Well my first segment of being a volunteer is complete! Today marks the end of my 3 months of community entry!! I honestly can't believe how fast it went and that tomorrow I am on my way on my first (and hopefully not last) African holiday :)
Since my last posting almost one month ago I can say that not much changed and that everything is going well in Misengo. I have been not as busy with meetings lately due to caterpillar season being in full swing leading most of my villagers to be out in the fields daily to collect them. And it's also planting time so people are either planting crops or getting the fields ready to plant beans in a couple of months.
My adventures in farming continue slowly but surely. If anything this whole process is a community effort because I have no idea what I'm doing so I have invested the help of many of my community members who I think enjoy assisting me. And thankfully they don't laugh too hard when I ask stupid questions such as, "is this a weed or is this a vegetable?"
I've also been keeping my soya cooking going with my women's groups and our latest creation has been a chocolate cake which was VERY delicious. Hopefully one of these days in the future I will be able to arrange a cooking competition with all my soya making women with the winning group to receive new ingredients (flour, sugar, cooking oil etc) so they can keep on cooking! I'll keep you updated on any progress in Iron Chef: Zambia.
I have also been making progress in teaching my children that frequent my house a little english. Mutuka now will tell my cat Lunga "Stop it!" I finally asked him the other day if he knew what it meant and he said no so I said, "Stop it cimo cine Leka" (translation: stop it is the same as leka which is the bemba word for to stop." So now when Lunga is causing problems he says "Lunga, stop it cimo cine leka." It's not only adorable but also a big help to me :)When I return to site in January hopefully we'll be able to learn some more and also work on some basic math.
December 1st is World AIDS Day and for the day I went with the agriculture camp officer from Misengo to a neighboring village for a full day of festivities including a march, dances and skits put on by various groups, and my favorite was a tug of war competition between the bamaayos (women) and bataatas (men). The women I'm happy to report dominated the contest, which isn't so surprising given the fact they make large post of nshima multiple times daily.
Well since I will be doing A LOT of traveling over these next few weeks please be praying for safety and good health!
I hope you all have a great Christmas and New Year and I'll be back after some time in Zanzibar and then training in Lusaka and Kasama.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Turkey Day everyone!!
I just finished stuffing myself here in Kasama with so much turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and dessert that I can barely breathe comfortably. That is why I love this day oh so much.
I was also able to upload some new pictures so I hope that you all enjoy them by clicking on the link below.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2246322&id=59511885&l=54f3c48dcf
I just finished stuffing myself here in Kasama with so much turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and dessert that I can barely breathe comfortably. That is why I love this day oh so much.
I was also able to upload some new pictures so I hope that you all enjoy them by clicking on the link below.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2246322&id=59511885&l=54f3c48dcf
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Mwansa
Well I've been at my site for almost 2 months now...it's hard to believe!! Time is going by so quickly and each week seems to go by faster than the previous one!!
Since I have last updated I have a new name...my name is now Emily Mwansa, Mwansa being the bemba name given to me my first day by some kids at the school. It was mostly given to me because many people have a hard time saying Emily so Mwansa is just easier for them. I love my new name and say it with pride :)
During my time at site I have been busy setting up my house. I have worked with a carpenter (Isaac) in the neighboring village of Chishitu and he has been busy making my bed, table, nightstand, chairs, shelves, and currently on a couch for me.I have also painted inside my house!! The sitting room is now white on the top and "vivid green" on the bottom. I love having the color in there!! I have also finished cementing my insaka (which is like a gazebo thing outside that is where people can sit to escape the sun and where I do my cooking) and bathing shelter. I'm also working on setting up my garden, where I will be growing [hopefully] onions, cabbage, carrots, and the staple Zambian veg of rape. And I'm also planning on planting some sunflowers because I love them very much!
I've found my routine here in my new home. Each day I wake up between 0600 and 0700 and begin my daily chores which include sweeping inside my house and in my yard, doing the dishes, fetching my water from the borhole which is about 500m away at the school, and then once a week I do the washing of my clothes. Then most days I head out around 0830 on my bike to make it to a meeting at 0900 in one of my villages in my catchment area. So far my longest ride has been to the village of Kandulma, which is about 20km away. Other villages I have been to include Jackson, Kumbi, Kaoma, Musa, Chishitu, and Samba. In these villages I have been meeting with Neighborhood Health Committees (NHCs), Women's groups, Safe Motherhood Action Groups (SMAGs)and then helping out at the under 5 clinics weighing children. In the first meetings I just introduced myself and why I was here and now I'm beginning to do some teaching. I have done some soyabean cooking demonstrations with the women's groups which has been fun. It's been a great way to get to know them as well as educate about the importance of good nutrition and eating proteins.
I've also been making friends here in the village which has been great and prevents me from getting too bored or lonely in my downtime. I also have become a mother of sorts to several of the children that stay nearby. The most regular ones that I have, and subsequently my favorites, are Mulenga who is about 5 years old, Mutukangi (aka Mutuka), who is about 6, Kasoko, who is about 8, Musonda, also about 8, and my little Frida who is about 4. Mulenga and Mutuka usually come each morning around 0700 and sit with my as I do my chores or play with my kitten, Lunga (which in Bemba means to hunt). Then we normally color or they accompany me around the village or sometimes we do have the occasional dance party to a Zambian song that I have on my phone along with some photoshoots. They are very adorable and their dance moves at such a young age astound me! Then sometimes they stay for dinner which for me means usually cooking spaghetti which is a totally new food for them so that's been fun to share with them!
So as you can see all is going great here in Misengo and I'm enjoying everything very much and I'm happy to report no snake sitings as of yet :)
Be praying for patience, flexability, and good health for me!
Since I have last updated I have a new name...my name is now Emily Mwansa, Mwansa being the bemba name given to me my first day by some kids at the school. It was mostly given to me because many people have a hard time saying Emily so Mwansa is just easier for them. I love my new name and say it with pride :)
During my time at site I have been busy setting up my house. I have worked with a carpenter (Isaac) in the neighboring village of Chishitu and he has been busy making my bed, table, nightstand, chairs, shelves, and currently on a couch for me.I have also painted inside my house!! The sitting room is now white on the top and "vivid green" on the bottom. I love having the color in there!! I have also finished cementing my insaka (which is like a gazebo thing outside that is where people can sit to escape the sun and where I do my cooking) and bathing shelter. I'm also working on setting up my garden, where I will be growing [hopefully] onions, cabbage, carrots, and the staple Zambian veg of rape. And I'm also planning on planting some sunflowers because I love them very much!
