tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77669638809964623782024-02-19T22:49:03.883-08:00Two Years in Remote ZambiaJoining the Peace Corps had been a dream of mine since my father handed me a brochure about "the toughest job you'll ever love" when I was 15. Thirty years later, I found myself living in a mud hut with no electricity or plumbing in remote Zambia. The following entries describe my early struggles to blend in with a culture foreign to my own, my work in conservation farming, and becoming accepted as a community member by the Kaonde People of Northwestern Province, Zambia. ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-40102983486140802702022-04-17T17:09:00.011-07:002022-04-17T19:16:07.618-07:00Old unpublished posts on returning to the States<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">I understand why I didn't post the following entries. I was afraid of offending people. These entries are deep and emotional. I use my journal writing to heal, help understand a situation, and share with others.</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">It has taken me years to come to grips with leaving Zambia. Yet, I still feel something is missing in my life. I am searching for it. I hope I find it. </div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Another unpublished post I feel worthy of publishing. Written May 2016.</span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">I completed my service on April 21st and left the African continent two days later for home. I feel funny calling it [the U.S.] home. My village was my home.</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">Since my return, I have been busy visiting friends and reacquainting myself with the place I've lived for most of my life. As a result, I feel like a tourist in my home town as if I'm seeing everything for the first time.</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">I visited a roller skating rink a few days ago with a friend who dance-skates. I went with the intent to watch the people demonstrate their skills to organ music. After observing for a while, I put on a pair of skates and skated around the rink several times; I didn't fall and enjoyed it immensely. I think I have found a new pastime.</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">Anyway, I was introduced to several people who learned I returned from my Peace Corps service. Finally, a woman welcomed me and said, "well, now you're back to real life."</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">Real life. What does that mean exactly? I've been pondering this question ever since. I could have stayed in Zambia. Would that have been a fake life?</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">Roller skating, vacations, paying bills, running the rat race, working nine to five...That's real?</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">Maybe for some, but for me, my life, no matter what I do, is real. Every experience a person has makes an impact on decisions from thereon. As a result, I view the world differently. I think of myself differently now. I am not the same person as the one before I served in Peace Corps.</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">I lived an experience that only I know intimately. I left the friends I had made in Zambia who watched me evolve into who I am now. They are the ones who know me. And I was happy there. Really happy. I still have that happiness, but I need to learn how to make it continue. I know that may sound funny, but I've learned that people in our lives help confirm our identities. So I need to rebuild my identity to accommodate my new life here. I will still hold on to my Zambian mindset. </div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">I am happy to see my old friends again and catch up on what I missed. They are pleased to see me and learn about my experiences. But, believe it or not, our bonds need to be renewed. It's a part of the transition of beginning a new life. </div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"> </div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #ffa400;">This post was written on June 6, 2016.</span></div></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: medium;">
I've been back in the States for two months now and feel motivated to move forward.<br />
What a delight to come back during the full-fledged presidential race, with only five months left until the BIG DAY! Am I excited? Well, I will explain how I feel about this...<br />
<br />
I rarely watched television while being away for two years. The only news source I relied on was Facebook news streams from NPR-like sources and my friends' comments on the goings-on back home. I maybe caught a glimpse of Trump two times on the television. That was enough for me, really, and to come home and have his name mentioned several times per day and his blabbering monologue continuing on and on; I realized this is a freakin' joke that has gone too far.<br />
<br />
So, I came back home with the idea people would want to know all about my service. I spent two years living in a remote village in Africa - no electricity or indoor plumbing. I expected to be bombarded with questions about my life abroad, only to find few who are actually interested enough to ask specific questions about my service.<br />
<br />I want to let you know that I was at celebrity status in my village, living in Zambia with primarily black people. I would walk down the street hearing my name called out by children and sometimes adults, with them expecting a greeting or wave from me. My friends always welcomed me warmly, even if I had just seen them before. The presence of friends was always a gift. Friendship was not superficial in any way.<br />
<br />
I came back from a place where I could strike up a conversation with just about anyone while walking down the street, even complete strangers, and sometimes make connections for future projects or friends who will be friends for life. I would also learn a lot from others. Women, children, men... It didn't matter who I spoke with. I would learn something new about the world I lived in.<br />
<br />
Here is an example of striking up a conversation with just anyone: I was in Livingstone for Christmas vacation, visiting Victoria Falls with some friends. I debated whether to leave early the next day because my money was running short.<br />
<br />
As I was hiking up a trail from the bottom of the falls, I passed a man. He and I talked about being fit enough to hike fast up the hill we were climbing. Eventually, I asked him where he was from. He was from the Copperbelt and getting ready to leave for home the next day. He had a car. I wondered if I could come along to forgo taking the dreaded crowded bus ride that takes 12 hours and ride in a comfortable car with great conversation. It worked out. Just randomly speaking with a stranger would make the most significant difference in my life at times, usually in a positive way. If fact, I take back calling people I don't know in Zambia strangers. We aren't strangers; we are people who are open to being friends with one another. The word stranger has a negative connotation to it. There is nothing negative about people you don't know in Zambia.<br />
<br />
Here in America, I have to go back to keeping to myself and regarding most people as strangers. I have struck up conversations with a few and learned many things from those people, something I would never know otherwise, and I made a friend. But, of course, I would never get a ride with a person I just met that way. It is different here. Very different. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div dir="ltr" style="font-size: medium;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #ffa400; font-size: medium;">Drafted 11/20/2018.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size: medium;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size: medium;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: medium;">Two years I've been back. It's been a rough two years. Readjusting back to the place I called home most of my life may sound strange to those who have never left. It's true, as we were told by the trainers, the most challenging part of Peace Corps service is going back...I hesitate to add 'home' to the end of that sentence.<br /><br />What makes returning hard?<br /><br />The culture change: wasteful, lacking simplicity and community, but what about showers and all of the conveniences? I had gained 30 pounds in three months.<br /><br />I see things differently. Where I came from, there wasn't gun violence; people didn't watch television.<br /><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size: medium;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: medium;">No one to tell my stories to. No one understands.<br /><br />I am more sensitive to veterans and their difficulties when they come home. There is a belief among Americans that America is the BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD!!!!!! Is this place really home? What makes a place home? The people who care about you? The people who listen? Americans think they do all this, but they don't.<br /><br />My kids are grown, I lost my best friend...my value for survival is diminished. No husband.<br /><br />I'm not looking to start a family.<br /><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size: medium;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm still trying to figure this out. I'm only speaking for myself. I see others who served with me; they seem to be doing well since they returned. I'm sure not all of them, though, are doing well. I just feel different. I'm another person. I need to get to know this other person I've become.<br /><br />A couple of months before leaving my village in Zambia, I felt I should stay. My gut told me I should stay. But I resisted. I told myself I would go home and see how I felt, and then if I thought I needed to come back, I will. Well, I need to go back. I need to go back more than ever.<br /><br />After waiting 30 years to go and live in Africa, why would I think it would be OK to come back? Why did I think that? I didn't give it any thought. Then, finally, two years were spent making a new home in a new place...and I thought I could come back to the States with no problem.<br /><br />I remember the first night back, I had a dream of my village. I saw the children. When I woke, I had a sob fest. I can't remember ever sobbing before. I've cried but not sobbed. Sobbing is different.<br /><br />From then on, I struggled to get used to everything. It took a while to get used to or tolerate going to the supermarket. I never watch television. I can't stand it anymore. I feel like I'm in the spotlight. It's funny because that's how I felt when I first went to Zambia. And I really was in the spotlight. Everyone watched and stared at me. But, I got used to it in Zambia. Over time people got used to me, though; they knew I was still there. I'm not stared at here, but I don't feel like I belong. I feel like I stand out. But no one notices. No one notices I'm even here.<br /></span></div>
<br /></span>
<br /></div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-79644912896047660192022-03-26T19:08:00.028-07:002022-04-17T16:48:43.937-07:00The Final Post<p><span style="font-size: medium;">This is my final post for this blog. I am creating a new blog that correlates to my new life. What do I mean by my new life? I'll explain...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Since completing my Peace Corps service in May 2016, I took some time to learn which direction I wanted to take my life. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I went to graduate school and earned a master's degree in environmental studies and am building a career in arboriculture. I am an ISA-certified and Connecticut-licensed arborist. My life's work will revolve around trees; hence my new blog title, TREE ME!!. It will contain posts about relationships between trees and other living organisms, from blights to birds to humans. My aim is to offer a learning platform for a broad audience to help break down the complexities of forest ecology into engaging and fun-to-read fact-based story formats. I will announce when my new blog is live here in a couple of weeks. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I have to add that I am grateful to have experienced living in another country. Joining Peace Corps and living with an indigenous community was one of my life ambitions. I am thankful for the friends I made during my service. They were patient with me as I navigated the intricacies of living in a country full of culture and tradition. I am proud of myself for consistently documenting my experiences in this blog while challenged with an undependable electricity source.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Second Visit to Zambia, January 2022</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">River Rapids and Impala</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I booked my stay at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g316118-d13217172-Reviews-Mutanda_Nature_Lodge-Solwezi_Northwestern_Province.html">Mutanda Nature Lodge</a>, situated between Solwezi town and my village. I rented a car and planned a visit to my village at the end of my stay. I visited one-on-one with some of my close friends I had worked with during my service. I wanted to get a feel for coming back in the future. My visitors and I sat on the porch of my roomy, one-bedroom lodge accompanied by the sound of the river rapids that border the property. Impala grazed in the tall grass down the hill from my lodge. They are residents, not wild. A fence keeps them within the compound. