Meds, Katy, and Provincials

First of all….sorry it has been so long since I updated. I spent a few days in Lusaka for mid term meds. I got a physical, saw the dentist, and met w/ my boss. Everything went well for the most part. I’m healthy and no cavities!!!

The last day of meds Katy flew in and the fun started. We hung out in Lusaka one night and left for Livingstone the next morning. After arriving in Livingstone we got some groceries and drinks and relaxed by the pool. The next morning we tempted fate and rafted the Zambezi. All was well until Rapid 10 when the boat capsized and I got trapped underneath. I was in the water for the whole rapid and thought I might die. Then we had lunch – it didn’t go down so well. I made the decision to finish the rest of the day and I’m glad I did. The afternoon was not as scary, even though we capsized again. That evening was spent relaxing and reliving the brush with death. The next morning we went to the falls. It was beautiful and quite different from May when I was there w/ Ruth and Hark. We did some shopping at the market and headed to a croc farm. That evening we went on the dinner cruise and saw no animals. That was disappointing but we had good company. The next morning we headed for Lusaka again and spent the night at Kuomboka Backparkers. I mean Backpackers. Katy treated me and two friends to a great dinner – our last good meal before the village. The village was great. Katy single handedly taught some boys to play baseball. They even had a DH! Other than playing games, running 12 miles (10 more than I normally do), and eating dinner w/ my family, we hung out and played Phase 10. It was great having Katy and I was sad to see her go.

Two times a year everyone meets for Provincial meetings and I loathe them. I decided to go to Serenje in Central Province for the meetings and hang out w/ friends. It was great. We went to Kundalila falls and hung out in my friend’s village. It was a great break and I look forward to visiting again.

Now it’s time to get down to business for a couple months. Fish farming is still slow but I have a couple farmers who still care. Julie and I are doing a workshop next week and the following for boys in girls in grades 9-12. I’m also planning a workshop with the Traditional Birth Attendant in my village about female condoms and hygiene. The big project is working on getting funding for a clinic. It’s still in the early stages and more info will follow. In November I have to go to Lusaka for In Service Training. Then it will almost be time for Christmas!!

I hope to update again after the workshops. Thank you to everyone who has sent packages – I appreciate it!!