I've found my routine here in my new home. Each day I wake up between 0600 and 0700 and begin my daily chores which include sweeping inside my house and in my yard, doing the dishes, fetching my water from the borhole which is about 500m away at the school, and then once a week I do the washing of my clothes. Then most days I head out around 0830 on my bike to make it to a meeting at 0900 in one of my villages in my catchment area. So far my longest ride has been to the village of Kandulma, which is about 20km away. Other villages I have been to include Jackson, Kumbi, Kaoma, Musa, Chishitu, and Samba. In these villages I have been meeting with Neighborhood Health Committees (NHCs), Women's groups, Safe Motherhood Action Groups (SMAGs)and then helping out at the under 5 clinics weighing children. In the first meetings I just introduced myself and why I was here and now I'm beginning to do some teaching. I have done some soyabean cooking demonstrations with the women's groups which has been fun. It's been a great way to get to know them as well as educate about the importance of good nutrition and eating proteins.
I've also been making friends here in the village which has been great and prevents me from getting too bored or lonely in my downtime. I also have become a mother of sorts to several of the children that stay nearby. The most regular ones that I have, and subsequently my favorites, are Mulenga who is about 5 years old, Mutukangi (aka Mutuka), who is about 6, Kasoko, who is about 8, Musonda, also about 8, and my little Frida who is about 4. Mulenga and Mutuka usually come each morning around 0700 and sit with my as I do my chores or play with my kitten, Lunga (which in Bemba means to hunt). Then we normally color or they accompany me around the village or sometimes we do have the occasional dance party to a Zambian song that I have on my phone along with some photoshoots. They are very adorable and their dance moves at such a young age astound me! Then sometimes they stay for dinner which for me means usually cooking spaghetti which is a totally new food for them so that's been fun to share with them!
So as you can see all is going great here in Misengo and I'm enjoying everything very much and I'm happy to report no snake sitings as of yet :)
Be praying for patience, flexability, and good health for me!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Goodbyes and new beginnings...
As of 24 September 2010 I am now officially a Peace Corps Volunteer!!
I'll try and give you a quick update on my life in my final days in training and my first few as a volunteer...
We ended our training with language tests, technical test/presentations, and a medical exam. The best day was our cultural farewell party we had at our training place (FTI) with all of us trainees and our host families. We cooked American foods (pizza, mashed potatoes, rice krispie bars, etc)for probably about 300 people and then had a program featuring cultural dances, speeches, and a gift exchange. At the very end we volunteers were welcomed up to dance Zambian style, and of course I jumped at the chance to break it down. Afterward my host family said, "ba Emily, we saw you dancing...and you know how to dance!" I think it was one of the highest compliments I have received since arriving in country. I credit these skills to the many dance parties I had back in the States...
After a great day of partying with our families and enjoying one last family dinner under the stars at my home stay, I had to say goodbye to my wonderful Mulolo family the following morning. It was a bittersweet goodbye and as I hugged my bamaayo one last time with tears in my eyes she said, "now don't make this goodbye for forever, I need to see my daughter again so come back and visit us." I said "don't worry bamaayo, tukamoonana" (which in Bemba is we will see each other). I plan on going back to see them in January when I'm in Lusaka for a week for our in-service training!
Friday was our big day...swear in! We were brought to the US Ambassador's house for the event, and let me tell you I would totally consider becoming an ambassador if it meant I got to live in a place like that. It was HUGE with a pool and tennis court! Unreal! After some much needed photoshoots with friends and teachers because I was wearing a handmade dress AND make-up for the first time in months, the ceremony began. There were speeches from a representative of the Chieftainess, Minister of Health, Peace Corps staff and directors and one representative from each of the 6 languages. I was selected to speak for the Bemba Chippers and my part was to talk about what we have learned about culture. I was nervous beforehand about speaking in bemba in front of many natives, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to do so :)Then we raised our right hands, took our oath and committed to our service for 2 years.It feels great to finally be a volunteer after months of applying and weeks of training!!
Now I'm up in Kasama waiting at our provincial house until Wednesday when I will be posted at my site. Then begins the process of community entry...this is a three month period where I will focus on integrating into my community and settling into my house. It'll be so strange to finally be at my home, not living out of a suitcase, and being the only person that looks like me for miles and miles. Please pray for me during this transition as I begin making Misengo my home.
Also, if you're thinking to yourself, "man, I'd really like to send something small to Emily, but I don't know what she could need/want!" Well my friends in America I'm here to give you some tips!! If you want to spend a couple dollars to send me something light consider the following:
-pictures of you doing something fun! (and it doesn't have to be fun even, I'll take anything and I'll put it in my hut)
-Mix CD...we have a computer at the house so I can upload it onto my ipod! Please feel free to add any Bieber (I've got the fever...)
-Crystal light type things (water sometimes gets a little boring for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between)
Okay thanks for reading!!!Hope you all are enjoying the lovely fall time :)
I'll try and give you a quick update on my life in my final days in training and my first few as a volunteer...
We ended our training with language tests, technical test/presentations, and a medical exam. The best day was our cultural farewell party we had at our training place (FTI) with all of us trainees and our host families. We cooked American foods (pizza, mashed potatoes, rice krispie bars, etc)for probably about 300 people and then had a program featuring cultural dances, speeches, and a gift exchange. At the very end we volunteers were welcomed up to dance Zambian style, and of course I jumped at the chance to break it down. Afterward my host family said, "ba Emily, we saw you dancing...and you know how to dance!" I think it was one of the highest compliments I have received since arriving in country. I credit these skills to the many dance parties I had back in the States...
After a great day of partying with our families and enjoying one last family dinner under the stars at my home stay, I had to say goodbye to my wonderful Mulolo family the following morning. It was a bittersweet goodbye and as I hugged my bamaayo one last time with tears in my eyes she said, "now don't make this goodbye for forever, I need to see my daughter again so come back and visit us." I said "don't worry bamaayo, tukamoonana" (which in Bemba is we will see each other). I plan on going back to see them in January when I'm in Lusaka for a week for our in-service training!