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2pBcLBRt7ODGYElEoBAKdvm8ACv8TRvZBW_ijeIUX25soInM23wLozMQZsjHBARx_YnxOzp1e3lnGGEGgQSU8rx4MmM9y8UVVcXfGjIJ62ldJwU2ZO_T9I4B_JW8mhQquYvfeA4aKo4pbIVoF6e8xHT47IqoAQeX1yFb7GD2stdhUVmsm8J6DACA0NQ=s3278" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3278" data-original-width="3037" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2pBcLBRt7ODGYElEoBAKdvm8ACv8TRvZBW_ijeIUX25soInM23wLozMQZsjHBARx_YnxOzp1e3lnGGEGgQSU8rx4MmM9y8UVVcXfGjIJ62ldJwU2ZO_T9I4B_JW8mhQquYvfeA4aKo4pbIVoF6e8xHT47IqoAQeX1yFb7GD2stdhUVmsm8J6DACA0NQ=w592-h640" width="592" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhpSJFSCjaG4JEGvKJElEyKwK9YJUDCBmRkuwK-tB4blzZgCwYgBrxj2XlkHZVnzMaugl-48DLVl2XvV76Aywn2Gm9WOsTgTMEIL55wdSCQJrKVZZ3POi_8t0YbTtDyOKmzaHHgWy8C2me0_P8PmpaEvcHFUVyUcXiQPxxVmHr_WtTwsN1LTNCTA7YEQ=s3088" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="3088" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhpSJFSCjaG4JEGvKJElEyKwK9YJUDCBmRkuwK-tB4blzZgCwYgBrxj2XlkHZVnzMaugl-48DLVl2XvV76Aywn2Gm9WOsTgTMEIL55wdSCQJrKVZZ3POi_8t0YbTtDyOKmzaHHgWy8C2me0_P8PmpaEvcHFUVyUcXiQPxxVmHr_WtTwsN1LTNCTA7YEQ=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHexsiSj9v7590arUf0zwl8ABtR-ZHSVG9yVaMG7QUxBxFTZUOTw7gvHyQYLlUI8W7wichpt8syxGey1jD1SZT8ibvcu1rIgCS9DshGTfkt3CVBusRM5jkw6kOpZqE8GtsXWgBYWxCMfODx3M9u4_3ZFFCx6O8L7dY45W4QbC-nSHkwJZO4xLdIlzdjw=s4096" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHexsiSj9v7590arUf0zwl8ABtR-ZHSVG9yVaMG7QUxBxFTZUOTw7gvHyQYLlUI8W7wichpt8syxGey1jD1SZT8ibvcu1rIgCS9DshGTfkt3CVBusRM5jkw6kOpZqE8GtsXWgBYWxCMfODx3M9u4_3ZFFCx6O8L7dY45W4QbC-nSHkwJZO4xLdIlzdjw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> .</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rpCr_HYEqUejVkWp_0UncHVv1MUbH9OQM9Dlbt09ag1cbwPTWFgfS-3_6HFRkbKxFwNUf7wLqhX1-ypM2lLxRGnCb9Aw8TgxN3aLOsIL3-cbA56H8W98n0etOqIpBCi910SmMfCveZt7Ky50d7UvR6KeCB9ZWTJj41kYv91KEhqWidW58v_KOtANeQ/s1024/aafamily1.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6rpCr_HYEqUejVkWp_0UncHVv1MUbH9OQM9Dlbt09ag1cbwPTWFgfS-3_6HFRkbKxFwNUf7wLqhX1-ypM2lLxRGnCb9Aw8TgxN3aLOsIL3-cbA56H8W98n0etOqIpBCi910SmMfCveZt7Ky50d7UvR6KeCB9ZWTJj41kYv91KEhqWidW58v_KOtANeQ/w480-h640/aafamily1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A much-needed reunion with my host family and counterpart, <br />Eliack, Brenda, and their children, and Harrison.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wh_AkiPmBjRantK09R2TKrdLOKiZLL5M4xbsC8JxyfsPwkCOaVWJU3zRebu_slSebQvuR5Rt12kK3GVoYbbq1xWdgXCyzdRpRJTs4OV5AWKd2QApdRnJueTI30rolwjJa6h9ajq0bF_UPOGsEyisq011vwpQYQYMm_Q2tOzTNLtlfrAo1dqJ1VzW_A/s4096/bbdriving.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wh_AkiPmBjRantK09R2TKrdLOKiZLL5M4xbsC8JxyfsPwkCOaVWJU3zRebu_slSebQvuR5Rt12kK3GVoYbbq1xWdgXCyzdRpRJTs4OV5AWKd2QApdRnJueTI30rolwjJa6h9ajq0bF_UPOGsEyisq011vwpQYQYMm_Q2tOzTNLtlfrAo1dqJ1VzW_A/w480-h640/bbdriving.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Driving to my village.</span><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6PaiucvvxIdT_aN3nbgluReRaXaWb70yOi06njF3qZW22OqiU39ORVIJoab-g5Zlq2GcrfNR-Xotg5-zK525GGGXLhHzsKVgS56LEifka42eKeRQOFQxA8agJPZSK7KCR6d6Z7stUi1V2HQroXQIQt76Uq050t-c9Cl6iLluA6vJezfWY7OLL8k-uQ/s2138/bbmushroom1.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2138" data-original-width="1603" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6PaiucvvxIdT_aN3nbgluReRaXaWb70yOi06njF3qZW22OqiU39ORVIJoab-g5Zlq2GcrfNR-Xotg5-zK525GGGXLhHzsKVgS56LEifka42eKeRQOFQxA8agJPZSK7KCR6d6Z7stUi1V2HQroXQIQt76Uq050t-c9Cl6iLluA6vJezfWY7OLL8k-uQ/w480-h640/bbmushroom1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mushrooms for sale!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YFRXIpWowg7bgBSU690nk5DppTbF016cEHmH_wS1DvuVe0iugYmd-YFt2JgeJ5t1ski1EWC3Zv1ha-uCKeZx00sXVbvSSnxP3jqnK1thK31in7CBUcsSqlO_WQNVfrRL7mRm9AUi7aw8RhGxvidgPpFIAjsKj_F0K88onS75dj3HsUNAoQ0Vl7vJDQ/s1024/bbharrisonshop1.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YFRXIpWowg7bgBSU690nk5DppTbF016cEHmH_wS1DvuVe0iugYmd-YFt2JgeJ5t1ski1EWC3Zv1ha-uCKeZx00sXVbvSSnxP3jqnK1thK31in7CBUcsSqlO_WQNVfrRL7mRm9AUi7aw8RhGxvidgPpFIAjsKj_F0K88onS75dj3HsUNAoQ0Vl7vJDQ/w480-h640/bbharrisonshop1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My first stop was Harrison's new carpentry workshop.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhiXl6rnvmiiQGrZR0jHx_Thg-NxokemRpdu4c4voNemAKqOBW_EW1_Jb5K6JP3WxBgcqNE1MNeJcrVomM0tkngW5PURrdJIlm1kUex-yQpjrCfxH1hO4_Cf643kOwJyceKcYFyPkMaRwzNcWkkmLaHHbVp5kl5GlXbiTVHCVidVgAYiuCZS1yheeRg/s2138/bbmushroom1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhiXl6rnvmiiQGrZR0jHx_Thg-NxokemRpdu4c4voNemAKqOBW_EW1_Jb5K6JP3WxBgcqNE1MNeJcrVomM0tkngW5PURrdJIlm1kUex-yQpjrCfxH1hO4_Cf643kOwJyceKcYFyPkMaRwzNcWkkmLaHHbVp5kl5GlXbiTVHCVidVgAYiuCZS1yheeRg/s2138/bbmushroom1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveHDI7S17fMW2eEjsNWnyao7IndkwrfoehZW-rQXltVS8AO14LtEANLHEFXHUuLtS4mOClfXe4hJY9uiPmFDqw8crx2i2CqihNWbdRwzlsELrMpruMAifZ6KlYOZMkOXmeVQIOIUfJEyQAf-zi4FG0ub2ea7l0R96Ah6qP6VhSUpm7pxDx3Guwg7D0g/s3677/bblathe1.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3677" data-original-width="3016" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveHDI7S17fMW2eEjsNWnyao7IndkwrfoehZW-rQXltVS8AO14LtEANLHEFXHUuLtS4mOClfXe4hJY9uiPmFDqw8crx2i2CqihNWbdRwzlsELrMpruMAifZ6KlYOZMkOXmeVQIOIUfJEyQAf-zi4FG0ub2ea7l0R96Ah6qP6VhSUpm7pxDx3Guwg7D0g/w524-h640/bblathe1.jpg" width="524" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Woodworking machinery waiting for electricity hook-up to the shop. <br />All wood products are solely made with hand tools like the door below.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EddkQ0xtBuFfi4HCLJvDNhiMjQJU8Ugw6VPCguGqAVWAJTX4mQ7NMKPbdbwtqT0nqah9FhqcSMdBlzlnKEVGxwShRy6bUbq9BB4390jr1QW0_L9Is5xVPiupllszigeBVSnYkwYkHEcDiyb70T_iNg9i4KIHhz6F_V1WUaYJAivu11LswK2Au8TXPw/s3822/bbdoor1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3822" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EddkQ0xtBuFfi4HCLJvDNhiMjQJU8Ugw6VPCguGqAVWAJTX4mQ7NMKPbdbwtqT0nqah9FhqcSMdBlzlnKEVGxwShRy6bUbq9BB4390jr1QW0_L9Is5xVPiupllszigeBVSnYkwYkHEcDiyb70T_iNg9i4KIHhz6F_V1WUaYJAivu11LswK2Au8TXPw/w506-h640/bbdoor1.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO6J_kkrkjEWoCIRxri4xyG1yxtuqICvov3GpliB8oTy7nsAZEGlR36uWlsrLzgtEpQ9T0xTlk3XXdpv_UXAiXb6G_LkxKbBlNjViVxnQeg3x7A0pm6If3E7TMBHOElf1HM_RzaWvX7L0Ng9Z-sn8iCnvjNYnjBOzrHPJGAGp5SRmFZ-1shMwj7bgWA/s3667/bbchiefmumena1.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3667" data-original-width="2639" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO6J_kkrkjEWoCIRxri4xyG1yxtuqICvov3GpliB8oTy7nsAZEGlR36uWlsrLzgtEpQ9T0xTlk3XXdpv_UXAiXb6G_LkxKbBlNjViVxnQeg3x7A0pm6If3E7TMBHOElf1HM_RzaWvX7L0Ng9Z-sn8iCnvjNYnjBOzrHPJGAGp5SRmFZ-1shMwj7bgWA/w460-h640/bbchiefmumena1.jpg" width="460" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Obligatory visit with Chief Mumena. </span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-c3b9UpJcytjqc-B0Yyh0pjxynQRudCMTcSkpcH6OCNprN90BeXeV34zMB2hsvYuQffteDRYvmF7NxZy3HggG5bHlygqelj5uYofpUa4F-_jpalf1znj-UMg3U2XA_cTjPqnxOU7-fUF4hR-Vul-ZLpydzWzqxswrqnvVXI7NkJogI3XQJnZcu_Q40A/s4096/bbmyhut1.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-c3b9UpJcytjqc-B0Yyh0pjxynQRudCMTcSkpcH6OCNprN90BeXeV34zMB2hsvYuQffteDRYvmF7NxZy3HggG5bHlygqelj5uYofpUa4F-_jpalf1znj-UMg3U2XA_cTjPqnxOU7-fUF4hR-Vul-ZLpydzWzqxswrqnvVXI7NkJogI3XQJnZcu_Q40A/w480-h640/bbmyhut1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The hut I lived in during my service now has electricity!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUutEgylMQ-SI7VVZwNDkm3hHMU0A_GIlt6Ig3oLTXtDtuGfpWlUmNiK-Be7tYFJLuO3MeIEQkfg1PBPR3AWwTilKUr496nn8zK_eA58Oef-AF3HOZZHG2O95KV4dmMRD5lpDpKHZL8zM2DZiYsdEuNjNUCb6dH2C6BwUVZONCzVaSTV6HGnDZ5FW9cw/s4096/bbkids.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUutEgylMQ-SI7VVZwNDkm3hHMU0A_GIlt6Ig3oLTXtDtuGfpWlUmNiK-Be7tYFJLuO3MeIEQkfg1PBPR3AWwTilKUr496nn8zK_eA58Oef-AF3HOZZHG2O95KV4dmMRD5lpDpKHZL8zM2DZiYsdEuNjNUCb6dH2C6BwUVZONCzVaSTV6HGnDZ5FW9cw/w480-h640/bbkids.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Kids!!!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Mumena Women's Ministries</span></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Before my trip to Zambia, I asked for a donation from the Somers Rotary Club for Mumena Women's Ministries. Mumena Women's Ministries is a group of women who pool resources, such as cooking oil, flour, toiletries, and food, to donate to people in need in the village. Orphans, the elderly, and people suffering from illness are the recipients. There is no safety net in Zambia, no food stamps, or social programs. My host mother, Brenda, founded this group. The next step for the group is to register as an NGO. Below is a film clip of me presenting Somers Rotary Club's donation. Thank you, Brenda, for filming. #Zambia #womenNGO</span><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='323' height='268' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyqUQOZqV8lH6hQJ2iIlc8O6_YJQMQZQVN4s7wP6lc5tVzD5o5i1iDObMcRwaS2qPCs63581L6v7uJZUImmLg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IrJBI-qcD7ndNBY3zV2wyBwZRHA6escwpwI3FZr_fF8scklBplnufJ9v_QS4Ca9ENJ-2xeF___NoI3gHX6yMEjzlhhAqCqys4wmJZIuPQnT_cw97OX3oN_D9GhW0xVvqP-CBYiaAANR-Cbv_KcXMVeC5Fc3SOGLCbAvS2fCaV_10YvcsAjoMWLJ8wA/s4096/bbwomen's%20group.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IrJBI-qcD7ndNBY3zV2wyBwZRHA6escwpwI3FZr_fF8scklBplnufJ9v_QS4Ca9ENJ-2xeF___NoI3gHX6yMEjzlhhAqCqys4wmJZIuPQnT_cw97OX3oN_D9GhW0xVvqP-CBYiaAANR-Cbv_KcXMVeC5Fc3SOGLCbAvS2fCaV_10YvcsAjoMWLJ8wA/w640-h480/bbwomen's%20group.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-42358087875075079002022-03-26T16:50:00.007-07:002022-04-17T16:50:05.248-07:00Differences<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #ffa400; font-size: medium;"><br />
<span>I rummaged through my drafts and found this one worthy of publishing. It was written in 2016.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Throwing out food</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<br />Second week of service: I couldn't finish my oatmeal one morning. So I threw it in the rubbish pit, a six by six-foot hole in the ground. My host family's children ran by me and jumped in the pit with spoons as I walked away. They ate the rest of my oatmeal.<br />
__<br />
Mid-service: I shared popcorn with the kids and dumped the crumbs from the bottom of the basket onto the ground. The children flocked over the crumbs and to picked the ground clean.<br />
__<br />Second year of service: A cake I baked burned on the bottom of a pan. I didn't want to eat it, so I scraped the charred-like brick and placed it in a bowl. A few lucky kids outside my hut devoured the treat I gave them.<br />
<br /><b>
Crying in front of Zambian villagers</b><br />
<br />
My host brother had died a few days prior when I was visiting a friend's family. They were aware of the death, but they became uncomfortable when they saw me cry about it. When I left the family, my friend explained that hiding emotions are part of their culture. Crying like I had is not acceptable, but they understood I come from another country and accepted my behavior. So I learned to hold my emotions in.<br />
<br />
Showing anger in Zambian culture is not acceptable. The only times I've seen Zambians show anger was by drunkards or by a mistreated child.<br />
__<br />
I spoke with a farmer one day, and he told me how his neighbor's oxen destroyed his entire maize crop. Maize grown by villagers is their food for the year. I asked what happens now that his maize crop is gone and what will his neighbor do to replace it. He replied that he was not angry with his neighbor. There is nothing anyone can do, and he is still friends with his neighbor. No hard feelings. No anger. Not wanting to get revenge or reparations.<br />
<br /><b>
Complaining</b><br />
<br />
I brought my tendency to complain from the States, like: Ugh, this weather is terrible, or Ugh, no one came to my meeting. The friends I'd share my frustrations with would listen to me with wide eyes, stay silent, then change the subject when I was done ranting. I eventually stopped complaining in the village.<br />
<br />
I learned I lived with people who accept what is given to them. I am certain situations frustrate them, but they don't show it. They are under control.<br />
<br />
As far as complaining, their 'complaining' comes in discussion on improving a situation. There really is no complaining. It is liberating to be free from doing this ridiculous behavior.<br />
__<br />
Turning down privileges because I'm white...<br />
<br />I stood in an ATM line for close to an hour. I had eight people in front of me when a police officer carrying an old Ak-47 wandered over to help make the line more orderly (there were around 30 of us waiting). He looked at me while holding his gun and told me to go to the front of the line. Everyone looked at me. I stood there silently thinking of the right thing to do when the policeman again ordered me to go to the front. Finally, I reluctantly moved to the front of the line to use the ATM.<br />
__<br />
I arrived at a ceremony that had close to a thousand people attending. I noticed a group of white people sitting in front of the dance platform. Zambian culture is generous and honors guests regardless of color. I refused to sit up there with them. While looking at the group of whites, I realized I was not a guest anymore. I am a Zambian.<br />
<br /><b>
Privacy</b><br />
<br />
There is no privacy in a Zambian village. Period.<br />
<br />
Early on, living in my village, I came down with a cold, so I stayed inside my hut. The second day shut inside, I heard my neighbor calling my name. I ignored her; she knew I was sick and figured she would leave, assuming I was asleep. While lying there peacefully on my bed, I was startled by my neighbor calling me just outside my window behind my bed; she was looking inside right at me. I got up and met her outside to encourage her to leave. Unfortunately, she didn't speak English, and I was too flustered to explain to her in her language to leave me alone.<br />
<br />
Later I spoke with her husband and told him what she had done. He was surprised by my concern because he explained in his culture when someone is sick, they are visited and given food. I explained that we are left alone unless we give the OK for a visit. Both of us learned the differences of this part of the culture...privacy and the lack-there-of.<br />
__<br />When I finished bathing in my bathing shelter, I exited donned in a towel with wet hair carrying my clothes tightly against my chest to ensure my towel wouldn't fall off. I paraded in front of an audience of the neighborhood kids sitting in front of my hut. It was silent as I walked past toward my hut. As I opened the door to walk in, the kids burst into laughter. I smiled to myself and was glad to give them a laugh. #Zambia #Peacecorps<br />
<br />
