, and water here and my hair, well lets just say...hair...be..gone!  That's right, I chopped it all off.  Oh, pictures you want. Well you well just have to come over here and visit me to see the new do that I'm rocking.

My training is intense yet full of information.  I spend four hours five days a week learning Tonga which is spoken in the South of Zambia.  That's right, I will be living in Southern province which is home to the Victory Falls.  So when you come visit, fly into Livingston.  The second half of my day is spent primarily learning about community/village based issues that we will need when moving into our province in October (HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Nutrition, etc.).  Like I said, training is intense and I'm so ready for October to come so I can just post up in my village and start working.  Truth be told, all of Zambia has been a bit intense.  From the diet which consist of trans fat oil and empty carbs, to the snake that scared the living shit out of me on my bike ride home the other day, all of this has been a big adjustment.  People have gone home already, some are facing crucial illnesses forcing them to seek medical attention in Lusaka and leave training, and the rest of us, well we have gone crazy and have fallen into a state of delirium.  But regardless, we have found ourselves sticking together and supporting one another each and everyday.  It may be hard, but it ain't impossible.

I think about home from time to time, but the thought of coming home has never crossed my mind.  Mainly because my mom has told the entire world about me serving here and how proud she is of me.  So, come Hell or high water, mice and yes oh God even snakes, I'm not leaving Zambia no time soon.  Beside when I find myself feeling down and questioning my decision, I look around and take in the GORGEOUS scenery this place has to offer.  The sunset, the stars, and the sunrise are just to good to leave.  I keep telling myself "One day at a time Nia".  Keeping in mind that God has me here for a reason whether I understand it now or not.

I find myself in prayer a lot.  It's amazing how when you have nothing, or very little, God is everything.  It's a good thing though.  I'm enjoying my relationship with Him.  I continue to work on my relationship with patience, but trust me, this is the perfect test to be put through.  One day at a time.  Remember Nia.

I Live in the middle of Africa.  Literally.  And although I have mice and roaches and the occasional bug I find on the back of my neck, I still know that this is right for me.  The best times are when I get calls from Adam checking up on me, or emails from Karl and Heather putting me in contact with a good friend they have here in Lusaka to meet up with.  Thanks guys, I really appreciate it.  I journal everyday and I'm quickly learning the difference between independence and loneliness.  It gets really lonely here from time to time and my cravings for chocolate and something other than nshima (the staple food here in Zambia; corn crop) drive me to the point of eye twitching.  But like I said, I'm staying.  I pray that God continues to protect and bless my friends and family back at home and those in various other parts of the world.  I love and miss you all and continue to thank God for all the love and support you all continue to show me.

Peace & Love,
Baby Cheers