Friday was our big day...swear in! We were brought to the US Ambassador's house for the event, and let me tell you I would totally consider becoming an ambassador if it meant I got to live in a place like that. It was HUGE with a pool and tennis court! Unreal! After some much needed photoshoots with friends and teachers because I was wearing a handmade dress AND make-up for the first time in months, the ceremony began. There were speeches from a representative of the Chieftainess, Minister of Health, Peace Corps staff and directors and one representative from each of the 6 languages. I was selected to speak for the Bemba Chippers and my part was to talk about what we have learned about culture. I was nervous beforehand about speaking in bemba in front of many natives, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to do so :)Then we raised our right hands, took our oath and committed to our service for 2 years.It feels great to finally be a volunteer after months of applying and weeks of training!!
Now I'm up in Kasama waiting at our provincial house until Wednesday when I will be posted at my site. Then begins the process of community entry...this is a three month period where I will focus on integrating into my community and settling into my house. It'll be so strange to finally be at my home, not living out of a suitcase, and being the only person that looks like me for miles and miles. Please pray for me during this transition as I begin making Misengo my home.
Also, if you're thinking to yourself, "man, I'd really like to send something small to Emily, but I don't know what she could need/want!" Well my friends in America I'm here to give you some tips!! If you want to spend a couple dollars to send me something light consider the following:
-pictures of you doing something fun! (and it doesn't have to be fun even, I'll take anything and I'll put it in my hut)
-Mix CD...we have a computer at the house so I can upload it onto my ipod! Please feel free to add any Bieber (I've got the fever...)
-Crystal light type things (water sometimes gets a little boring for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between)
Okay thanks for reading!!!Hope you all are enjoying the lovely fall time :)
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Culture Lesson
Today we had day one of our 'host workshop.' This workshop is for us pcvs and for our counterparts who will help us get integrated into our community. We tried to start off the first session, but not first without getting ground rules... obviously. Here are the rules the zambians came up with:
Speak through the chair, observe punctuality, full participation, no noise, no smoking, phones on silent, no beer, no necessary movement, all equal participants. The penalty for breaking any of these: dancing.
We all had to keep from laughing at this seemingly crazy and obvious rules. It was a cultural lesson for sure and got me prepared for my next 2 years worth of meetings
Speak through the chair, observe punctuality, full participation, no noise, no smoking, phones on silent, no beer, no necessary movement, all equal participants. The penalty for breaking any of these: dancing.
We all had to keep from laughing at this seemingly crazy and obvious rules. It was a cultural lesson for sure and got me prepared for my next 2 years worth of meetings
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
CONGRATS!!
My dear friends Justin and Sarah are engaged!!!!!
A big congratulations to the both of you...I love you both so so much :)
A big congratulations to the both of you...I love you both so so much :)
Home Sweet Home
Hello from the Northern Province Peace Corps house in Kasama, Zambia. Tonight I will be here at the house with the rest of the volunteers before we head back to Lusaka early tomorrow morning. We just finished watching Mean Girls here and let me tell you that movie is hilarious....did I think it was hilarious when I was in the States? Nope not really, but having gone nearly 2 months with zero films I am pretty sure I would have loved anything.
So since I last updated a LOT has gone on! I am just finishing up second site visit like I mentioned above. Myself and three other CHIP volunteers, along with 2 bemba language teachers (including my favorite ba Whiteson) made the trek up to Mpepo to stay with a current volunteer for the week. The week was a busy busy one that included the following: meetings with many NGOs in the area (such as DAPP, DOPE, Africare), having lunch with the Chief at this palace, listening in on a STAR circle meeting (people come together who either are HIV positive or at least know someone who is HIV positive), giving a good nutrition lecture to grade 9 students, and just getting used to village life.
It was also a great time spent getting to know Ba Whiteson more...each week we would have medical sessions where pretty much we would learn about some ailment or animal that could either have us get medically separated or killed. I was fine with all of the talks because most things are very controllable...all except for snakes. That talk made me not so happy and left me feeling at any moment I may cross paths with some snake and would die. So I told ba Whiteson this the following day in class and ask for ways I could prevent any sort of snake from entering my home. This conversation was close to 3 weeks ago and still he assures me not to worry that I will be okay...I think he does this because he is fearful that I will go back to America haha. Well over the site visit I learned his greatest fear, or at least the one that equaled my fear of snakes: shots. Even us talking about them got him so freaked out that all I could do was laugh and laugh. He hasn't had them since 1991! He was shocked I was able to not only receive them easily, but also be the one to give them. It was a bonding moment for sure that we could assure each other how absurd the other persons fear actually was.
Another big day has happened: I have been to MY site :) I am in Misengo village, which is about 70km from Kasama, and 30km from site is a waterfall national park. If you know me even a little you should know the love that I have for waterfalls :) I was nervous/excited for this big day. I arrived at my mansion and was greeted by many children and several Zambians all ready to bring my bags inside. As you see I said mansion and not house...this place is HUGE!
It's a 3 room house with a foyer even! I have no idea what I am going to do with all of this space. Walking in the door into the foyer there are 2 rooms on either side...one I think will be used for kitchen storage and the other maybe my bedroom? Then in the back is one room that spans 21 ft long! Some serious dance parties could be had there for sure. So as you can see there will be plenty of space for any guests that would like to come and stay with me :)
During my views days at my site I was kept very busy meeting many many people. I went and greeted the sub-chief who just kept thanking me for coming to work. I also had the privilege of having a meeting to welcome me to the village. The headmen from my village, the surrounding villages, and the sub-chief all came as well as about 40 other community members to meet me and introduce themselves. I was able to introduce myself (name, nationality, profession) and talk about what the peace corps is and what I was coming to do in Misengo...all in Bemba! Who thought that after such a short time I'd be able to do that!
So it's been a great time on second site visit, but I am ready to get back to my host family. I miss them very much and will soak up as much time as I can with them over my last couple weeks of training. I was so touched to receive a text from them the other day saying they missed me as well. It's going to be a hard goodbye I think....