<br /></span>
<br /></div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-45942329737402525142022-01-08T17:19:00.008-08:002022-04-17T16:50:49.028-07:00Unpublished photos. No captions. Have a question or comment on one? Let me know. Enjoy! #Zambia #peacecorpszambia #peacecorps<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimE2cyVrIWaZcbqqEM2W5YGDNPXq49eE6PVPJNSfCwPZ-qPS2qAHEgSiBVcVIW78Z6bVn691w65rsAC08JmsQ0IlshJRPVXfS109mHr2-aWN2yHxbO8RLVAaAB3oPFytonDA8TzA33ilFxz8al8-3R8XW1SiaHHb6AsyiXQUahkX6iOzubIwpig9hoDA=s4363" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3205" data-original-width="4363" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimE2cyVrIWaZcbqqEM2W5YGDNPXq49eE6PVPJNSfCwPZ-qPS2qAHEgSiBVcVIW78Z6bVn691w65rsAC08JmsQ0IlshJRPVXfS109mHr2-aWN2yHxbO8RLVAaAB3oPFytonDA8TzA33ilFxz8al8-3R8XW1SiaHHb6AsyiXQUahkX6iOzubIwpig9hoDA=w400-h294" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTcKp9pjNUoec2GFpkAWDBQdaEmTyyi8BEulUAs0nAMJggZDyRZAGww7HXzQaz0XhZl2ITVx8KfWfF8D4aWyBxlQ8hE8txXc5GEuBDBg9enQW3eoTGU8dZQLil4VsTWT6TF2I83g9vj90Eqcwdz7Md0zsVzlB8N9dv_mGTpCmAOMrWRwptNBKqJ0Lz9A=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTcKp9pjNUoec2GFpkAWDBQdaEmTyyi8BEulUAs0nAMJggZDyRZAGww7HXzQaz0XhZl2ITVx8KfWfF8D4aWyBxlQ8hE8txXc5GEuBDBg9enQW3eoTGU8dZQLil4VsTWT6TF2I83g9vj90Eqcwdz7Md0zsVzlB8N9dv_mGTpCmAOMrWRwptNBKqJ0Lz9A=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1JJ8ogl7ZcT6_G8f7vNC36HdVr4uBjR2pAfIXPzqDnMKuyl4uXhcLDPhYUobyBEIpiBXxIFDwuixzjP0C5OZcioz7fha5hxyxv_mww8sOrUpKlRdwn0JrXqcXNLFp1U1Z_7GKaGdF1Gc8kpW95qVMzMVNe7m50d6_HQD0h4856FPsimzN7l4PLPQQhQ=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1JJ8ogl7ZcT6_G8f7vNC36HdVr4uBjR2pAfIXPzqDnMKuyl4uXhcLDPhYUobyBEIpiBXxIFDwuixzjP0C5OZcioz7fha5hxyxv_mww8sOrUpKlRdwn0JrXqcXNLFp1U1Z_7GKaGdF1Gc8kpW95qVMzMVNe7m50d6_HQD0h4856FPsimzN7l4PLPQQhQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiikm6XxFB7oI1OgpzPt2ycY9lBKmihbBrvJqi2VW7lYA7kfcbyzP9JQ2pxMDQcW0d4PKngvzXlT88Dz1bQkOgT_o61Kd0wdNu6nlcmJg7uPfeOJo4TxBIjyfs2E3bJb8cLpU2tG9NavLY0A0uF58EruuRM8YEKosq8a-xRoHKJTbvakJDwYh3B5u2zg=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiikm6XxFB7oI1OgpzPt2ycY9lBKmihbBrvJqi2VW7lYA7kfcbyzP9JQ2pxMDQcW0d4PKngvzXlT88Dz1bQkOgT_o61Kd0wdNu6nlcmJg7uPfeOJo4TxBIjyfs2E3bJb8cLpU2tG9NavLY0A0uF58EruuRM8YEKosq8a-xRoHKJTbvakJDwYh3B5u2zg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjffM_COsV22nhMZGABhrjltJyTGnz3YqPizUiTAbLxOhwrgOdrjvUULeJdJKxAJEgyiuIh_T1gkot7HtVGOIQhj5oulgnKYl433mWva6TYbjyw8ntzQ9PSqrdejtPyrA-1ruL3FJki0X4T-pIDd2t4AoQhBiHn7FPqddQG6hjoUTg-Vs5iYZZYQI4PaQ=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjffM_COsV22nhMZGABhrjltJyTGnz3YqPizUiTAbLxOhwrgOdrjvUULeJdJKxAJEgyiuIh_T1gkot7HtVGOIQhj5oulgnKYl433mWva6TYbjyw8ntzQ9PSqrdejtPyrA-1ruL3FJki0X4T-pIDd2t4AoQhBiHn7FPqddQG6hjoUTg-Vs5iYZZYQI4PaQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhluL-_b4fMwbcCEdzXeYPS0U2vmrvQlvpgIObS8dsVlSG58yApvWTYLu2GV1PywrNiLIE8zjE-NzT19fGFNYUNt_UqUG3XAm-TlfN1boJ63DXQQoGivM_FnnCYOQ3X_eX4KBPF8dIxvYJOxm5-rpe8bN3GQwAxjDK_HCU1EXdvES6p3eaDWbNnFL4LNA=s724" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="724" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhluL-_b4fMwbcCEdzXeYPS0U2vmrvQlvpgIObS8dsVlSG58yApvWTYLu2GV1PywrNiLIE8zjE-NzT19fGFNYUNt_UqUG3XAm-TlfN1boJ63DXQQoGivM_FnnCYOQ3X_eX4KBPF8dIxvYJOxm5-rpe8bN3GQwAxjDK_HCU1EXdvES6p3eaDWbNnFL4LNA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzLL4u15nVDWt49Lkw7N4BUZFnkvgpKUw0RQDK2Kf-fjut3frUcRC_LTfKstPsW_a3DEjpUiwP1yL13fc3fZil7iiPHpN1HkD4kz3yKFPHZHV9d9xiy5Lqz6a2B9BvXEld4cJWPCXxZM5UifigqH8TXeXoa1e9cLVPccJ1Wy_6rh6J8t1X8IqdlyMc2g=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzLL4u15nVDWt49Lkw7N4BUZFnkvgpKUw0RQDK2Kf-fjut3frUcRC_LTfKstPsW_a3DEjpUiwP1yL13fc3fZil7iiPHpN1HkD4kz3yKFPHZHV9d9xiy5Lqz6a2B9BvXEld4cJWPCXxZM5UifigqH8TXeXoa1e9cLVPccJ1Wy_6rh6J8t1X8IqdlyMc2g=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2j-x0IOSzaNLNxqCTG9i5tWLQl86NsLiIUOomp-acT8_ZBSq8cdYGGmPLnPcCI9kChF-6GPh2mpVpd5-CXBdiIDFMGuje1gorYOiJAxZz1xj8jwJ9UfnVMxxlLWI_D_FhdXY32GiY7BwPZo4KjSXaUacN_21_luHbazEPe78i5kpnRN7Jf7sNjpywFQ=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2j-x0IOSzaNLNxqCTG9i5tWLQl86NsLiIUOomp-acT8_ZBSq8cdYGGmPLnPcCI9kChF-6GPh2mpVpd5-CXBdiIDFMGuje1gorYOiJAxZz1xj8jwJ9UfnVMxxlLWI_D_FhdXY32GiY7BwPZo4KjSXaUacN_21_luHbazEPe78i5kpnRN7Jf7sNjpywFQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiN3eep16INdqIcNKBXwRZ0FJutTovEnO-0QwcUWA3HuVWSsTsm4g7D1lQqKmb9Z1NknHe3S0uDrxWKGP0ZA1_FkDYA9XN3PPaP8yLTi-oCMszR0n5kIfpMZKUAl_158WzzRF8h_4X8h53symFgdeqnDNA7Qx1jhCD-3ULTG2WL6DxKHj16twMSlKTqjw=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiN3eep16INdqIcNKBXwRZ0FJutTovEnO-0QwcUWA3HuVWSsTsm4g7D1lQqKmb9Z1NknHe3S0uDrxWKGP0ZA1_FkDYA9XN3PPaP8yLTi-oCMszR0n5kIfpMZKUAl_158WzzRF8h_4X8h53symFgdeqnDNA7Qx1jhCD-3ULTG2WL6DxKHj16twMSlKTqjw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1jW_nE2FRmhURQdfi1VKemlFqG5oij4pWPLk30dKjrLW5ABneBy7fV6erm8ZJ70rhKYW-NXu9EL8LaZPb_18_WAdpXug5KtxdADYu2fkqleLj5VaYuUcSGySih1ah-rVwuKIDeLrZ_7kM09g0LeuJv7akhRSR9qVjLwKNnHwLY-s2Yd2-SZLo9v8CQg=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1jW_nE2FRmhURQdfi1VKemlFqG5oij4pWPLk30dKjrLW5ABneBy7fV6erm8ZJ70rhKYW-NXu9EL8LaZPb_18_WAdpXug5KtxdADYu2fkqleLj5VaYuUcSGySih1ah-rVwuKIDeLrZ_7kM09g0LeuJv7akhRSR9qVjLwKNnHwLY-s2Yd2-SZLo9v8CQg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfrn8vL_ZUdL5Iy6Zdo6o9V4GvCc-t7uzuJng2QVYS4YAOkweBW_jId24Z_IfE2eLO9HUe2zClnXi7Q_l00nyC4xwOlgnTXpFifbcY_-vTbEJcjYj1IzOgYryDKUHrqm6HXAwJ4f_8KVRGXUNUqvWPMJ7Hw88aMPegJOmQ28JxwMKIt1J2gTjk5ljbrA=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfrn8vL_ZUdL5Iy6Zdo6o9V4GvCc-t7uzuJng2QVYS4YAOkweBW_jId24Z_IfE2eLO9HUe2zClnXi7Q_l00nyC4xwOlgnTXpFifbcY_-vTbEJcjYj1IzOgYryDKUHrqm6HXAwJ4f_8KVRGXUNUqvWPMJ7Hw88aMPegJOmQ28JxwMKIt1J2gTjk5ljbrA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9BC22Q5YJ_7rgB8Er60yaVyeWypGjuFNqjIZt_UQMLOQIXBh5F2CUZei21vegLmsjrVj_qJ2UAcyQt2BzhwyZOG5Gc6miP76_E1iNqq6dCvlau4EgW980Thu37YkWDoWUbfjRuP_mYtp8c8tXHnqZIoR27dIaIlmVE7YpPfAgiaZcZjwqEgx5Qt83MQ=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9BC22Q5YJ_7rgB8Er60yaVyeWypGjuFNqjIZt_UQMLOQIXBh5F2CUZei21vegLmsjrVj_qJ2UAcyQt2BzhwyZOG5Gc6miP76_E1iNqq6dCvlau4EgW980Thu37YkWDoWUbfjRuP_mYtp8c8tXHnqZIoR27dIaIlmVE7YpPfAgiaZcZjwqEgx5Qt83MQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeNYI4SkColdEuOhxEps6J0ceEXt8cR-10XnzyfejLr7TTyQmOSsbi2DhL4ZGZwj0Uc_KHje56IiU0GtHdpKTXe5DqJdVjCFSesX22MfphNDygj6xDEa2QoEO_W3sKaYgCwPm6RFglV1kbpAHdzoTAvw87xTeKo_l0HJXwuECU0uuvRIiV2iEd3xyUkw=s470" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="470" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeNYI4SkColdEuOhxEps6J0ceEXt8cR-10XnzyfejLr7TTyQmOSsbi2DhL4ZGZwj0Uc_KHje56IiU0GtHdpKTXe5DqJdVjCFSesX22MfphNDygj6xDEa2QoEO_W3sKaYgCwPm6RFglV1kbpAHdzoTAvw87xTeKo_l0HJXwuECU0uuvRIiV2iEd3xyUkw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAHFPs8z-gociLVBuiDNSZD8slVTk42fPg1o3BSQ3YntZJKPvaPGTwMivVGMibH6JyFdJhQu6PFZs2xTPa0wF0B3x8CKhczpx1O_Aq6_MPGU2B2onn94eB7wbmmpx-oijDUW0nwRmPbKbymLn-2J3cti5AbdtK3HRGIDxVSnYcXScudNwQxHoO82wOMg=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAHFPs8z-gociLVBuiDNSZD8slVTk42fPg1o3BSQ3YntZJKPvaPGTwMivVGMibH6JyFdJhQu6PFZs2xTPa0wF0B3x8CKhczpx1O_Aq6_MPGU2B2onn94eB7wbmmpx-oijDUW0nwRmPbKbymLn-2J3cti5AbdtK3HRGIDxVSnYcXScudNwQxHoO82wOMg=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjt2ffQ2CaiiVlXVpyDCfcmvE34eBZA-ETP6ZytjPa1pV25Slyu6Cla19cEE8nmMjvt7jGsrMNKpnCohu8W0Obf-LFpsI710ymHuyDOp3DuBtuTEU_nSD203LWbzhHb7t6ZRQCI4NNL4wCLqT8IPtT0M1YDQgY3672TFlfLEWHjCqaShG27zqXnnHe3Nw=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjt2ffQ2CaiiVlXVpyDCfcmvE34eBZA-ETP6ZytjPa1pV25Slyu6Cla19cEE8nmMjvt7jGsrMNKpnCohu8W0Obf-LFpsI710ymHuyDOp3DuBtuTEU_nSD203LWbzhHb7t6ZRQCI4NNL4wCLqT8IPtT0M1YDQgY3672TFlfLEWHjCqaShG27zqXnnHe3Nw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQ9WIsM_RCGGyjgpwLVI59dwjc3yCUXCKQK5c99u4NAU3nMvQfOEUdQG4BZdth_Kyq6wEEAAI2tLVGvOSOgxDJSNOMGbVtraUs7iWkl5Bz3N2bbhjn-hMmzZE7vwD1_aIm0RIkPhf5oxtOa0Dj5CKEVV52bKQ5ta9-9VlXPj38t7lWbY7ZXUnSxiNoxw=s577" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="577" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQ9WIsM_RCGGyjgpwLVI59dwjc3yCUXCKQK5c99u4NAU3nMvQfOEUdQG4BZdth_Kyq6wEEAAI2tLVGvOSOgxDJSNOMGbVtraUs7iWkl5Bz3N2bbhjn-hMmzZE7vwD1_aIm0RIkPhf5oxtOa0Dj5CKEVV52bKQ5ta9-9VlXPj38t7lWbY7ZXUnSxiNoxw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2Yh1KsSDhHcRcfgbcCSL4U_2KxDQeFxviQSne3ByJoyUsjuVDug3kiV4xucfZTHfTxT4NGlpkeQfIewoVt1vO3unZHeKHCwpJ07gH1_4_gzMs2vOhzd5wSaLQjbU0ERPdz7Ud5dgMpemHyfo4dGYfw4yCWhq4zf366vKfwnvmPAt2uMPmx5TDDFhAUg=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2Yh1KsSDhHcRcfgbcCSL4U_2KxDQeFxviQSne3ByJoyUsjuVDug3kiV4xucfZTHfTxT4NGlpkeQfIewoVt1vO3unZHeKHCwpJ07gH1_4_gzMs2vOhzd5wSaLQjbU0ERPdz7Ud5dgMpemHyfo4dGYfw4yCWhq4zf366vKfwnvmPAt2uMPmx5TDDFhAUg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibJxlmYmBo9UDqFrz3FPlU180p2BrB2xb80MzSG6-gZbBOof85sGsko7lJYmdDsZs0XCx1B4W1TmlF23Il91_1d3eOPsDIMd8E0ESt2BfZ1xkZlqhR-Q8_pnhbp4GxbfUSfvV-2tSVRfVVPRl0nePwLFmDLUqvF_9nelJHa8dfF_4tWjceXlB0N56oEg=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibJxlmYmBo9UDqFrz3FPlU180p2BrB2xb80MzSG6-gZbBOof85sGsko7lJYmdDsZs0XCx1B4W1TmlF23Il91_1d3eOPsDIMd8E0ESt2BfZ1xkZlqhR-Q8_pnhbp4GxbfUSfvV-2tSVRfVVPRl0nePwLFmDLUqvF_9nelJHa8dfF_4tWjceXlB0N56oEg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizYgAvLNETaJ6joiKGJCNKe2Cijitzrt34pSU_PBKvjvtM04NwmgOAaLffq_f8b_FxGMBDlble2JLEUqnA6EVmUAsDAgBm-idAkp_80B3ypzAAZJZsINbGeIuqOy7TDb0--jz54J6Q_xlq5ZT6v0fzdDymHKhwzfdFrSlOVVx00nERNnGKF0uJrJmZxw=s4303" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3439" data-original-width="4303" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizYgAvLNETaJ6joiKGJCNKe2Cijitzrt34pSU_PBKvjvtM04NwmgOAaLffq_f8b_FxGMBDlble2JLEUqnA6EVmUAsDAgBm-idAkp_80B3ypzAAZJZsINbGeIuqOy7TDb0--jz54J6Q_xlq5ZT6v0fzdDymHKhwzfdFrSlOVVx00nERNnGKF0uJrJmZxw=w400-h320" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzvMKDhtOqklg6NVCBIuaBiTG3uU3uT04B2YzgpSRMM247ztE8-X2WKek64BP33Lvqjere2O6_BmIQUCWZG99zRhimK39C2c4Or3FJEfDh4D5SFj2pY8xZuSBEF-gPsfoFSoriDtLaajDc9Sw6HRMKa2DMN42tELz9-htHaRy8Mku0aUVCfb3Mlzh5Uw=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzvMKDhtOqklg6NVCBIuaBiTG3uU3uT04B2YzgpSRMM247ztE8-X2WKek64BP33Lvqjere2O6_BmIQUCWZG99zRhimK39C2c4Or3FJEfDh4D5SFj2pY8xZuSBEF-gPsfoFSoriDtLaajDc9Sw6HRMKa2DMN42tELz9-htHaRy8Mku0aUVCfb3Mlzh5Uw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGiiDloVlFoxhAxznMl2fF9T_Z32vjCMFMMvxCf-mNBae9nOU4RONz6kDx11kF0Or6eHoVwNAu4AZQ2Nn3JnVr2uCH7S3hI9o2PRXY_w-s9KATJLZTUq_BGgrgbXyYOkcV_S2nK3KLKj-JxbOty9kuICeoKaEymUFSdhC3ESo6hd_34XUCKJo3UZDknw=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGiiDloVlFoxhAxznMl2fF9T_Z32vjCMFMMvxCf-mNBae9nOU4RONz6kDx11kF0Or6eHoVwNAu4AZQ2Nn3JnVr2uCH7S3hI9o2PRXY_w-s9KATJLZTUq_BGgrgbXyYOkcV_S2nK3KLKj-JxbOty9kuICeoKaEymUFSdhC3ESo6hd_34XUCKJo3UZDknw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEBkcDhs-3wP5A0ctsHsjxvexWNzEgDP2UVhB6ZQCCYAW_8L89eAmWfy1Lx3Yo8rtjpI6B-xq_gojJ2HbLRYKKdFYmjtKaFtM_xAsMYJkVMIYhztP2BnUZd22fPw2S3hcMAXEA_n_DCrSIKmRkK9GXlp0OiBVL-8MVWpU7BENoGK5KP2JkkKGiTBTN8g=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEBkcDhs-3wP5A0ctsHsjxvexWNzEgDP2UVhB6ZQCCYAW_8L89eAmWfy1Lx3Yo8rtjpI6B-xq_gojJ2HbLRYKKdFYmjtKaFtM_xAsMYJkVMIYhztP2BnUZd22fPw2S3hcMAXEA_n_DCrSIKmRkK9GXlp0OiBVL-8MVWpU7BENoGK5KP2JkkKGiTBTN8g=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0e3xvv3Pkg_iGPpOs9doG41EWjHM2fnCKsPsByrwQoci7VyyRgGDCgeC-bYMWyo2L6IOmD--PBdWvdMUpVSGzRjZ3qh09cgUKoZfqbWH66vPvrDshX5lGlz5Y8ylILNw5hrDd9Ulho9VdLuvkgyKrOEk_stPwm1GzVP7xT8-7oMMj9wtoASe1E1aNJw=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0e3xvv3Pkg_iGPpOs9doG41EWjHM2fnCKsPsByrwQoci7VyyRgGDCgeC-bYMWyo2L6IOmD--PBdWvdMUpVSGzRjZ3qh09cgUKoZfqbWH66vPvrDshX5lGlz5Y8ylILNw5hrDd9Ulho9VdLuvkgyKrOEk_stPwm1GzVP7xT8-7oMMj9wtoASe1E1aNJw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiniGi4DVxNJD4sZYKzMviTf_Z5Rm5tVQpTAu-iflIhNIhik5d5A_vjJ8elczbkMslh-0RuuElb3QsrW8MUB7ChCLFl7xRpVXy33CpZs2bcRADjcTCtn7CB5Gs175IMlEagYnBjMjB_8HPVuKHGJaHF1UyYy8G1jKv-x5TsqVaNNcT0-HVHOXAHmi4jAQ=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiniGi4DVxNJD4sZYKzMviTf_Z5Rm5tVQpTAu-iflIhNIhik5d5A_vjJ8elczbkMslh-0RuuElb3QsrW8MUB7ChCLFl7xRpVXy33CpZs2bcRADjcTCtn7CB5Gs175IMlEagYnBjMjB_8HPVuKHGJaHF1UyYy8G1jKv-x5TsqVaNNcT0-HVHOXAHmi4jAQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcKdUFXjc-HoPQt1ZdwxWflJm7bLkvLZ8L1bWLBMroOr94KITX4h1-twltd1Bn9RsdicnF1THo91cXyJSEA5dtHtlwJ8aBByxY2nToTomYIzUERSEOqBGT6B11fAt_BLELpHvKHGH9sUT2IA2FOpqvP2gtI2s-BCPdEbd-Uy7pmvAT6Aa02BTimFy4Qg=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcKdUFXjc-HoPQt1ZdwxWflJm7bLkvLZ8L1bWLBMroOr94KITX4h1-twltd1Bn9RsdicnF1THo91cXyJSEA5dtHtlwJ8aBByxY2nToTomYIzUERSEOqBGT6B11fAt_BLELpHvKHGH9sUT2IA2FOpqvP2gtI2s-BCPdEbd-Uy7pmvAT6Aa02BTimFy4Qg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixevaeoXjBhjxa2DqrfeZDfliM8inT4avJ9d5l5mLtMF2vvocZ712ghVmJBffmDbfGjuFNSMaYGKk18AaQVGRCXx_J3rs1z1it97SxnQoayTEqfQDy-grWKSYvcFunL40SeJG9Tk-jldc8RMTe6SbtZlfEiIPmYUTo4g8TrlUXOCJMjLxQyZjRqC1XdA=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixevaeoXjBhjxa2DqrfeZDfliM8inT4avJ9d5l5mLtMF2vvocZ712ghVmJBffmDbfGjuFNSMaYGKk18AaQVGRCXx_J3rs1z1it97SxnQoayTEqfQDy-grWKSYvcFunL40SeJG9Tk-jldc8RMTe6SbtZlfEiIPmYUTo4g8TrlUXOCJMjLxQyZjRqC1XdA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-14926679996383338092019-04-17T04:56:00.015-07:002020-12-18T13:20:59.921-08:00What I miss...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I miss hearing the birds early in the morning when I woke. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I miss my neighbor walking by at 6 am saying, "Good morning, Madam!" I'd still be sleeping and groggily answer back, "Good morning!" </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I miss the kids coming by and calling out my name. I'd usually greet them, hand them each a piece of chalk and a couple of National Geographics, then walk back into my hut and shut the door behind me. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Other times I would play <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxPqkwahxe0">Eminado</a> on my phone and dance with them. I miss visits from my friends. They were always unannounced. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">That is how it is over there. Community, friendships, beautiful nature, wonder, love, caring, mystery, and the ancient connections with the natural world...this is what I miss.