Everything I Expected…

My first few days here in Zambia have been wonderful! And to top it off I really have not had any jet lag! Friday it took a little while before the kids began to warm up to me but by Saturday morning it was like I was one of them…just the experience I have been praying for. Being here in Lusaka with the “family” I am staying with is everything I imagined. I am truly experiencing authentic Zambian culture. Most of the time I am the only American here so it has really forced me to branch out of my comfort zone and really get involved with the culture.

Yesterday I helped Joy cook lunch for the family and the house mom is determined to teach me how to make shuma. You know you have really begun to fit in when the children begin to call you Auntie. We have a few pets here…2 dogs, I have seen a cat once, and there are about 10 chickens…all to become dinner when they are big enough…yum :).

I think my biggest challenge so far has been trying to master the art of a “tub bath”. When you are 5’5” trying to take a bath in a 2 foot plastic tub it really becomes an adventure. I guess it is better than the watering hole… the people here are wonderful and a great joy to be with!

Please pray as I will begin work on Monday here in Lusaka and as I will transfer to Mungo at the end of the week. I will be in Mungo for the majority of my time here, which is about 8 hours from Lusaka, working in the school systems. Please pray that I would not get sick as we are getting ready here for the winter months.