Prayer Requests:
1. Good Health: My body is doing some weird things I'd rather not go into as I adjust to the new diet and surroundings.
2. Prepare the hearts for my villagers as I come to move in in a few short weeks!
3. Patience as I make the transition into my new home
4. Safety
Again, thanks for reading!! Take note of my new address:
Emily Skurla/PCV
PO BOX 410374
Kasama, Northern Province
Zambia
So since I last updated a LOT has gone on! I am just finishing up second site visit like I mentioned above. Myself and three other CHIP volunteers, along with 2 bemba language teachers (including my favorite ba Whiteson) made the trek up to Mpepo to stay with a current volunteer for the week. The week was a busy busy one that included the following: meetings with many NGOs in the area (such as DAPP, DOPE, Africare), having lunch with the Chief at this palace, listening in on a STAR circle meeting (people come together who either are HIV positive or at least know someone who is HIV positive), giving a good nutrition lecture to grade 9 students, and just getting used to village life.
It was also a great time spent getting to know Ba Whiteson more...each week we would have medical sessions where pretty much we would learn about some ailment or animal that could either have us get medically separated or killed. I was fine with all of the talks because most things are very controllable...all except for snakes. That talk made me not so happy and left me feeling at any moment I may cross paths with some snake and would die. So I told ba Whiteson this the following day in class and ask for ways I could prevent any sort of snake from entering my home. This conversation was close to 3 weeks ago and still he assures me not to worry that I will be okay...I think he does this because he is fearful that I will go back to America haha. Well over the site visit I learned his greatest fear, or at least the one that equaled my fear of snakes: shots. Even us talking about them got him so freaked out that all I could do was laugh and laugh. He hasn't had them since 1991! He was shocked I was able to not only receive them easily, but also be the one to give them. It was a bonding moment for sure that we could assure each other how absurd the other persons fear actually was.
Another big day has happened: I have been to MY site :) I am in Misengo village, which is about 70km from Kasama, and 30km from site is a waterfall national park. If you know me even a little you should know the love that I have for waterfalls :) I was nervous/excited for this big day. I arrived at my mansion and was greeted by many children and several Zambians all ready to bring my bags inside. As you see I said mansion and not house...this place is HUGE!
It's a 3 room house with a foyer even! I have no idea what I am going to do with all of this space. Walking in the door into the foyer there are 2 rooms on either side...one I think will be used for kitchen storage and the other maybe my bedroom? Then in the back is one room that spans 21 ft long! Some serious dance parties could be had there for sure. So as you can see there will be plenty of space for any guests that would like to come and stay with me :)
During my views days at my site I was kept very busy meeting many many people. I went and greeted the sub-chief who just kept thanking me for coming to work. I also had the privilege of having a meeting to welcome me to the village. The headmen from my village, the surrounding villages, and the sub-chief all came as well as about 40 other community members to meet me and introduce themselves. I was able to introduce myself (name, nationality, profession) and talk about what the peace corps is and what I was coming to do in Misengo...all in Bemba! Who thought that after such a short time I'd be able to do that!
So it's been a great time on second site visit, but I am ready to get back to my host family. I miss them very much and will soak up as much time as I can with them over my last couple weeks of training. I was so touched to receive a text from them the other day saying they missed me as well. It's going to be a hard goodbye I think....
Prayer Requests:
1. Good Health: My body is doing some weird things I'd rather not go into as I adjust to the new diet and surroundings.
2. Prepare the hearts for my villagers as I come to move in in a few short weeks!
3. Patience as I make the transition into my new home
4. Safety
Again, thanks for reading!! Take note of my new address:
Emily Skurla/PCV
PO BOX 410374
Kasama, Northern Province
Zambia
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Nalitemwa mu Kabeleka
As I am writing this I just finished eating a cheeseburger, fries, and some pizza. Yes indeed I am still in Zambia, but I'm in Lusaka for the day for a "cultural day." We spent the morning at the national museum and got to have a session on cultural differences with the former vice President's daughter. Now we have a few hours to eat non-Zambian foods and shop :)
Let's see since I connected last I have begun training and am living in a village with a host family! I am staying in Kabeleka village living with the Mulolo family. Here I have my own hut, icimbusu (toilet), and bathing shelter right next to my family. I have a Bataata (dad), Bamaayo (mom), 2 bandumes (brothers Job who is 12 and Elimelik who is 4) and one bankashi (sister-Elimadah who is 8). They all have been so wonderful so the transition has been very smooth. We've been able to have some good conversations about American culture versus Zambian culture. My family, as well as Zambians in general, LOVE Obama. They sell Obama flashlight, shirts, jeans, and anything else you can imaging. My bataata one night said, "I am so happy Obama is helping Africa while he is in America," and I said, "how has he been helping Africa?" And then he replied, "because he has sent you here to Zambia to help us become better in the Peace Corps." It was so touching.
Fact: Zambia is not always hot. In fact it has been quite frigid here as of late and for the past few nights I have slept in my jacket and piled on the blankets to make it through the night. Every morning I also can see my breath, which is a weird thing to be experiencing in August.
Fact: I love my bemba language teacher :) Myself and one other volunteer have language class with Ba Whiteson....for the past 2 weeks we've had class for 4 hours on Mon, Tues, and Thursday, and then for 2 hours on Friday and Sat. It's been a lot, but Ba Whiteson is such a great teacher and makes it fun whenever possible. One day we practiced asking and answering questions while playing frisbee because he wanted us to teach him something while he was teaching us something. Another day we played hangman, which was also so much fun. He also allows the other PCV and I to aslk many questions about Zambian culture and he is so interested to learn about American culture that it makes the time go by fast.
Fact: biking in the bush is not as easy as biking on the Chip trail. I live like about 6km away from where we have training classes so it's about a 30 minute bike ride. But this bike ride involves numerous bush trails, hills, crossing a stream, and 2 instances where we have to get off because the terrain is not bikable. To be honest my first couple times down the hill as I dodged rocks and other obstcles I thought to myself, "I am going to now go be with Jesus," but I persevered and now feel much more comfortable with the ride I take and no longer fear for my life. And no worries I wear my helmet daily.
Prayer requests:
1. Improved health: I have been feeling ill for the majority of the last week which I attribute to getting used to the food, but it would be great if it would stop.
2. Next week we have interviews and talk about posting so pray it goes well.
3. Pray that as I find out my post I will trust in the site that has been chosen for me.
Thanks for reading!
