The first few days

I am officially unpacked and living in Namwianga, ZAMBIA! After three plane rides and a six-hour bus ride with a short stop at "Tooters" for lunch, we are here.  The plane rides were not bad at all, thanks to Dr. Weston (and ambian).  The six-hour bus ride wasn't bad either… we passed through many villages.  Lots of fruit, potatoes, charcoal, baskets, and carvings for sale on the side of the road.  There were multiple police stops along the way.  The luggage truck got a ticket for not having a mud flap.  Oh, and our bus died on the way from Lusaka so all the guys had to get out and push it until it started- the adventure began early.

I ordered egg rolls at "Tooters" which ended up being... an egg on a roll.  I have realized in these past three days that the English used in Africa is very literal. For example, the cake Leanord, the chef, makes says "Apple Cake with Chocolate" - it literally says that on the cake… funny right? Leanoard plans on cooking us one Zambian meal a week and we are not to act disappointed/grossed out/etc under any circumtance. I am living with Anna (native to Searcy), Lauren (native to LR), and Ashley (native to Pennsylvania).

Anyway, this is amazing…already. Dr. Weaver (BWeave) threw out the idea of everyone coming back next year... uh oh.  Ashley came to Namwianga the first year HIZ-PATH (Harding University In Zambia) started, three years ago.  She walked me around Namwianga/campus/compound/whatever you want to call it.  There is a university (you can major in education, history, math and the bible), an elementary school, middle school, high school, dorms, auditorium, cafeteria, football (soccer) field, and basketball court. Every student at this school is either; funded by an American or their parents pay (which is rare).  It is roughly $200 a semester to fund a student.  

I can't believe this place began with simple donations people made, whether that be time or money.  I walked around the campus and all the kids were so kind and happy to see Americans.  School is not required due to the families need for the children's work but Ashley said the attendance rate is high.  

I have only been in Africa three days and I am in love. I guess I fall in love wherever I am but man, I could totally live here for a while.

Saturday, May 20, 2011

I slept for nine solid hours, the most I have slept since leaving the states. Leanord made oatmeal with brown sugar for breakfast.  He doesn’t talk much but he sure does make some good food.  Today we rode in Kahki Jackie to The Haven and embraced 80 opening arms.  There were three different houses; one for infants, one for toddlers, and one for sick babies (sick being…. HIV, TB, or failure to thrive).  The sick babies need us the most so we will be seeing them every day.  We spent over an hour at The Haven, enough time for me to fall in love with Maureen (or Memory, not exactly sure of his name yet... aunties told me both).  He looks to be about six months old and is a complete jokester.  I will have plenty of pictures of the two of us.  His neighbor was Hamilton, the baby who was skin and bones last summer.  He came close to dying many times but made it, thanks to the aunties and all.  The aunties are great, they seemed so happy to have us.  

Leanard made spaghetti last night with bread pudding!!! Of course, that made me think of my Momma (wasn't as good as hers though).  After dinner we played Mafia for a while and then I went to sleep and got nine hours... I obviously am needing my sleep.

Sunday, May 21, 2011

Today was a day to relax, get organized and play "football".  We unpacked the huge 18-wheeler storage bin full of supplies such as language enrichment packets, protocols, office supplies, feeding cups, paper, journals, and diet coke for BWeave.  After, we played "football" with the locals.  That was a blast... they are good! I kicked a little girl (looked like she was six years old) in the chest (on accident!) and she didn't even flinch!