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYnaVLtwtWTDJkEqsyoty-NamUaevejhVKU-NPNyvL5dNmhXUFXeeEvFgzARrt0kC5Fe0nCDT3i13gp0Wc4qupL9_wy-83BIaKeZcoSb0z0H7LTF_d4K8woyXxNn2Pt93KGh6-ocjivZv/s1600/luma+river2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYnaVLtwtWTDJkEqsyoty-NamUaevejhVKU-NPNyvL5dNmhXUFXeeEvFgzARrt0kC5Fe0nCDT3i13gp0Wc4qupL9_wy-83BIaKeZcoSb0z0H7LTF_d4K8woyXxNn2Pt93KGh6-ocjivZv/s400/luma+river2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My recent visit...crossing a river in the village.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-61259598555295917902019-01-04T17:54:00.000-08:002019-11-25T11:44:36.420-08:00Return to my village...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Two and a half years had gone by and I finally found time to return to my village. I stayed with Eliack and Brenda who acted as my host family while serving. I got to spend time with their two children Sante and Bibusa. Bibusa was only six months old when I had last seen him. He is now three. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9q7whzG9zRENCbaJmm5HqhwPpcpKOE3m_gXLF5TulqrGtjhmy9v-PQ2FjUzFnaXqU0hueYaNi1aG0TW_-nMlbb2KxAiU6H9pdmMWEHWU84E-lsDbv-qr_pi9ulVkVp9iNJHfdeTSELix/s1600/bibussaa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="725" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9q7whzG9zRENCbaJmm5HqhwPpcpKOE3m_gXLF5TulqrGtjhmy9v-PQ2FjUzFnaXqU0hueYaNi1aG0TW_-nMlbb2KxAiU6H9pdmMWEHWU84E-lsDbv-qr_pi9ulVkVp9iNJHfdeTSELix/s400/bibussaa.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had a wonderful welcoming by my former neighbor Maggie. She organized a welcoming committee made up of children. They sang songs and danced. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEh8g4jJEGDLQqytUGuDiUauq1x_Z09x2abDh1l9OQcor6duKWibsthMtBBTiVXojknBqdWofL58kWBU3Gzfi21d4faxIT9Lm-VtcMa0on09YzRrGoC7cSKT-cGg3FmXlJTuALWOwaZ0Yh/s1600/maagie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="725" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEh8g4jJEGDLQqytUGuDiUauq1x_Z09x2abDh1l9OQcor6duKWibsthMtBBTiVXojknBqdWofL58kWBU3Gzfi21d4faxIT9Lm-VtcMa0on09YzRrGoC7cSKT-cGg3FmXlJTuALWOwaZ0Yh/s640/maagie.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">R</span><span style="font-size: large;">eunions with the people I worked with was a priority. I spent time with Mr. Mofya - the first farmer who agreed to work with me, Mr. Kahokola - we planted trees together and helped him dig a fish pond, and my interpreter and counterpart Harrison. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpX2dzCndW6OkvDIcrY3DXZ7AD1yDXD9tdW8x2PpKEnpwgdUc6qLi7SrZNGu0H_HtXoQJWvYC_uPr_CNb8wfa3n5PvdzMg4fFfhGDtjbqCWqauJ6zArgAEdME8ErWsl4BJ62XkzIFzx8E/s1600/kahokolamofya.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="470" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpX2dzCndW6OkvDIcrY3DXZ7AD1yDXD9tdW8x2PpKEnpwgdUc6qLi7SrZNGu0H_HtXoQJWvYC_uPr_CNb8wfa3n5PvdzMg4fFfhGDtjbqCWqauJ6zArgAEdME8ErWsl4BJ62XkzIFzx8E/s320/kahokolamofya.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fqB5GHsCrtMynRl0gC1L716gCOg4N9SD3ZOdmofSw5TnotFgtoo0aWr_0jJo4CekDaaG4RMPiF0llh7zSBEqQXwmb0IpKbqfCp0Taht5EsxK17agUTzrTHLn3F9uPMkqG04Rs37sukwa/s1600/us.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fqB5GHsCrtMynRl0gC1L716gCOg4N9SD3ZOdmofSw5TnotFgtoo0aWr_0jJo4CekDaaG4RMPiF0llh7zSBEqQXwmb0IpKbqfCp0Taht5EsxK17agUTzrTHLn3F9uPMkqG04Rs37sukwa/s320/us.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was busy for the entire 10 days I was in the village. I had raised money prior to my trip for my host father's non-profit Buwame Child Development Foundation. He and I purchased books, educational materials, and paint to paint the walls of the preschool. The non-profit was founded after the sudden loss of my host father's two and a half year old son Buwame. I felt it was appropriate to help move the organization forward as it is difficult to obtain funding within Zambia alone. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac5MGFSTqUhpezg-WZUM_oGB0xOaYJjsydN9vmp7iI0Vx76cbfc-RM0TB2c51V2k7Uo53zP39sYYEtxzguYYrlZUERwBfsxoActTI5v0w-ZCvn38gYgzdO5ysTXpt_5hXc8JoJu7HoctP/s1600/meincenter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="724" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac5MGFSTqUhpezg-WZUM_oGB0xOaYJjsydN9vmp7iI0Vx76cbfc-RM0TB2c51V2k7Uo53zP39sYYEtxzguYYrlZUERwBfsxoActTI5v0w-ZCvn38gYgzdO5ysTXpt_5hXc8JoJu7HoctP/s640/meincenter.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I walked the roads and trails I rode my bicycle on during my service. The sun was hot and the rains were plenty. I had to navigate the slippery mud on my way to and from the outdoor bathroom and shower. I played ball with the children which was the most enjoyable part of my service. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0Solwezi, Zambia-12.81180107585506 25.400390249999987-43.556285575855057 -15.908203750000013 17.93268342414494 66.708984249999986tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-88132153684680826962016-06-18T06:53:00.004-07:002022-04-17T16:52:16.906-07:00Overview of my past two years in Peace Corps (video)... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> This video I made is an overview of my Peace Corps service in Zambia. Since I've been home I have people say I've made a difference in so many people's lives. The way how I feel is there was more I wish I had done. #Zambia #peacecorpszambia #peaceccorps</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Lh0X_LEmlO4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lh0X_LEmlO4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-42016346615125753762016-03-11T09:10:00.000-08:002019-11-25T08:15:31.042-08:00My cab driver, Phil...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Erick Donaldson's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT4iJ2jZv7M">Cherry Oh Baby</a> was blasting on the stereo when I got in the car. I turned the volume down, ask Phil how he is doing and to drop me at Peace Corps house. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Cherry O Baby continues playing on repeat until we reached my destination. It's my favorite song and he puts it on every time I get into his car.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Phil has been driving the streets of Solwezi since 2012. He actually owns his car which he uses to drive people to and from places. Many cab drivers work for the owners of the cars they drive. Phil has a second car, but the engine went kaput, so now he's looking for a replacement engine so he can sell the car.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_OupRDhHMNztKRyiu8xklKQkn2PKEjkC3fMzmpdnE5pjfFZedUuzXnQ7yfljG2u4y5nefgSnqI-64j81p8d68RILqjGcxIqtEGy95mjc7kIavWS_kqw8BJS_NKlqbvNq4n7vea_zIwpX/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_OupRDhHMNztKRyiu8xklKQkn2PKEjkC3fMzmpdnE5pjfFZedUuzXnQ7yfljG2u4y5nefgSnqI-64j81p8d68RILqjGcxIqtEGy95mjc7kIavWS_kqw8BJS_NKlqbvNq4n7vea_zIwpX/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Phil</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Three years ago Phil moved to Solwezi in Northwestern Province from Eastern Province where he is originally from. He is of the Nsenga tribe. He moved here to make more money, because the mining boom has attracted people not only from all over Zambia, but from other African countries and continents. It is a melting pot in these parts. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Phil has five children. The oldest is 22 and the youngest is four. His wife stays at home to care for them, so driving his car for money is his main income. His oldest is in college. It is very expensive to put a child through college here in Zambia. There aren't loans available like we have in the States or government support. Phil literally works day and night seven days a week answering his cell phone from potential clients.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I think you've gotten the idea there are not any cab companies, at least I've never heard of one here in Zambia. The cabs are independently owned automobiles, like used Toyota imports from Japan. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I rode with Phil today to get this interview with him. He wasn't himself, but he was eager to answer the questions I had for him. He had been waiting for this interview for a few days now. We rode around on the rutted dirt roads of Solwezi asking him questions, repeating myself slowly a second or third time--his English is so-so--and me asking him to spell words I'm not familiar with, like his tribal name.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSVpPlc0OLRbvB-nFxGfuFuK0I9PmI297UxrrsckIy_-G0IAyTXUEorBfeNn-jtJlNj2tchiQIfEqYGOCH_pdWeKPjAGbfaKU5df6CygHJQs-Ztd1_GvXTJzzAK2Z1fA6_mT2iAwePDw6/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSVpPlc0OLRbvB-nFxGfuFuK0I9PmI297UxrrsckIy_-G0IAyTXUEorBfeNn-jtJlNj2tchiQIfEqYGOCH_pdWeKPjAGbfaKU5df6CygHJQs-Ztd1_GvXTJzzAK2Z1fA6_mT2iAwePDw6/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I exit Shoprite I am faced with several cab drivers competing <br />for customers. This is where I met Phil. Phil stands here with <br />the others much of the day for business. When the other drivers <br />see me, they get Phil. I am his client, and they respect that.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Today he only had two drives, or clients. He needs 15 to make the day worth it. It is slow. It has been slow for a while now, because of the depreciation of the kwacha and the closing of some of the mines thanks to the lack of need of copper in the world. Food prices have literally doubled. I and others have been resorting to walking as opposed to taking a cab the past few months to save money, so the cab drivers are feeling the pinch.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> One of the questions I asked Phil was, "Do you like it here in Solwezi?"</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> He said, "No, it's too dusty, muddy...no land."</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I also asked what does he want for his future. He thought I meant what did he want to be when he was a kid. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> "A lawyer." he said. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I stopped at that answer and thought a bit. I felt a sort of sadness. He did finish grade twelve. I now wonder why he didn't continue on with school. That is a question I decided not ask him; to protect myself from his answer.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The fun thing about Phil is when he drives me somewhere new I ask him how much and he ridiculously inflates the price probably hoping I just got paid and am in a giving mood. So, we go onto negotiating a fair price. We laugh, I lightly punch his shoulder and he gives that 'I give-in' grin. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHZ5A8We84ajiDrP86GzNNgyUHxiRT3zs3oqHOKqTIVl-KzIw0cM91PBAMr0yH3EuEXoEYj8Bqs7iAV1R2OOOpuwqGw95bPcJ1uHR6kcA9qn0ZeEiD5POidcqiuSgmXo7DZk-p2h0yPYw/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHZ5A8We84ajiDrP86GzNNgyUHxiRT3zs3oqHOKqTIVl-KzIw0cM91PBAMr0yH3EuEXoEYj8Bqs7iAV1R2OOOpuwqGw95bPcJ1uHR6kcA9qn0ZeEiD5POidcqiuSgmXo7DZk-p2h0yPYw/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Roads of Solwezi. Dusty in dry season, <br />muddy and rutted in rain season.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I again asked him the question about what he wants in his life. Without hesitation, "I want my kids more educated than I was." he said. He answered looking past me off in the distance. Typical for a Zambian to do this. Looking directly in a Zambian's eyes is rude. But, I knew he was looking for the strength to answer this question. A question maybe no one has ever bothered to ask.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Phil struggles with controlling his diabetes. He drives around drinking Coke Zero and with a half loaf of brown bread. I've known about his diabetes for a while now and had given him chia seeds to help regulate his blood sugar. Today he isn't himself. and I know why. He is only forty-six, a year younger than me, struggling more than others to make ends meet. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Phil is a person worth getting to know. He is a person just like you and me working hard to get through life. We appreciate each other's friendship and he asks me if I will keep in touch. "Of course." I say. I will put the effort into saying 'hi' through a text once in a while. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I am privileged to know so many people here. They are a part of my life in Zambia; my home of two years. To leave them in only a few weeks will be very difficult. Saying the goodbyes...I can't think about it right now. I will worry about them. I will worry about Phil.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
. </div>
</div>