Let's see since I connected last I have begun training and am living in a village with a host family! I am staying in Kabeleka village living with the Mulolo family. Here I have my own hut, icimbusu (toilet), and bathing shelter right next to my family. I have a Bataata (dad), Bamaayo (mom), 2 bandumes (brothers Job who is 12 and Elimelik who is 4) and one bankashi (sister-Elimadah who is 8). They all have been so wonderful so the transition has been very smooth. We've been able to have some good conversations about American culture versus Zambian culture. My family, as well as Zambians in general, LOVE Obama. They sell Obama flashlight, shirts, jeans, and anything else you can imaging. My bataata one night said, "I am so happy Obama is helping Africa while he is in America," and I said, "how has he been helping Africa?" And then he replied, "because he has sent you here to Zambia to help us become better in the Peace Corps." It was so touching.
Fact: Zambia is not always hot. In fact it has been quite frigid here as of late and for the past few nights I have slept in my jacket and piled on the blankets to make it through the night. Every morning I also can see my breath, which is a weird thing to be experiencing in August.
Fact: I love my bemba language teacher :) Myself and one other volunteer have language class with Ba Whiteson....for the past 2 weeks we've had class for 4 hours on Mon, Tues, and Thursday, and then for 2 hours on Friday and Sat. It's been a lot, but Ba Whiteson is such a great teacher and makes it fun whenever possible. One day we practiced asking and answering questions while playing frisbee because he wanted us to teach him something while he was teaching us something. Another day we played hangman, which was also so much fun. He also allows the other PCV and I to aslk many questions about Zambian culture and he is so interested to learn about American culture that it makes the time go by fast.
Fact: biking in the bush is not as easy as biking on the Chip trail. I live like about 6km away from where we have training classes so it's about a 30 minute bike ride. But this bike ride involves numerous bush trails, hills, crossing a stream, and 2 instances where we have to get off because the terrain is not bikable. To be honest my first couple times down the hill as I dodged rocks and other obstcles I thought to myself, "I am going to now go be with Jesus," but I persevered and now feel much more comfortable with the ride I take and no longer fear for my life. And no worries I wear my helmet daily.
Prayer requests:
1. Improved health: I have been feeling ill for the majority of the last week which I attribute to getting used to the food, but it would be great if it would stop.
2. Next week we have interviews and talk about posting so pray it goes well.
3. Pray that as I find out my post I will trust in the site that has been chosen for me.
Thanks for reading!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Muli Shani Mpika
It's hard to believe I've been here a week...I've done so much in just this short amount of time! I'll try to make the details as concise as possible :)
Sunday was spent at IST (in-service training) where we got some shots, filled out some forms, and got sized for our bike and helmets. It was a rather short day of actual scheduled activities and so we had quite a bit of free time to walk around the grounds and just hang out. It was nice to have some freedom to just get out and be outside.
Monday started off bright and early at 0530. We packed up the land cruisers and headed to out 1st site visits. There were 8 of us CHIP volunteers headed to Mpika in Northern province, going to 2 separate sites. It was about a 6-7 hour trip after the stops that we made, and was actually a lot smoother than I had anticipated. Most Zambians do not have personal cars so they get where they need to go walking on the side of the road, biking, and hitching rides...so it was crazy to see people walking right by us as we went 120kmh. Myself and 4 others were at Sarita's site...a volunteer who has been posted for 1 year. Her site was AMAZING! Beautiful garden, separate kitchen, and a very nicely decorated hut. I will have to steal some of her ideas...Since we didn't arrive until late afternoon we just spent the rest of the evening hanging out, asking thousands of questions, and cooking dinner. Chris, a fellow PCV in a nearby village, was also there and he was an incredible cook. He hand made tortillas and then we had tacos with soya pieces as our source of meat. DELICIOUS!
Our first official day was spent meeting the headman of the village (he is the leader), visiting the local clinic where Sarita works with a nurse, and an ECT on many different projects like HIV/AIDS outreach and child health week programs. All of the healthcare provided there is free for patients (including vaccinations) and so are any drugs that they need, including medication for HIV positive patients. That blew my mind! Next we headed to a local school to atttend and afterschool program called anti-AIDS club. The club is made up of 7-9th graders who meet once a week to learn about HIV and AIDS and how to prevent it and educate others about it. They greeted us with songs and a drama skit. And we were also able to play two games with them; lifeboat and an africian version of sharks and minnows now called lions and antelopes. Myself and four of the children were in the final lifeboat so we won "sweeties" or candies. Surprised I went for the win in a game here in Zambia? You shouldn't be :)
On Wednesday we headed off to a village down the road to meet with the neighboorhood health committee (NHC) to go on village inspections. There were about 10 members present and so we split off into 2 groups to check every site in the village to ensure that everyone had a permanent toilet, bathing shelter, handwashing station (called a tippy-tap), mosquito nets for every member of the household, refuse (garbage) pit, and a two-tier drying rack. If any one of those elements were missing the house was charged a 5 pin (5000 kwacha) fine. If they had no money they could give something else, like a chicken or radio, to cover the cost. Improvements would have to be made in the week and the NHC would be back to check. These inspections provided a great teaching opportunity for why all of these were important elements to stay healthy because that's what this Zambian community wants is to be healthy and they are very motivated to do what it takes to get there.
After village inspections we were having a cooking party with the NHC members in the village! My first duty...kill the chicken. Yes you read it correctly, I killed the chicken. Ba Dorothy talked me threw it and with her amazing guidance I had success! Don't believe me? I have pics and a video to prove it, which will be up sometime soon? We'll see, but I have the record! Then we had to cut up all these veggies for the garnish and then the hard task of making the traditional nshima. These Zambian women are so strong because the process requires serious guns due to smashing all the ground nuts, and then whipping the thick nshima batter. I give them so much credit. And we were apart of every step of the making and the Zambians would just laugh and laugh as we struggled and they just asked "do you have food in america?" because we were such strugglers. It was so much fun and they were all such patient teachers with us, and I can only hope that I would be as patient with them if they came to America.
The whole first site visit was such an encouraging time for me. At first I was nervous because they kept telling us about all the people who ET (early terminate) from service and I worried, what if that's me? what if I can't do it? But after being here and living the life in the village for a couple of days (including successfully voiding in a pit latrine and taking a bucket shower) and interacting with the villagers I know that this is where I want to be. It's going to be challenging, but I know that through all things Christ is the one who strengthens me, and I will depend on him to get me through those tough days where I just want to give up.
