Happy 6 month anniversary to me!!! This experience continues to come with its ups and downs, but despite my many many challenges, I'm learning new things everyday and I'm counting my blessings. A belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you wonderful people back at home. I had plans on writing a lot sooner, but as usual, my access to internet has been nonexistent for the past couple of weeks. I'm sure you all had a warm and loving holiday season. I spent my Christmas break in Choma, our Southern Provincial capitol with my volunteer family. All I wanted for Christmas was for the termites to stop eating through my walls. Apparently, I was a naughty girl last year, because Santa ignored my wish. I returned to my hut in early January to find them not only eating through my walls, but also the support beams that hold my roof up. Wonderful! So when my roof collapses, you all will be the first to know. I decided to live it up for New Year's and headed even further south to Livingstone to ring in the New Year at the amazing Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. Staying true to my bucket list, I went Bunji Jumping off the Falls for NYE. Yes, I did it. I jumped 111 meters off the Zambia/Zimbabwe bridge over looking the Victoria Falls. I've always wanted to do it ever since I was a little kid and I can say, with all the confidence in the world, that I will NEVER do it again. It was absolutely awful. I just knew I was going to hit the water below. I forgot that when you Bunji Jump, there is a yoyo aspect to it. As I bounced up and down, all I wanted was for the experience to quickly come to an end. My brain felt like jello after the experience, and once I was pulled back up to the bridge I just wanted to get back on solid ground. Needless to say, I made the jump and crossed one more exciting adventure off my list of dumb shit to do.
I've been back in my village for about a month now, and I can honestly say that things are going well. The rains have finally come which is beyond refreshing. The extreme heat is gone for now, and I am so thankful. The clinic continues to keep me busy. I'm in the process of working on a few projects in my community regarding HIV/AIDS. School is back in sessions and I'm working with the science teachers and health workers with their Anti AIDS and health clubs. So with all that said, I'm really looking forward to my work this year.
Imani, Beverly, and Peanut will be here in Zambia in a little less than two weeks and I'm so excited for their visit. I have been looking forward to this trip for a long time, and I cannot believe it's finally here. I don't know if they're ready for village life, but they're stepping up to the challenge and making their way out to the African Bush. I will definitely let you all know how that experience goes. Once again, I have to go and head back to the village. I continue to miss and love you all and I promise to keep in touch.
Peace & Love,
Baby Cheers