</div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-86041632275336926502016-03-06T05:56:00.000-08:002019-11-25T07:42:27.650-08:00Teaching Boyd...Reading Glasses Distribution...Animal Husbandry Workshop...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Teaching Boyd</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I had been approached by a child's mother a couple months back asking if I can tutor her son, Boyd. I readily agreed knowing how well-mannered and willing to learn her son is. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I meet with Boyd after school at my hut everyday. Just like I did with my own sons, I'd ask Boyd how school was and if he has any homework. He would tell me what he learned that day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> In the village, Boyd is considered a 'school boy', which means he takes school seriously and is able to speak English, unlike, I'd say, most of the children. There are many obstacles children face, such as high student/teacher ratio (it is common to have over 50 students per class), needing to stay home to help with chores, or parents unable to afford school fees, uniforms, or shoes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Boyd is 11 years old and in sixth grade. He is a joy to work with, in fact we are friends. I mentioned to him I wanted to go to the river to collect sand for my mud-brick-patio-turned-mud. Boyd told me he knows of a site where there is gravel on the side of the road, so we went together with sacks, bike, and shovel and collected gravel together.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRGcSUN9VYvlYBFEu6kAgKVgDH-iMmsSbfpCyOW4GrNrDdHaNBxczoP60uTXcrXcguNZogfz39ff5d2pLhCETTptLSEKowH0AmhelnEWcZSdzUZfsYfLFhkwp9_GqRyWGO1W8LEhu2D4_/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRGcSUN9VYvlYBFEu6kAgKVgDH-iMmsSbfpCyOW4GrNrDdHaNBxczoP60uTXcrXcguNZogfz39ff5d2pLhCETTptLSEKowH0AmhelnEWcZSdzUZfsYfLFhkwp9_GqRyWGO1W8LEhu2D4_/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boyd working on my laptop at my host family's house.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">One day I asked who his favorite teacher is. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">He </span><span style="font-size: large;">said, "You are."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">He wants to be a teacher someday.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Reading Glasses Distribution</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> School is important for village kids. As mentioned in the previous post there are several obstacles children face making it through school. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Another obstacle is being able to read a text book. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> A strapping young man visited my hut one day asking for assistance. He had trouble reading his books for school due to poor eyesight and inability to obtain reading glasses.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I had heard of missionaries doing eyeglasses drives back in the States and bringing them back to Zambia for distribution. I felt maybe if I ask people back home if they were interested in collecting and donating I could have a Peace Corps Volunteer bring them back after his or her visit back home.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> This idea worked. Some of my friends back home spread the message the need of reading glasses in my village. They would be distributed to students who have reading difficulties. I partnered with the village clinic and screened students (8th and 9th graders) and found ten out of 50 students in need.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssctrktB4zkoJuIWPHwzu0xgqOBgwRpLshNOnzbsAONnlvAdGOoLipn_mvmLYr00AMVzD5HXgKUFxp0nOg6O5Pl7f3Zm5sgFq_ezvcOLCCWhuI4QhyzVXJQDlEIn6QOBJcKVJJO5_J1_b/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssctrktB4zkoJuIWPHwzu0xgqOBgwRpLshNOnzbsAONnlvAdGOoLipn_mvmLYr00AMVzD5HXgKUFxp0nOg6O5Pl7f3Zm5sgFq_ezvcOLCCWhuI4QhyzVXJQDlEIn6QOBJcKVJJO5_J1_b/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing students which magnification is suitable. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The clinic received over 80 glasses; mostly readers and a few pairs of prescriptions. Justin was the first to receive his glasses. He is now attending secondary school and is in grade ten. He is most thankful for his new glasses. I am thankful for him to helping me, the clinic, and the school become aware of the need for reading glasses for students. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Speaking with the head teacher of the school I worked with mentioned he had lost students because of their inability to read their books.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZ-ZZ9RhggdOaYLGiwxmviK5sixsoWlFHpKLwsB7y_ODlvunsU0gArnng5s8kzFynoqhOXmUlfdITVXNNqH8jVb-yc5N3uE4bgzOqQdcQnzoy3QoHc5fdmllS7_XJhCfSwvMj70LKymIs/s1600/12607194_10153859263268648_544268398_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZ-ZZ9RhggdOaYLGiwxmviK5sixsoWlFHpKLwsB7y_ODlvunsU0gArnng5s8kzFynoqhOXmUlfdITVXNNqH8jVb-yc5N3uE4bgzOqQdcQnzoy3QoHc5fdmllS7_XJhCfSwvMj70LKymIs/s400/12607194_10153859263268648_544268398_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Justin wearing his new glasses.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ghkdsPTz1VSY4gQa7PPvapfX5CvQs1wan4S-fvVr4dzg70ctltqGDELv-QmnRs7ajeE39Wu12sIX2SpThvjfdDJIsXxjQvkhYNORkq9SUR2WcIlbBayl9KpprLdHk-qautMOrXLMjzsc/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ghkdsPTz1VSY4gQa7PPvapfX5CvQs1wan4S-fvVr4dzg70ctltqGDELv-QmnRs7ajeE39Wu12sIX2SpThvjfdDJIsXxjQvkhYNORkq9SUR2WcIlbBayl9KpprLdHk-qautMOrXLMjzsc/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Students wearing their new glasses with head teacher among them smiling proudly.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />If you are interested in donating to the Reading Glasses Project please see the side-bar for the address or you can email me for more information. Glasses are also distributed to others in the community in need of glasses. </span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Majila Falls Animal Husbandry Workshop</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> My journey began with a four-hour bus ride with my counterpart, Jameson Kahokola to Mwinilunga, aka Lunda Land and Land of Pineapples. We were to attend a three-day workshop on animal husbandry held at a farm run by a former Peace Corps Volunteer and missionary, literally in the middle of nowhere.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> My host father, Elack Shikamo, joined us later to attend as the interpreter. Volunteers invited brought along farmers from their villages interested in using animals in farming.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Once we arrived in Mwinilunga we spent the night at a lodge and left early in the morning for a two-hour canter truck ride to the farm. A canter truck is a large flatbed. Twenty of us rode in the open air along with our bags and supplies on a rutted dirt road. Not comfortable, but, we are used to it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> We arrived at the farm. A picturesque farm you read about in storybooks. There are turkeys, cows, goats, sheep, chickens, donkeys, rabbits, ducks, pigs, and a dog named Vicegrip who greeted us by pushing his nose into our crotches.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Volunteers staked camp in a barn shelter while the counterparts bunked in one of the houses. The main house, where Paul (the man who runs the farm) was used as a dining hall and a sitting room with a library and television. It was a comfortable venue for all of us and nice to be on an actual working farm with animals that are taken care of very well.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSP-35TeQDadL0oouLIx-M3ZxM6-2Gpvl6t4KBN9ha_zfTFjDuSUrF-yVZkv9gUqmhe_HaLzpPypD1DyaJE97loINWAnm3s1SenbUk46SXP4yYArVelCsVdaouA6D9Eo8mYL8xLGpVQgcP/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSP-35TeQDadL0oouLIx-M3ZxM6-2Gpvl6t4KBN9ha_zfTFjDuSUrF-yVZkv9gUqmhe_HaLzpPypD1DyaJE97loINWAnm3s1SenbUk46SXP4yYArVelCsVdaouA6D9Eo8mYL8xLGpVQgcP/s400/016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volunteers' camp.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> We were expected to meet at the main house at 6:30 for our first session before breakfast. We were all split into three groups and each day we were taught a different part of farming, including, goat milking, cow milking, and visiting the poultry houses. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I brought along Jameson who I consider the star farmer of my village. He is interested in milk goats as a business. I trust that he is serious about venturing into this new line of farming and becoming successful. My host father, Elick, has already started a goat farm on his own and came to learn more about the intricacies of this focus.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_envAJFijorcGMDO1aqPax5Ab2fMQlawnaXcUWeTtc7-X1z3ynQFImnjuiYR8Znvn1BP8Clxs7X7uLFm0vmUNM3x34LLOsi4bKsAJeZ72rDF-hfxxuQ-zGwRL1_pOjGpzdM-15JMXt06/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_envAJFijorcGMDO1aqPax5Ab2fMQlawnaXcUWeTtc7-X1z3ynQFImnjuiYR8Znvn1BP8Clxs7X7uLFm0vmUNM3x34LLOsi4bKsAJeZ72rDF-hfxxuQ-zGwRL1_pOjGpzdM-15JMXt06/s400/011.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right: Jameson, me, and Eliack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_envAJFijorcGMDO1aqPax5Ab2fMQlawnaXcUWeTtc7-X1z3ynQFImnjuiYR8Znvn1BP8Clxs7X7uLFm0vmUNM3x34LLOsi4bKsAJeZ72rDF-hfxxuQ-zGwRL1_pOjGpzdM-15JMXt06/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_envAJFijorcGMDO1aqPax5Ab2fMQlawnaXcUWeTtc7-X1z3ynQFImnjuiYR8Znvn1BP8Clxs7X7uLFm0vmUNM3x34LLOsi4bKsAJeZ72rDF-hfxxuQ-zGwRL1_pOjGpzdM-15JMXt06/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_envAJFijorcGMDO1aqPax5Ab2fMQlawnaXcUWeTtc7-X1z3ynQFImnjuiYR8Znvn1BP8Clxs7X7uLFm0vmUNM3x34LLOsi4bKsAJeZ72rDF-hfxxuQ-zGwRL1_pOjGpzdM-15JMXt06/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_envAJFijorcGMDO1aqPax5Ab2fMQlawnaXcUWeTtc7-X1z3ynQFImnjuiYR8Znvn1BP8Clxs7X7uLFm0vmUNM3x34LLOsi4bKsAJeZ72rDF-hfxxuQ-zGwRL1_pOjGpzdM-15JMXt06/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Throughout the day we learned everything from nutrition to forestry. The Volunteers helped facilitate many of the sessions. I facilitated the forestry session and made sure everyone understood the importance of trees and how they can be used for income generation.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> We engaged in conversation during meals after the long days of walking around the farm stepping in dung and smelling smells that were difficult to breath in at first, but were used to them after a while. We bathed in the nearby river. I mixed sand in with my soap to get off the dirt caked on my body. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I sat a a table with tribal cousins, Lundas and Kaondes. The endearing thing about tribal cousins is they tease each other. I loved sitting in on their discussions listening to them laugh and watching having fun. These farmers really enjoyed themselves. All of us got to know one another quite well. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylZLjwGFLAgQFhG9qT1Hi_d5kZqfOKdBo6DZh7aB35rwMnO3P54n7G3ZIQ52Rf50tUmGXEHB6tOO87iPmpMV6Uu3bwN3Mtb8YOnW3txsaKMpGfTwigIQZgCGNpTFTnkKK6tz0bImQKjpF/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylZLjwGFLAgQFhG9qT1Hi_d5kZqfOKdBo6DZh7aB35rwMnO3P54n7G3ZIQ52Rf50tUmGXEHB6tOO87iPmpMV6Uu3bwN3Mtb8YOnW3txsaKMpGfTwigIQZgCGNpTFTnkKK6tz0bImQKjpF/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elijiah, Kel, David, and Jameson. A mix of Lundas and Kaondes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrQr3I5o2LYnxg6YYvUnMFcStIePB6laZ93L3N-6iNuuvJLCMzCKfZu0Ty536eLszISK0Jw9A1V_GiU3trOZoHOC2wNE8884FWBm8Sk1VixvWsk6y7rRgvC-WDJBhVgVdhaH9CF3cv-dU/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrQr3I5o2LYnxg6YYvUnMFcStIePB6laZ93L3N-6iNuuvJLCMzCKfZu0Ty536eLszISK0Jw9A1V_GiU3trOZoHOC2wNE8884FWBm8Sk1VixvWsk6y7rRgvC-WDJBhVgVdhaH9CF3cv-dU/s400/014.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eliack on the donkey wagon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Eliack worked very hard translating from English to Kaonde and vice versa. It is a lot of work, especially doing this all day. I could tell when he got tired he would mix up languages, like speak Lunda instead of Kiikaonde. I admire Zambians' ability to speak multiple languages. There are 72 tribal languages in Zambia. I know several Zambians who can speak three or more languages, including English, and switch at the drop of a hat from one to another. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Our host, Paul, as mentioned before, was a Peace Corps Volunteer back in the 1980's and served in Guatemala. He has lived in Zambia for 16 years and built the farm from the bottom. He employs several people who are from surrounding villages, including a deaf mute who cares for the cows. Paul gives out milk and other food to people in need. Without this farm, I don't know how these people would survive. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-YxzsFL9-A&feature=youtu.be">Here</a> is a clip of Paul and Eliack.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The products produced on the farm, such as cow and goat milk, eggs, meat, and yogurt that is made on the premises is sold in town. Paul has to make two visits to the United States to raise money through the churches to help fund running the farm. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The evening of our last day, certificates were handed out to the counterparts in recognition of their attendance. This is a heartwarming event seeing the proud faces as their names are called to receive their reward. Photos were taken afterward and a lot of hugging and handshaking followed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> We were to meet at the bunk house at 6:30 the next morning to meet our transport to take us back to Mwinilunga. There was a small canter truck waiting; only enough room to take our bags. We had to wait four hours for the truck to come back to pick us up. So, we waited which is a common thing to expect to do in Zambia. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> We reached Mwinilunga and said our goodbyes and went our separate ways to various parts of Northwestern Province. On our way home we stopped to pick up some pineapples to take back. Fresh picked pineapples, only 40 US cents! And they are the best pineapples I've ever had. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> This is my second year attending this workshop. It is a wonderful opportunity for Volunteers and members of our villages to learn about what animals can offer us. Animals are not used widely in Northwestern Province. The two main tribes, Lundas and Kaondes, have recently transitioned from the hunter/gather way of living. Animals have only been meant to hunt; not to care for and live with. So, this is a fairly new concept for them to learn about and adapt to. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> So now I will help guide Jameson and Eliack the best I can in their undertaking</span><span style="font-size: large;"> of keeping goats for food and for generating income. Not only will this benefit them, but their community, as well. As of today and the past, fresh milk is not available to members of the village, but I hope these two visionaries will be successful and change this. Protein is very important for children and adults alike. This kind of change is what will make a difference in so many lives. I am so pleased to be a part of this.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-88872843854044119662016-02-02T13:13:00.003-08:002019-11-25T07:38:10.488-08:00Update on Harrison...