Prayer Requests:
1. Prepare my heart for the site I will recieve in a couple of weeks time. Also prepare the hearts of the villagers that they will recieve me well.
2. Strength and endurance for PST. Tomorrow we head to a host family and begin our 8 weeks of language skills, tech skills, and health training...it's going to be an intense time where we are busy all day every day and are really stretched. If you are going to send a letter my way consider doing it during this time because on those hard days I think they will be a great source of encouragement knowing that people are really praying for me and supporting me from back home.
3. Continual building of friendships among fellow volunteers.
Okay that's all for now...not sure when I'll be back, but I look forward to hearing from you!!
Sunday was spent at IST (in-service training) where we got some shots, filled out some forms, and got sized for our bike and helmets. It was a rather short day of actual scheduled activities and so we had quite a bit of free time to walk around the grounds and just hang out. It was nice to have some freedom to just get out and be outside.
Monday started off bright and early at 0530. We packed up the land cruisers and headed to out 1st site visits. There were 8 of us CHIP volunteers headed to Mpika in Northern province, going to 2 separate sites. It was about a 6-7 hour trip after the stops that we made, and was actually a lot smoother than I had anticipated. Most Zambians do not have personal cars so they get where they need to go walking on the side of the road, biking, and hitching rides...so it was crazy to see people walking right by us as we went 120kmh. Myself and 4 others were at Sarita's site...a volunteer who has been posted for 1 year. Her site was AMAZING! Beautiful garden, separate kitchen, and a very nicely decorated hut. I will have to steal some of her ideas...Since we didn't arrive until late afternoon we just spent the rest of the evening hanging out, asking thousands of questions, and cooking dinner. Chris, a fellow PCV in a nearby village, was also there and he was an incredible cook. He hand made tortillas and then we had tacos with soya pieces as our source of meat. DELICIOUS!
Our first official day was spent meeting the headman of the village (he is the leader), visiting the local clinic where Sarita works with a nurse, and an ECT on many different projects like HIV/AIDS outreach and child health week programs. All of the healthcare provided there is free for patients (including vaccinations) and so are any drugs that they need, including medication for HIV positive patients. That blew my mind! Next we headed to a local school to atttend and afterschool program called anti-AIDS club. The club is made up of 7-9th graders who meet once a week to learn about HIV and AIDS and how to prevent it and educate others about it. They greeted us with songs and a drama skit. And we were also able to play two games with them; lifeboat and an africian version of sharks and minnows now called lions and antelopes. Myself and four of the children were in the final lifeboat so we won "sweeties" or candies. Surprised I went for the win in a game here in Zambia? You shouldn't be :)
On Wednesday we headed off to a village down the road to meet with the neighboorhood health committee (NHC) to go on village inspections. There were about 10 members present and so we split off into 2 groups to check every site in the village to ensure that everyone had a permanent toilet, bathing shelter, handwashing station (called a tippy-tap), mosquito nets for every member of the household, refuse (garbage) pit, and a two-tier drying rack. If any one of those elements were missing the house was charged a 5 pin (5000 kwacha) fine. If they had no money they could give something else, like a chicken or radio, to cover the cost. Improvements would have to be made in the week and the NHC would be back to check. These inspections provided a great teaching opportunity for why all of these were important elements to stay healthy because that's what this Zambian community wants is to be healthy and they are very motivated to do what it takes to get there.
After village inspections we were having a cooking party with the NHC members in the village! My first duty...kill the chicken. Yes you read it correctly, I killed the chicken. Ba Dorothy talked me threw it and with her amazing guidance I had success! Don't believe me? I have pics and a video to prove it, which will be up sometime soon? We'll see, but I have the record! Then we had to cut up all these veggies for the garnish and then the hard task of making the traditional nshima. These Zambian women are so strong because the process requires serious guns due to smashing all the ground nuts, and then whipping the thick nshima batter. I give them so much credit. And we were apart of every step of the making and the Zambians would just laugh and laugh as we struggled and they just asked "do you have food in america?" because we were such strugglers. It was so much fun and they were all such patient teachers with us, and I can only hope that I would be as patient with them if they came to America.
The whole first site visit was such an encouraging time for me. At first I was nervous because they kept telling us about all the people who ET (early terminate) from service and I worried, what if that's me? what if I can't do it? But after being here and living the life in the village for a couple of days (including successfully voiding in a pit latrine and taking a bucket shower) and interacting with the villagers I know that this is where I want to be. It's going to be challenging, but I know that through all things Christ is the one who strengthens me, and I will depend on him to get me through those tough days where I just want to give up.
Prayer Requests:
1. Prepare my heart for the site I will recieve in a couple of weeks time. Also prepare the hearts of the villagers that they will recieve me well.
2. Strength and endurance for PST. Tomorrow we head to a host family and begin our 8 weeks of language skills, tech skills, and health training...it's going to be an intense time where we are busy all day every day and are really stretched. If you are going to send a letter my way consider doing it during this time because on those hard days I think they will be a great source of encouragement knowing that people are really praying for me and supporting me from back home.
3. Continual building of friendships among fellow volunteers.
Okay that's all for now...not sure when I'll be back, but I look forward to hearing from you!!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Zambia..."the real Africa"
I HAVE ARRIVED IN LUSAKA, ZAMBIA!!
And so have both of my bags :) PTL
It was a long 4 day journey to arrive here, and it feels great to be here. Last time I wrote I said I would be on the 10:50am flight out of J-berg, but because of some confusion I actually didn't end up leaving until about 6:55pm. So it was a thrilling day at the airport just sleeping, and going to a cafe, and then sleeping again. We arrived at about 9pm and were greeted by 3 staff members who hugged us because they were so glad we finally made it! And then going outside there were current PCVs waiting with signs and noisemakes...it was a very warm welcome to my new home. One of the signs said "FISH and CHIP" and we were all very confused, until we figured that it stood for our projects, the aqua culture (FISH) and Community Health Improvement Project (CHIP). Oh Zambian sense of humor! We are staying at this college type institute for a couple of nights before we head out to our site visits.
