Life is Good

Hello Everyone!!! Life in Zambia is good. Teaching is going well and I'm even thinking about picking up another day. Now that the rains are almost here my farmers are going to be very busy in their fields and I won't be doing much fish farming. As much as I like reading, I need something else to do and teaching seems like a good idea. I have about 50 8th graders that read at probably a 4th grade level. It's very sad but I'm glad they come to school everyday and are learning. School is very expensive in Zambia so just getting a child in school is a challenge. Keeping them there until at least grade 9 is whole different story. The boys are needed for labor and the girls have babies. There are other frustrating things about the educational system here that I don't want to go into right now, but remind me and I'll talk about it later.

I'm in town this week w/ two students from my school for Zambian Youth Career Week. The students are getting the opportunity to see what is out there if they continue their education. I think it will be good for everyone involved.

I'll be going to Lusaka in a week and a half for In Service Training. We will be learning things not covered in training and things we need help with in the field.

I'll be showing off my new hair cut! My hair is 1/2 inch long and I love it! I have to cut it every two weeks but it's great in the village. I've been told by my village women, "Ahh, yes, now you are Zambian." And I've noticed a few more women with shaved heads in my village. I'm finally a trendsetter! I had to come to Zambia to do but that's okay!

There really isn't much to report...life at home seems more exciting, judging from your emails! Congrats to the Boston qualifiers! It was really hard to miss the Chicago Marathon this year (being there, I mean, not running!) so I promise I will be home for Chicago 2008 (watching...not running!)! Running here is going well and I've even tossed around the idea of doing a marathon in the next two years! I've got plenty of time to train but I don't know if I have the dedication to do it by myself.

Thank you for all of the letters and packages. Mail is very slow getting to Katete and packages only come in big groups so it's sporadic but I appreciate it all the same. (Alicia & Bob - the hot chocolate is great. I sit in my hut at night and sweat while drinking it but I love it!)

I'll be in cell sevice area alot from Nov. 11-27 so if you can, call or txt me then! I would love to hear from you!!

Changes!!!

Just a quick update. I've had some questions I will now answer.

I am the first volunteer in my area. The school near me is a World Vision School so other work is being done in the area but I am the first Peace Corps volunteer. The site is designed to house a volunteer for 6 years or 3 volunteers total.

Okay so I can't remember the other questions I've been asked....sorry.

I'm leaving Chipata tomorrow but I will be back at the end of the month and should have time to write.

Thanks again for all the letters and packages....I'm the envy of my friends.

Good luck to all those running in upcoming marathons! Run a mile for me!

Here's a teaser.....my hair looks a bit different than when I left!