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Harrison is still in the process of locating a chainsaw to purchase. It is difficult because there aren't chainsaw stores nearby. The nearest on is in Kitwe which is four hours by bus. Neither of us have had the time or money to head out there. But, connections in Solwezi are slowly leading us to locating one. Things move slow in Zambia; nothing is ever fast or easy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> A website is live for Harrison's business, business cards are being distributed by myself and Peace Corps Volunteers to businesses, schools, clinics, and residents. His business has also been posted on a Facebook page called Expat Zambia which contains helpful posts about the goings on in Zambia. There have been several people interested in his chairs which you can view pictures of on the website.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The website is <a href="http://www.kaondecarpentry.blogspot.com/">www.kaondecarpentry.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> In addition, a small crew Harrison worked with in Mufumbwe will be resettling in Mumena to work with Harrison. Since there is the potential of an influx of work for his business, he will need as much help as possible. We just need to get the chainsaw.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Things are moving along pretty well. If anything that will help broaden his business it will be his chairs. He makes folding chairs that are an uncommon item found in Zambia. Take a look at them on the website. He has had several orders in the past, in fact, Chief Mumena has two in his palace and Harrison is working on finishing an order of ten for a resident in Solwezi.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Once his business grows steady, he plans to bring on youths to train. This is the end goal. It is Harrison's final wish to teach others his trade. And I believe this is going to happen. I won't be here when it expands to this point, but he will update me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The following three links are short videos of Harrison demonstrating some of his work. The fourth video is of me walking to the roadside in the village with my dog.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q02-UmUq8PA"><span style="font-size: large;">Traditional Carpentry #2</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE5KOzUBFdQ"><span style="font-size: large;">Traditional Carpentry #3</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URIO6NVlbu4"><span style="font-size: large;">Traditional Carpentry #4</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8OlRC2vTdg"><span style="font-size: large;">Roadside</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-63226382880385476702016-02-02T07:47:00.001-08:002016-02-02T22:21:14.882-08:00Preparing for end of service, polygamy, and my first village birth...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I'll have been in Zambia for two years tomorrow. Last month my intake celebrated the end of our service at the Close of Service conference which was held at Lake Kariba Inn in Southern Province. We had discussions on how to prepare for going back to the States. Discussions included how to write resumes, how to liquidate our huts (you'd be surprised how much has been acquired over two years), how to say 'goodbye' to the village members, and what we are to expect when we return home.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Two years may seem like a long time to spend in a country, especially in a country so different from our own--and it is. We had to adjust to so many things, such as, going without many, many conveniences, witnessing poverty daily, and learning how to be a part of a community where we stand out like a sore thumb.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> There will be many things I will miss, especially the slow pace of life. I've gotten used to not paying attention to time and what day it is. Not caring if people don't show up for meetings. Going with the flow. It will be hard to readjust to American life.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> So, here is to a beautiful country I have made my home. I will miss it. Next on my bucket list? Not sure. I will continue to go with the flow and see where I end up and what I want to do.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj462cvBGEOEBzPTbXZj22ab-if09jbNx_nsk8YuCONa2KoXvl5pNH4v6yePpMZEFChFb7oeVeh_7azkNISs35z__vedHrhfEsT4NccNhn61wJcPqysLNml7MsmQGS3R8e-gOcYw97wHRrB/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj462cvBGEOEBzPTbXZj22ab-if09jbNx_nsk8YuCONa2KoXvl5pNH4v6yePpMZEFChFb7oeVeh_7azkNISs35z__vedHrhfEsT4NccNhn61wJcPqysLNml7MsmQGS3R8e-gOcYw97wHRrB/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunset on Lake Kariba</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Polygamy is recognized and legal in Zambia. Some tribes are traditional polygamists for very interesting reasons which most of us are unaware of. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The Kaonde tribe rarely practices polygamy, but it does exist. There is a tribe specially known for this practice: the Tonga tribe who live in Southern Province.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> First off, all tribes are different from others; the way they build their houses, their community structures, and livelihoods such as farming, to name a few. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The Tonga have been farmers much longer than most Zambian tribes. They are experts in the field. They incorporate animals, such as oxen, donkeys, goats, pigs, and poultry. They grow many crops for consumption and to sell in market. And to be successful, they need many hands to help keep the fields and animals at the their best. So, Tonga men traditionally marry two or more wives to help with the farms. Wives of the same man can live in seperate houses and be in charge of their own fields. The husband oversees the fields and takes care of his wives. Because of this mass production in farming, the husband can afford to take care of a large family. It is a way of life that works for them.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The photo below is of Douglas who is from Southern Province; he is a Tonga. He left his family, including two wives, for a while in search of new farming opportunities in Zambia.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> My village encourages Tongas to transition here. Their expertise in farming field crops and wealth of knowledge in keeping animals will benefit the Kaonde people. Tongas have ideas to share, which villages in Northwestern Province need in order to help improve many aspects of their lives.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKD9bIIVlMFVp0bVE1DJku0hKw58NQ5tj2tt6VZG8nym0TzVAql-0KWxSCqUefM6ZoLm4UYXG8fkjWFezY-hQgoJDXZCzw06YMhGgKPKX2k2L6Zvzojl-6aWPt9FjCp3hIHV04secqzN_/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKD9bIIVlMFVp0bVE1DJku0hKw58NQ5tj2tt6VZG8nym0TzVAql-0KWxSCqUefM6ZoLm4UYXG8fkjWFezY-hQgoJDXZCzw06YMhGgKPKX2k2L6Zvzojl-6aWPt9FjCp3hIHV04secqzN_/s320/009.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
FYI: this is typical of how pictures are taken with Zambians, whether they are male or female they do the same with putting their arms around the other person. Rarely do they have their pictures taken, in fact, this may be his first photo ever taken of him. And, I am the first white person he has met.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Last week I watched a baby born at the clinic. It was a healthy baby boy. No medication or episiotomy, I watched the head emerge while cringing and remembering the discomfort of delivering my own sons. This was the mother's first child. The family brings their own bedding for the birth and food for the mother. The mother was sent home the next day after a night's rest. I don't know what the baby's name is, but I got a pic and will have it printed to give to the family. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> As you notice the baby's completion is white--this is normal. The next day the complexion darkens. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5cU8-T_ewknCTRIdfMQkZKe1TKxd31XuZjGsu-IcieekftM4d1VpJJGCx2cbvekyQbw67DVe8ZTI52E2NIYDN1yL2QmtHMV9SxQZp9TIpUjeZvVwqJjwXJ22P2aDtLF_0PyeF7AyFDr8/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5cU8-T_ewknCTRIdfMQkZKe1TKxd31XuZjGsu-IcieekftM4d1VpJJGCx2cbvekyQbw67DVe8ZTI52E2NIYDN1yL2QmtHMV9SxQZp9TIpUjeZvVwqJjwXJ22P2aDtLF_0PyeF7AyFDr8/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-37970667091891370972016-01-14T12:07:00.001-08:002019-11-25T07:27:24.141-08:00Curious what I listen to in Zambia?...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I still love classic rock from home, but rarely listen to it here in Zambia. I now have new music to add to my repertoire. This music will follow me back to the States as it will remind me of the times spent here when dancing at night clubs, hearing the music playing at the bar by the roadside in my village, and my cab driver plays my favorite reggae songs by Eric Donaldson.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rb2-EufoIuSE11IuC0pGJyWgpX8EJHQUbjS4iDDf7U0LFvJqJ26rsgpNE_Xc9V2-MkqJmE-2WIaMcBA_DO-p5gG-Rdgi3IFkUBustJMMx84Cgv702OKiVwuEw3k5LFC7Nb6t5Q1loNJi/s1600/344ab6a0a590b1dd6543e3d003a615e8.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rb2-EufoIuSE11IuC0pGJyWgpX8EJHQUbjS4iDDf7U0LFvJqJ26rsgpNE_Xc9V2-MkqJmE-2WIaMcBA_DO-p5gG-Rdgi3IFkUBustJMMx84Cgv702OKiVwuEw3k5LFC7Nb6t5Q1loNJi/s320/344ab6a0a590b1dd6543e3d003a615e8.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I made up a sample playlist for you to listen to and get an idea of the popular songs played during my stay here in Zambia. Some is referred to as Zampop, which is played in bars. Reggae is popular in Zambia, and Nigerian bands are commonly played. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Unfortunately I am unable to locate traditional Kaonde music on the internet which is a favorite of my host father. I can hear him driving home blasting this music on his truck stereo with him singing along.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> These songs mean a lot to me. They remind me of certain situations. Every time I get into the cab of my favorite cab driver, he automatically plays, 'Cherry Oh Baby' for me on repeat for the entire ride. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Early in my service I barhopped with my friend Kenny and danced all night to many of the songs on this list. One song, Eminado, was played at a local bar in Mwinilunga where we were pulled out onto the dance floor with our chairs, sat down in a circle and held hands with the people next to us and did a kind of wave-like motion with our arms traveling around the circle. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I encourage you to listen to and watch the video, 'Am I Wrong'. This song is about village kids and the video is filmed in Southern Province in Zambia. This song leaves me feeling melancholy reminding me of the limited opportunities village kids have. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Please listen to some of these songs to get a taste of what I listen to here. Music makes people happy. I am happy listening to this music and I am sure I will listen to it years to come to bring back some of the feelings I had while serving in Peace Corps.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHHKsD31lwbj93VSkBDoPJ_JnM56-TTcRudMoKlhKb51cPsF6UFiuXy5EG3-JCfU5-tcit4Q6CpGP8XMEtCYrmFEBmiQEfOKyTc_Tu9jLhSn_b0hnMTn2Lae3wzDrmeXXfmJ5If2jQd1o/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHHKsD31lwbj93VSkBDoPJ_JnM56-TTcRudMoKlhKb51cPsF6UFiuXy5EG3-JCfU5-tcit4Q6CpGP8XMEtCYrmFEBmiQEfOKyTc_Tu9jLhSn_b0hnMTn2Lae3wzDrmeXXfmJ5If2jQd1o/s320/download.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
(www.schedule.sxsw.com)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ-_HIoEBE8">Aye</a>...Davido (Nigerian)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1f_T4WkKsTaCKGVcHtXA_N-KPkfBwhpGMceElGcof-BiRo4KhYZxYG2wLK6fUEnv7yHnEKYw_IdOLhZxphWBFeb42ntONr3G1c_564kUhFnuJoeFtltBTgs6n48wPqJdgONGb-2WRJxG1/s1600/ericdonaldson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1f_T4WkKsTaCKGVcHtXA_N-KPkfBwhpGMceElGcof-BiRo4KhYZxYG2wLK6fUEnv7yHnEKYw_IdOLhZxphWBFeb42ntONr3G1c_564kUhFnuJoeFtltBTgs6n48wPqJdgONGb-2WRJxG1/s320/ericdonaldson.jpg" width="260" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
(www.reggae-vibes.com)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT4iJ2jZv7M">Cherry Oh Baby</a>...Eric Donaldson (Jamaican)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOumqcW7FuEp_03csgYdVmzvmEoMvusYxe8ugFVd15tarzpawNn_73aTFZ_jQciQfsp7DpFFUGsdeoNhKI7TKLL1XxKVqFdqOBSZE5r724OFDVj2dJMINErYpfprdOvjBuIPUiajbOZyP/s1600/1400700776000-XXX-NICO-VINZ-02-64369080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOumqcW7FuEp_03csgYdVmzvmEoMvusYxe8ugFVd15tarzpawNn_73aTFZ_jQciQfsp7DpFFUGsdeoNhKI7TKLL1XxKVqFdqOBSZE5r724OFDVj2dJMINErYpfprdOvjBuIPUiajbOZyP/s320/1400700776000-XXX-NICO-VINZ-02-64369080.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
(www.usatoday.com)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg1sT4ILG0w">Am I Wrong</a>...Nico and Vinz (African/Norwegian)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoQ0f9mcKWnrn2T9fCVWV5xwsk_AmPbDyS4zbAGR8EL94pNrj7TmBMYwSgMNThIE7i-xKtxSpPqKcCivy8FKdnlG3N0Tgon16HByivC8S22Bc7xRlCQAimzCKbQHBPTUuzpUAwxlwm61R/s1600/download+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoQ0f9mcKWnrn2T9fCVWV5xwsk_AmPbDyS4zbAGR8EL94pNrj7TmBMYwSgMNThIE7i-xKtxSpPqKcCivy8FKdnlG3N0Tgon16HByivC8S22Bc7xRlCQAimzCKbQHBPTUuzpUAwxlwm61R/s320/download+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
(www.redpepper.co.ug)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxPqkwahxe0">Eminado</a>...Tiwa Savage Ft. Don Jazzy (Nigerian)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FpIkzUyTNovGKIXyFNT3HtuA2YgGD01VtNDD3PzuNWmwwNSCDEOduVqMQfh_Po3Hofyp9tkseP2JHDzsFyV3M-7UUT6idc8lYYHlbVKeJ9CGAycFfhl3XlxCyz6-NMD7OBX9nkXq_bFO/s1600/868494-pentagon-ft-b1-chishala-mp3-download3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FpIkzUyTNovGKIXyFNT3HtuA2YgGD01VtNDD3PzuNWmwwNSCDEOduVqMQfh_Po3Hofyp9tkseP2JHDzsFyV3M-7UUT6idc8lYYHlbVKeJ9CGAycFfhl3XlxCyz6-NMD7OBX9nkXq_bFO/s320/868494-pentagon-ft-b1-chishala-mp3-download3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