What is a site visit you ask? Good question! On early monday morning (around 6am) we will load a small bag, pile 8 of us into a land crusier and drive about 8 hours into the Northern province to meet a current volunteer at her post. There we will see what our future will look like! We'll be cooking the meals, seeing her work, and sleeping outside her hut. Since I didnt bring a tent, I will be sharing with a lovely volunteer named Nancy. Now this won't necessarily be where I am placed for sure but it will give us an overview of what we can expect. We will be there until Thursday evening and then we have a debriefing Friday and then training resumes on Saturday morning here in Lusaka.
I also found out today that I will be learning the language of Bemba, which is the most common of the languages spoken here in Zambia. I don't know what region I will be in yet because it is spoken in so many, but I honestly could care less of where I am because I'm here finally!
I love this place and I am looking forward to the 8 hour drive up north to see more of Zambia!
And so have both of my bags :) PTL
It was a long 4 day journey to arrive here, and it feels great to be here. Last time I wrote I said I would be on the 10:50am flight out of J-berg, but because of some confusion I actually didn't end up leaving until about 6:55pm. So it was a thrilling day at the airport just sleeping, and going to a cafe, and then sleeping again. We arrived at about 9pm and were greeted by 3 staff members who hugged us because they were so glad we finally made it! And then going outside there were current PCVs waiting with signs and noisemakes...it was a very warm welcome to my new home. One of the signs said "FISH and CHIP" and we were all very confused, until we figured that it stood for our projects, the aqua culture (FISH) and Community Health Improvement Project (CHIP). Oh Zambian sense of humor! We are staying at this college type institute for a couple of nights before we head out to our site visits.
What is a site visit you ask? Good question! On early monday morning (around 6am) we will load a small bag, pile 8 of us into a land crusier and drive about 8 hours into the Northern province to meet a current volunteer at her post. There we will see what our future will look like! We'll be cooking the meals, seeing her work, and sleeping outside her hut. Since I didnt bring a tent, I will be sharing with a lovely volunteer named Nancy. Now this won't necessarily be where I am placed for sure but it will give us an overview of what we can expect. We will be there until Thursday evening and then we have a debriefing Friday and then training resumes on Saturday morning here in Lusaka.
I also found out today that I will be learning the language of Bemba, which is the most common of the languages spoken here in Zambia. I don't know what region I will be in yet because it is spoken in so many, but I honestly could care less of where I am because I'm here finally!
I love this place and I am looking forward to the 8 hour drive up north to see more of Zambia!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
SOUTH AFRICA!
So currently I am supposed to be in Zambia, but our flight to J-berg was late leaving and took longer than anticipated so we are staying at a hotel here in J-Berg. It's very nice and I am so excited for the opportunity for another shower...or possibly 2 :) So part of our group is now leaving at 10:50am, and others are TBD. I am one of the lucky to go at 10:50.
The flight over here went really well...it didn't seem like 16 hours at all. I was able to watch the latest Matt Damon flick, Green Zone so I was very excited. They had SOOOO many movie options that I almost didn't want to sleep. But no worries I slept for probably like 6+ hours on and off throughout the flight. I also was able to listen to Justin Bieber one final time. Thank you Delta.
Everything is still going great thus far and I am glad I'm finally here in Africa :)
Not sure when I will be able to update next, but know that I'm safe and I will write as soon as I can!
Also in the hotel they're playing Dave Matthews....I wonder if he is some sort of local hero?
Peace and Blessings, peace and blessings
The flight over here went really well...it didn't seem like 16 hours at all. I was able to watch the latest Matt Damon flick, Green Zone so I was very excited. They had SOOOO many movie options that I almost didn't want to sleep. But no worries I slept for probably like 6+ hours on and off throughout the flight. I also was able to listen to Justin Bieber one final time. Thank you Delta.
Everything is still going great thus far and I am glad I'm finally here in Africa :)
Not sure when I will be able to update next, but know that I'm safe and I will write as soon as I can!
Also in the hotel they're playing Dave Matthews....I wonder if he is some sort of local hero?
Peace and Blessings, peace and blessings
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Thank You
Also I need to say a huge HUGE thank you to all of you who have supported me through this whole process. I have been talking with some other volunteers who have people all along the way telling them that they can't go, they won't make it, they aren't strong enough. I was so sad to hear this and it hit me how blessed I am to have friends and family who are excited for me, supporting me, encouraging me, and praying for me. So thank you for making me feel loved and encouraged :)
Today is where it begins :)
So after a fantastic going away party and many tearful goodbyes I have arrived in Atlanta at the "staging" event. We are staying at a swanky hotel in Buckhead, ATL and had an orientation of sorts today from about 2-7pm. We got LOTS and LOTS of info that my head is just swimming. But already I am loving every minute of it :)
Coming into today I had no idea how many other volunteers would be going, why I was crazy enough to choose to do this, and if I would have any friends to speak of in these volunteers. However, I am happy to report I now have some answers. Right when I got off the plane from MSP to ATL I met up with 2 fellow Minnesotan girls on their way to Zambia. So we snagged a cab and made our way with our bags to the hotel. From there we put our stuff in a room and walked up the street to a diner for some lunch. It was so great talking with people going through the same things and to find I was not the only one who was an emotional basket case for the weeks prior to leaving.
Afterwards we lined up and turned in our stacks and stacks of paperwork, got our government issued passports and found our spots in the room training would take place. We then, like I said, were bombarded with information about everything that was to come like Peace Corps objectives, safety and health issues, anxieties we were feeling, and just logistics. And we did some ice breakers along the way including some skits, drawing, and chart making.
There are 59 of us headed to Zambia tomorrow either going into my program of Community Health Development or in Aquaculture and setting up fish hatcheries. Everyone I met here has been great, both fellow volunteers and the staff. They said today that we should look around because we were now a family of 59, here to support one another through this incredible journey that is lying ahead of us. I looked around and was so excited about the people I will be serving with and this amazing opportunity I have to live life with them.
And now for the prayer requests:
1. For the forming of solid relationships with my fellow volunteers and opportunites to share Christ with them and just to really love and serve them.
2. Strength during the 10 week pre-service training sessions. (The first 10 weeks will be an intense time of spending about 8 hours a day, 6 days a week studying one of the 6 languages we will speak in the village, the culture, and technical skills. Then at the end we have to pass a test before being sworn in.)