(www.trusted-media-files.eu)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyRAaPt2Mnc">Chishala</a>...Pentagon Ft B1 (Zambian)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5e7VRTcN2dOdhq2TNpug0Cbl5ASxIDH4Bdfrde3Rdndr_P9ACK-DhnQLrOOk0W8JnV1Vc5yh6EvU-h9sJQ_R5bLT6pYk6LBoJX6Ajm81C4kh2Qw1WGeEbPnhjFiCnxEU-Ypbo2WLgd3zH/s1600/download+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5e7VRTcN2dOdhq2TNpug0Cbl5ASxIDH4Bdfrde3Rdndr_P9ACK-DhnQLrOOk0W8JnV1Vc5yh6EvU-h9sJQ_R5bLT6pYk6LBoJX6Ajm81C4kh2Qw1WGeEbPnhjFiCnxEU-Ypbo2WLgd3zH/s320/download+%25284%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
(www.igihe.com)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGmlXawab_A&list=PL0e5djO1ImydnwfRX2VOkhaLyCRLgrfHm&index=23">AmaRulah</a>...Roberto (Zambian)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1ohLQxKmJyQNZJ6asBC4JnjTtDjobfvZlK-8qCkaj6KwogSdTkuU6zHqhjMmKB8Ps0p3RcWR4SQW5BfZQmnaBE4RFnoG66X8CHVfzOWsojjD0NP3KNWTn_aGLiyKOms8UCfBNh4cHcVZ/s1600/download+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1ohLQxKmJyQNZJ6asBC4JnjTtDjobfvZlK-8qCkaj6KwogSdTkuU6zHqhjMmKB8Ps0p3RcWR4SQW5BfZQmnaBE4RFnoG66X8CHVfzOWsojjD0NP3KNWTn_aGLiyKOms8UCfBNh4cHcVZ/s320/download+%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
(www.premiumtimes.com)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUvF7yj531A">Collabo</a>...PSquare (Nigerian)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8j-mHTJEohliiWKlrn0oXKcR9C14rvXGW9DHW61Bdlcb-B_AUuWxoi2jbekVLOxG-uwAFW76eRx1gegeweafcX7uPGR8fYQ6-aVotQwUnnaeZaU9tlLWG6Q5Iso8NUo70Jd6oprYiCuL/s1600/download+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8j-mHTJEohliiWKlrn0oXKcR9C14rvXGW9DHW61Bdlcb-B_AUuWxoi2jbekVLOxG-uwAFW76eRx1gegeweafcX7uPGR8fYQ6-aVotQwUnnaeZaU9tlLWG6Q5Iso8NUo70Jd6oprYiCuL/s320/download+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
(www.sonichits.com)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iYU5X3dzKU">Hangover song</a>...Dj Vetkuk vs Mahoota (South African)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-13197478229881568562016-01-10T03:41:00.001-08:002016-01-10T03:58:49.445-08:00My interview with Harrison; the village carpenter...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pCt2C3Kw1p0" width="480"></iframe></div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-57607396657844214062016-01-09T22:37:00.000-08:002016-01-09T23:45:47.337-08:00My first cobra encounter...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Chelsi (a fellow Peace Corps Volunteer), and I were sitting on the veranda in front of my hut. We were discussing my disappointment of the lack of large animals in Zambia, such as elephants and lions, which can only be viewed in national parks. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Chelsi commented how wildlife is all around us; birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects...and to observe these animals is an opportunity which we shouldn't ignore, and rather appreciate. My being a nature lover and bird watcher for many years, I agreed with her.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> As we discussed this Chelsi noticed a snake under a thick patch of ornamental plants a little over a meter away from us. We were excited to see an interesting living being we could observed closely. We both agreed it is probably harmless, both of us being in the serene state-of-mind of observing nature and loving all creatures.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The snake eventually ventured away from the cover of the plants into open area. We both got up to get a closer look, but kept a safe distance. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The snake then reared up and displayed its hood. I didn't hesitate and ran inside my to retrieve my lukasu (hoe).</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Dy3kGQJnhEsaRWthPXdVlWvEQq2mOq5jEIpT_2GI5hlEHGHWFUW9tbXvDsok1jvmsDNaJeWwrn2s5dgzPGrUyy5hR4ts5V378lfCUqtsShpETcWwd9ATw_QLChz5kTHuIJjb_Xg85lWh/s1600/images+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Dy3kGQJnhEsaRWthPXdVlWvEQq2mOq5jEIpT_2GI5hlEHGHWFUW9tbXvDsok1jvmsDNaJeWwrn2s5dgzPGrUyy5hR4ts5V378lfCUqtsShpETcWwd9ATw_QLChz5kTHuIJjb_Xg85lWh/s1600/images+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We did not get a picture of the actual snake, but this is a close resemblance of what it looked like.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I chopped the cobra in several pieces. It was a young snake, maybe a foot long, but still, I had to do it. A bite could kill me, a child, or my pets. Or it could end up in my hut! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> This is my first encounter with a cobra. I have heard of other Volunteers' encounters with them so I have been aware I could run into one someday. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I know bigger cobras are out there nearby, but they are smart; they have survived the fate of the lukasu for many years by hiding in the tall grass. This youngster hasn't developed the smarts to do so, unfortunately.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> This is the third snake I've killed living in the village. All snakes are killed when found because of the high numbers of venomous snakes that occur here in sub-Sahara Africa . </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Snake encounters are common especially when rain season arrives. The grass regrows and food is abundant. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> There are also many snake bites during this time. People who forage the forests for food, such as mushrooms can get bit and never return home. Black mambas are common and once a person is bitten they have 20 minutes before they die.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I avoid the bush and every step I take around my hut I am scanning the ground for snakes. It is a part of life here. </span></div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-7066651223355693522016-01-09T21:51:00.000-08:002016-01-09T23:06:17.675-08:00Back home I see trouble...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I have wanted to write my thoughts on what is going on in the States. Even though my main focus is my village and country I've been living for two years, I still browse news feeds to keep up with what is going on back home. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I don't like what I see and I am certain I am not alone. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I rarely discuss what is going on back home with anyone here. A monologue goes on silently in my head and I make it a point to see all views from different sides of my co-Americans on social media. I like to form an educated opinion, this is why it is important for me to see more than one side. I still lean to the left and I always will. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I am seeing a lot of hatred. There is a lot of name calling and belittling others on who they are and what they think. For those who don't have tolerance for others, remember, we live in a country founded on different ideas, but worked together to form a great nation. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The division going on in my country will only destroy it. I wish everyone could see it. It doesn't mean people desert their view points, but to find common ground with one another. I know, this is a cliche used by liberal hippies, but give it some thought. I'll bet many grew up listening to Crosby, Stills and Nash, John Lennon, and Jimi Hendrix. They all stood for peace in the world. There really isn't anything wrong with that. If people continue hating the 'other side', then we will backslide and there will never be peace in our own country or the world we live in. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> As far as the gun issue is concerned I have a few things to say about it. I see posts on Facebook with the second amendment pasted. Two words stand out: 'well regulated' which I interpret as also meaning: responsible. Gun ownership is not well regulated in our country. And I'm not referring to the mass shootings and criminals who obtain guns illegally or legally for that matter. I'm talking about law-abiding citizens who do have the right to bear arms, which I agree have the right, but the irresponsibility of leaving guns out where their children get a hold of them and either injure or kill themselves or accidentally harm others. I see this as a big problem in our society. If people are going to exercise their right to bear arms they have to do it responsibly. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Another issue pertaining to guns is the fear some people have about having their second amendment right taken away. I, for one, do not want my second amendment right taken away even though I don't own a gun. A fear (of having our guns taken away) is fed by extremists, politicians, the uninformed, and lobbyists whose intention is to increase gun sales by attacking proposed laws. Fear is what drives our overzealous need for guns in America and an unreasonable and unnecessary state-of-mind that goes along with this, for example: 'Fight for our right to take back our land!', 'I'm stockpiling my guns when the dems come to take them away and I'm ready to fight!'. Really? This is ludicrous!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> But, these are only my thoughts over here in Zambia. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Some may call me a 'bleeding heart liberal' for helping people other than my own country, but in case you don't realize, I am serving my country under the United States of America government. I am a civil servant and an ambassador for my country. I represent the American people in another part of the world. The the skills and insight I am obtaining living in a developing country are unique and I plan to use them when I come back home. I want a strong United States of America and am proud to be an American. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSC-jGW61ZC8Mu3rDFbPvumyRuvKyfpE4sSlj1Xze2PwAbK8U8RTpYIsJ6aylTow_-McIv7mGj8buAawXPpJe3ax46x7Xu7WhCZOeQiRHxVRj0YPUlNcp3qqx9pQQQwN4MQjMiKlDpIWUw/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSC-jGW61ZC8Mu3rDFbPvumyRuvKyfpE4sSlj1Xze2PwAbK8U8RTpYIsJ6aylTow_-McIv7mGj8buAawXPpJe3ax46x7Xu7WhCZOeQiRHxVRj0YPUlNcp3qqx9pQQQwN4MQjMiKlDpIWUw/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> So, please, think critically and aim for peace for ourselves and others. We can accomplish this if we work together and abandon division among ourselves</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-38822920820525159892015-12-10T00:58:00.000-08:002015-12-21T07:55:49.532-08:00Short essays inspired by friends...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"> To get ideas for blog posts I asked friends on Facebook what they would like to know about my experience living here in Zambia. I have lived in Zambia for almost two years and have become accustomed to my surroundings and daily goings-on in the village. I realize the things that seem ordinary to me are actually interesting to others. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> My friends' questions have helped me re-look at my life here in the village. I now stop and admire the sunrises and I observe the people and think hard at both the similarities and differences compared with the people from my own culture back home.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Thank you, my friends, for helping me open my eyes and seeing this place as if it is the my first time; only I'm looking around and seeing things as though you are here with me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 115%;">Jude: What does
the countryside around you look like? What kind of animals do you encounter and
what makes you smile?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> On my walk
to my kimbusu (outhouse) in the morning I look to my right and see the sun rise
above the trees preceded by tall grasses. It is flat where I live with very few
hills. Heavily populated,thatched-roofed huts can be seen through the bush. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> The people
in my community rely on growing maize for income and food. There are many acres
of land cleared nearby with long narrow mounds of soil where the maize seeds are planted, then the maize grows into tall stalks;
similar to home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> During the
dry season after the fields are burned, it is just flat lifeless land left with
burn marks everywhere. Hundreds of acres are torched after harvest. This is an
extremely damaging farming practice, not only for the soil, but some homes burn
down, as well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> During rain
season everything is green. Maize is planted in the fields and the grasses grow
back. It is absolutely beautiful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> In between
rain season and dry season the grasses turn different shades of brown. There
are trails I walk that are lined with elephant grass that can grow over six
feet tall. I love this time of year. It is the most beautiful to me. This is
the time of wind season so the grasses sway in the wind. I will miss this the
most when I come back home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> Beyond the
maize fields, away from dwellings, there is vast unbroken forest. Unfortunately
I don’t see many animals. Reasons are most have disappeared, especially the
large animals like elephants and lions, due to human encroachment and the
animals that are left hide or only come out at night; very difficult to see any
animals here.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> But they are
out there. Bushbucks, duikers, monkeys, skunks,</span></span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> porcupines, and other smaller
animals found in sub-Saharan Africa. I have not seen any of these, but they are
out there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> Birds
are more obvious and some are very different from birds at home, especially the
horn bills. They are large noisy birds with huge and strange formed beaks.