3. Good health...I will get sick sometime over the next 2 years, but there is a high risk of getting malaria, dystentary, and other diseases from parasites and obviously a risk of HIV/AIDS.
4. Safe travels...I leave ATL tomorrow evening at 7:25pm, fly abot 15 hours to J-berg South Africa, and then have another flight at about 9pm on Thursday to Lusaka, Zambia. Pray that luggage will make it and that they aren't over the weight limit!
5. And most importantly that I will recognize God's grace daily. Things won't go perfect, but if I rely on His grace and His provisions it will all work out. God is good and it's all for His glory :)
Coming into today I had no idea how many other volunteers would be going, why I was crazy enough to choose to do this, and if I would have any friends to speak of in these volunteers. However, I am happy to report I now have some answers. Right when I got off the plane from MSP to ATL I met up with 2 fellow Minnesotan girls on their way to Zambia. So we snagged a cab and made our way with our bags to the hotel. From there we put our stuff in a room and walked up the street to a diner for some lunch. It was so great talking with people going through the same things and to find I was not the only one who was an emotional basket case for the weeks prior to leaving.
Afterwards we lined up and turned in our stacks and stacks of paperwork, got our government issued passports and found our spots in the room training would take place. We then, like I said, were bombarded with information about everything that was to come like Peace Corps objectives, safety and health issues, anxieties we were feeling, and just logistics. And we did some ice breakers along the way including some skits, drawing, and chart making.
There are 59 of us headed to Zambia tomorrow either going into my program of Community Health Development or in Aquaculture and setting up fish hatcheries. Everyone I met here has been great, both fellow volunteers and the staff. They said today that we should look around because we were now a family of 59, here to support one another through this incredible journey that is lying ahead of us. I looked around and was so excited about the people I will be serving with and this amazing opportunity I have to live life with them.
And now for the prayer requests:
1. For the forming of solid relationships with my fellow volunteers and opportunites to share Christ with them and just to really love and serve them.
2. Strength during the 10 week pre-service training sessions. (The first 10 weeks will be an intense time of spending about 8 hours a day, 6 days a week studying one of the 6 languages we will speak in the village, the culture, and technical skills. Then at the end we have to pass a test before being sworn in.)
3. Good health...I will get sick sometime over the next 2 years, but there is a high risk of getting malaria, dystentary, and other diseases from parasites and obviously a risk of HIV/AIDS.
4. Safe travels...I leave ATL tomorrow evening at 7:25pm, fly abot 15 hours to J-berg South Africa, and then have another flight at about 9pm on Thursday to Lusaka, Zambia. Pray that luggage will make it and that they aren't over the weight limit!
5. And most importantly that I will recognize God's grace daily. Things won't go perfect, but if I rely on His grace and His provisions it will all work out. God is good and it's all for His glory :)
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Itinerary
Today I finally got the e-mail I had been anxiously awaiting...my flight information!
7/20/10: Fly from MSP to Atlanta EARLY in the am
Arrive in ATL in the mid-morning
"Staging" at the hotel...this period will include some short, but intense training sessions and submitting any last forms
7/21/10 Check-out of hotel
Go to clinic for any last minute immunizations
Evening fly out to ZAMBIA!!! (Only one stop in South Africa before arriving in Lusaka)
So after all that I will be in Lusaka the night of the 22nd....I'm not sure what the time change is yet. I'll add that to my list of "things to figure out..."
And one of the most exciting things is that my cost of this is $0.
7/20/10: Fly from MSP to Atlanta EARLY in the am
Arrive in ATL in the mid-morning
"Staging" at the hotel...this period will include some short, but intense training sessions and submitting any last forms
7/21/10 Check-out of hotel
Go to clinic for any last minute immunizations
Evening fly out to ZAMBIA!!! (Only one stop in South Africa before arriving in Lusaka)
So after all that I will be in Lusaka the night of the 22nd....I'm not sure what the time change is yet. I'll add that to my list of "things to figure out..."
And one of the most exciting things is that my cost of this is $0.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Time
I will leave in exactly one month from today.
I am excited to begin, but don't really want to think about the sad part of saying goodbye...so until then I will just fill my time studying for my NCLEX exam and choose not to think about it. That's allowed, right?
I am excited to begin, but don't really want to think about the sad part of saying goodbye...so until then I will just fill my time studying for my NCLEX exam and choose not to think about it. That's allowed, right?
Monday, June 14, 2010
Written Sentiments Are Welcomed!
Are you thinking, "Emily, if you don't have regular Internet access and no phone how will I ever keep in contact with you?" Well I am here to tell you, no fear you can WRITE to me with a classic old pen and paper!
For at least the first couple months you can write to me at:
Emily Skurla/PCT
Peace Corps
P.O. Box 50707
Lusaka, Zambia
Just be sure to write "Air Mail" and "Par Avion" to ensure that it makes it across the ocean :)
And if you want to give me a letter before I leave to take with me that would also be much appreciated :)
Just think how fun it will be to have a trans-continental pen pal?!
For at least the first couple months you can write to me at:
Emily Skurla/PCT
Peace Corps
P.O. Box 50707
Lusaka, Zambia
Just be sure to write "Air Mail" and "Par Avion" to ensure that it makes it across the ocean :)
And if you want to give me a letter before I leave to take with me that would also be much appreciated :)
Just think how fun it will be to have a trans-continental pen pal?!
Details...
In t-minus 35 days I will leave for Zambia to begin my time as a Peace Corps Volunteer! I will be a Community Health Development Extensionist, working in a rural Zambian village helping to establish healthy strategies to deal with priorities such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and food improvement. Still don't really understand what that means? That's okay, neither do I! From what I've been reading in my HUGE packet I will be doing a lot of teaching with community members about various health topics, which really excites me because it is in the area of public health, which I have enjoyed in past clinicals.
Here's a little snapshot of what my life will look like:
So since I don't know too much, I will let you know what I do know:
1. I will be living in a remote village with my own hut
2. I get a bike to get me from place to place (helmet included)
3. No electricity, no running water
4. The first 3 months will be training with other volunteers, then I will be in my own village.
5. I leave July 20th (from where is still TBD)
6. I will return September 23, 2012.
Ah I can't wait!
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