Also, there are tiny birds that are very colorful and parrots fly by now and
then. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> My kitties
bring home many kinds of rodents they’ve killed. There is a bigger variety of
rodent species here compared to where we live.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzcEQ9d_YSx0hGv4Mh7Ho_rWCLO5VNQpR5rXJxo7yZBgfgv4vwKlM0eSwAE_pkayadJNkg2CU1E7plvOzeH_A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Insects are
very interesting here. Some are huge like the cicadas and locusts. There are
African honey bees that travel in swarms during the dry season looking for
water. It is thrilling hearing them fly by. We don’t have that where we’re
from. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> Millipedes
are common. I saw one almost a foot long with a circumference of a quarter. Luckily
they are harmless and they are fun to watch.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Goats roam
free here. Sometimes they pass by my hut. So do oxen that get loose. Chickens
are everywhere. Roosters don’t only crow in the morning, they crow all day long
and sometimes into the night. Baby chicks are common to see running around with
their mothers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> When I walk
along the trails along the maize fields lined with grasses I expect to see
elephants and giraffes. But, I only imagine seeing them. Sometimes I will hear
a cow mooing in the distance and I pretend it is an elephant snorting. It is
sad what has happened to the wildlife here. There are just too many people and
the mines are so numerous now the elephants don’t migrate through like they
used to.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> The saving
grace are the trees where I live. If I was placed in the eastern or southern
part of Zambia where most of the trees have been cut down I would suffer from the heat much more than I do here and not
experience as much rainfall. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> Overall, Zambia is a beautiful country with beautiful people. I am very lucky to live here.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What makes me smile?</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> The kids, when people greet me first, and remembering the many, many times I wish I was in Africa; then realize...I'm here! :) </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Patricia L: It has been wonderful seeing some of the boys in activities, but are there any girls who come to learn how to write their names with chalk on your kitchen floor or your bricks?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> I can answer with, 'Yes, girls visit and draw on my cement floor, their names are on my hut, and I've practiced with them writing their names.', but I feel your question deserves an introspectively thought out answer.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zo7ii2LwzYRevThYmuGydIMfvbb5RLo1jkGzS2sTKfua2aiAuCe8PTMQL-GlJP7wBqeEIPvC6NpKcHzcD-YmKH_LS03QdK-8y6B90A8tkaAGNKY4iM2iDy5q1OYtzH0PSmmNP69JUAMc/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zo7ii2LwzYRevThYmuGydIMfvbb5RLo1jkGzS2sTKfua2aiAuCe8PTMQL-GlJP7wBqeEIPvC6NpKcHzcD-YmKH_LS03QdK-8y6B90A8tkaAGNKY4iM2iDy5q1OYtzH0PSmmNP69JUAMc/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> I spend more times with boys. My empathy is stronger with boys, maybe because I raised two sons.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> The majority of visitors at my hut are boys. They have more free time. Their peer social network is stronger, they venture away from their homes and make new friends and see more of the village or even go beyond.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> Girls stay closer to home to help with chores and care for younger siblings. They are less likely to attend school.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> I am sure the girls have strong bonds among their peers, but they are more home-based. This is what I don't see much of because my interaction with girls at their homes is limited. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> This is my fault. I don't venture into their space to get to know them. Part of it is the language barrier and the other part is the lack of interest I have in the women's world here. It seems mundane to me, but maybe if I look closer I will find interesting aspects of their lives that aren't obvious. I have to ask how do they keep their lives colorful and enjoyable while washing clothes and cooking. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> Gender role division is conspicuously marked in this society. Even I have gender rules I follow: I don't openly drink a beer or interact with males unless it is work-related. It is expected of women to wear a kitenge (a skirt-like wrap) in public, but I don't wear one and I can get away with it because I am from a different culture, so I have a choice these women don't have. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> Your next question, Pat, challenges me to follow a woman around during the day to document what she does. This will be interesting because I have been ignoring (not intentionally) the females in this society. My explanation for my unintentional ignorance is explained below.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> I have to say men are friendlier and open to conversation with new people. Many speak English, but not always well, but well enough where we can communicate using both my Kiikaonde and their English. It can be quite entertaining to onlookers. Men are usually ready with a big welcoming smile.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Women are generally shy. They don't easily smile especially to strangers, but it is cultural-based. Here is an example: I smile and give a bright and cheery 'good morning!' or 'mwabuuka mwane!' Well, it is not usually reciprocated this way; even with women I know. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> It is difficult to integrate into the women's side of the community. Please, remember, these are cultural differences. There is very little interaction with outsiders in the village; this remote village in the middle of Africa.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I am not only a foreigner from another country with different color skin, different hair, and different dress, but I am a single woman. It is rare for a woman to be unmarried in this community, unlike the States. Women here usually have children to care for and rely on a husband to help support them. So, I am really the odd ball.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Because of the lack of interaction with whites in the village there may be a slight fear of the unknown. Even though my intention is genuine curiosity and I have a willingness to connect and make friends, the women may see me as a threat to their marriage, a spy (I have been asked if I am one on occasion), or because I am white I may not be friendly or trustworthy. The latter is an actual concern with indigenous Zambians as a whole because of ill treatment by westerners in the past and the present, as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Women are tied to tradition more than men (educated women typically leave the village for jobs) because of the lack of exposure with new groups. Their role keeps them near home, away from new people. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> These are my observations. I do know a few women who are gregarious and have opened up to me. We share thoughts and ideas and laugh together.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Getting to know women in this culture is difficult. If I knew the language better I would probably find it easier to participate in women's circles and learn more of their world, but I will make it a point to interact more with the quiet, prideful, and strong half of my community.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Patricia V: Knowing what you know now, what would you have packed to bring with you or left at home?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b>
<b>Patricia L: Knowing what she DID pack or rather stuff and resort...I'd like to know that also.</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> As Patricia L knows (I lived with her before I came here) it was difficult for me to fit as much stuff in two bags weighting under 50lbs each for my two year trip to Zambia. But, since being here I found only wishing I brought a few things I didn't think I would need.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I remember debating whether to bring my speakers for my laptop. I left them behind. I wish I brought them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I wish I brought hand tools, such as hand pruners (had I known I'd be working with trees), wire cutters, and a Leatherman. Without these tools, though, I find ways to compensate. I become MacGyver!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmQqkFE3AK5ru-2tLys2zmTZGaeuQsWlI23YzE8ceA7l5EYSKMjRQiMPgeVx75Mt-7lbsqLBep1i8wITG3SZ3gGcTH_3VgZnVKT3Oc7nJKNhe7I7NtdjOq0tUWdsZ-o5EkxA5MbLoxbi4/s1600/p183939_b_v7_aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmQqkFE3AK5ru-2tLys2zmTZGaeuQsWlI23YzE8ceA7l5EYSKMjRQiMPgeVx75Mt-7lbsqLBep1i8wITG3SZ3gGcTH_3VgZnVKT3Oc7nJKNhe7I7NtdjOq0tUWdsZ-o5EkxA5MbLoxbi4/s400/p183939_b_v7_aa.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I brought way too many clothes. I don't wear half of what I brought with me. And it's funny because I have bought several clothing items since I've been here.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> There is a store in town call DAPP. It is run by and NGO and sells second hand clothing, like thrift stores back home. There are brand name clothes; most in good condition. I've bought jeans, work pants, dress shirts, and full-length skirts.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> On that topic, I want to mention people living in the village have access to second hand clothes. That is what they wear. And though they live in the bush, they can be very sharp and stylish dressers. My host sister has a pair of Prada shoes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 115%;">Patricia V: “Combating mosquitoes/spiders
the size of walnuts?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> I will begin with mosquitoes. As you may already know malaria is </span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">transmitted by mosquitoes, so Peace Corps instructs us to use methods to prevent acquiring the disease which can be fatal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Millions of people in the world die from malaria every year. Some of my friends have lost children and other family members from malaria. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Precautions.....<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">Insecticide-treated mosquito nets</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"> prevents mosquito attacks during
the night while we sleep. I sleep under my mosquito net every night. Really
nothing can get through the net which is draped over our beds and tucked around
our mattresses. The net gives us a sense of security while we sleep knowing
anything can crawl into our bed with us, including snakes like cobras and black
mambas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">Prophylaxis</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"> is a medication to prevent the
malaria parasite from entering our blood stream after mutating in our liver.
Volunteers have three options of malaria preventative. One is doxycycline which
is taken daily. The other is taken weekly. Both have several side-effects, such
as stomach issues, sensitivity to the sun, depression and bad dreams. The third
is another taken daily, but is not an antibiotic. This is the one I take. It
has side effects, as well, but it varies from person to person which
side-effects manifest. We are required to take this medication throughout our
service and the medication is supplied by Peace Corps.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">Insect repellent </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">is encouraged to be used when not
under a mosquito net at night time. I’ve found mosquitoes love to bite my feet.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">Eliminating standing water and
overgrown vegetation near our huts, </span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">which is self-explanatory. We don’t have lawn mowers and
during the rain season we have to hand-slash the vegetation that grows nearby.
Never-ending battle, I tell you.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"> Surprisingly
I’ve only killed one spider in my hut, though I probably have hundreds of them
living in it. Wall spiders are big and flat and scary looking, but totally
harmless. They stay on the wall. They are a permanent fixture and add to my
decor. So, if I see a large spider crawling on my floor like the
tarantula-looking one I killed, I kill it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyejjvLsTnGiO6qAFOhITBPlXVWZXksThIQRRXh1jtv3u3kDy70LdDAlg5KavIrZWk2NyAccGwl2fvrivdoORvTGiltI_ZdkSnjFrZmUdrKYuUWMF49ez-Rx6yhs4fPjLzEA3poM7LF25Q/s1600/spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyejjvLsTnGiO6qAFOhITBPlXVWZXksThIQRRXh1jtv3u3kDy70LdDAlg5KavIrZWk2NyAccGwl2fvrivdoORvTGiltI_ZdkSnjFrZmUdrKYuUWMF49ez-Rx6yhs4fPjLzEA3poM7LF25Q/s320/spider.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;">Wall spider...very common in my hut. They don't bother me, I don't bother them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Other Peace Corps Volunteers have encountered camel
spiders, which </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">are </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">absolutely hideous, and scorpions that bite in their huts.
I’ve never seen either of them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I
keep my food in sealed plastic containers, but that won’t keep </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">mice and rats
away. They chew EVERYTHING! Including </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">underwear, matches, candles, plastic
peanut butter lids, and some </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">have tried chewing through one of my food
containers. This is why </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">I have cats. I avoid poison because it takes days
before they die and </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">owls and other animals will die if they ingest them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>John:</b> <b>'What are the most inspiring natural wonders you've seen?'</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(246, 247, 248); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> I visited one of the seven natural wonders in the world last Christmas: Victoria Falls in southern province, Zambia. Yes, it was impressive, but I was visiting as a tourist. I felt like I was in a museum: fences kept me away from the edge, I felt pressure to read all the wordy information plaques, and well-dressed people passed, cameras draped around their necks, speaking unfamiliar dialects. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7R_xNBjUrlhulEMvS60UwbjGVfHhYXPizBOwAEoyBEp3kaap-NrpYgQRC4rvsat-FMBJYRz1frC5UtJUu6zmsp7u8w7M4N0tdL2-iHbEbOdz3PWQ2ZSyJ8KKb9Ziuj5H_bvnUlNQFZpNo/s1600/15902_10152940250963648_7434629175946965577_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7R_xNBjUrlhulEMvS60UwbjGVfHhYXPizBOwAEoyBEp3kaap-NrpYgQRC4rvsat-FMBJYRz1frC5UtJUu6zmsp7u8w7M4N0tdL2-iHbEbOdz3PWQ2ZSyJ8KKb9Ziuj5H_bvnUlNQFZpNo/s400/15902_10152940250963648_7434629175946965577_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> As a lover of nature I like to visit places that aren't frequented by people. There may have been parts of Vic Falls that are more intimate, but unfortunately I wasn't able to access those parts at the time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> Since I was a kid a I watched documentaries of the wilds of Africa; roaming elephant herds, giraffes eating the leaves of acacia trees, cheetahs running at full speed after prey... This is the Africa I want to see.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> Last August I visited Kafue National Park in northwestern province; only a five hour drive from the village I reside, extremely remote where people don't live because it is too dangerous. I heard sounds I had dreamed of hearing in the wild: calls of exotic birds, trumpeting elephants and snorting hippos, and I saw the iconic landscape of the open African plain with yellow grass and acacia trees dotting the landscape under a crystal clear blue sky that seemed endless. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> I sneaked away from the group I was traveling with to be alone. I slowly walked along the plain, dried grass crunched with every step, i kept a keen eye out for any movement in the surrounding bush. Lions were spotted eight kilometers away the day before, but this didn't stop me from venturing forward. I felt adrenaline pouring through my veins. I saw various kinds of antelope not too far from me. No lions, though, but I knew they were out there; not that far from me. I felt alive.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWkqbR3YHu1PbFkHSkBmK6P_sS5gHZT5pJB1nYXEHYPMeSA7lC4BVbCeZqElMV7J-XCn1XnLIjP2k1qDvb0Z4qCapTf-wRm_hAKAY-0YsplVxY4KXY1esMrBPl0eJBLs5nXOYUmU3GzYo/s1600/IMG_2140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWkqbR3YHu1PbFkHSkBmK6P_sS5gHZT5pJB1nYXEHYPMeSA7lC4BVbCeZqElMV7J-XCn1XnLIjP2k1qDvb0Z4qCapTf-wRm_hAKAY-0YsplVxY4KXY1esMrBPl0eJBLs5nXOYUmU3GzYo/s400/IMG_2140.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">This is what inspires me. Being alone in a place feeling a connection with the people who once lived alongside the animals during a time in our earth's history of hunter/gatherers in an unspoiled environment. The feeling I had when I was standing alone looking over the African plain is something I will revisit in my mind from time to time. Just the thought of the close proximity to an animal that would have me for dinner as I stand there, alone, without a weapon gives me great satisfaction. I have never felt more free in my life. </span></div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-35745380345795691332015-11-26T20:41:00.001-08:002015-11-27T00:19:14.235-08:00Harrison...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Harrison is the village carpenter and am in awe of his work. He makes his own planks which is demonstrated by the photos below.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Beds, caskets, doors...these are the products Harrison builds for people who live in the community. If the village did not have Harrison, community members would have to travel to town to purchase low-quality wood products--usually mass-produced by unskilled workers--made of pine wood which does not last long due to termites which are a serious problem in the bush. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Harrison demonstrating using plum lines of ink to create lines on the log for to be sawed into planks.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFW7xBE1kqbYWvkJUNUfqaubTRqLZn6dTGc1egVVuVCN_GxBfMyqU0S2YGK7vlRnhu33SkuhL0IGE10LFqelTi88ko-jHDkJKkcAxvTufm9dp0bOiaDppCOSFmIjG_BIWcd6cM2UWzKvOF/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFW7xBE1kqbYWvkJUNUfqaubTRqLZn6dTGc1egVVuVCN_GxBfMyqU0S2YGK7vlRnhu33SkuhL0IGE10LFqelTi88ko-jHDkJKkcAxvTufm9dp0bOiaDppCOSFmIjG_BIWcd6cM2UWzKvOF/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhZt2ul0QFka9E-eGu9iisyRppCuPoPVGXVO53A5kN1z0G3buLO9oNTyL5lIwFSWKbvm-dMgITADQukfx3rKa2SRYgU5CWIESHcHCQeYzCi_jj6Zzusdc3DRupkPAXZL7FSypDlskQK7T/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhZt2ul0QFka9E-eGu9iisyRppCuPoPVGXVO53A5kN1z0G3buLO9oNTyL5lIwFSWKbvm-dMgITADQukfx3rKa2SRYgU5CWIESHcHCQeYzCi_jj6Zzusdc3DRupkPAXZL7FSypDlskQK7T/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSaov5J934So7mJBV7ImMB3BZrPp5Ivp5vsH1qOun1u_pldiv1plwiiUwn0NbVsAl_ue13rJmL7ilu05H9QbL-vThXFcf0mlw7xAA9UDa8HtKFGtPy19fCubJ4Gs2dQ37WKJr65kPIRfC/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSaov5J934So7mJBV7ImMB3BZrPp5Ivp5vsH1qOun1u_pldiv1plwiiUwn0NbVsAl_ue13rJmL7ilu05H9QbL-vThXFcf0mlw7xAA9UDa8HtKFGtPy19fCubJ4Gs2dQ37WKJr65kPIRfC/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aYoRLF_NDqFWamtu-oKVr7BcqcbzGMPU1zd4-TTCe7x5egP9im7QO-qZ8wz6_pBlLo6PKBNZKnuCUNv3pVW7sewozXlRaWUiugD68pXyW3J7B4PxQwqgqCGqZz5-VPqvVraiJdoSCGsR/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aYoRLF_NDqFWamtu-oKVr7BcqcbzGMPU1zd4-TTCe7x5egP9im7QO-qZ8wz6_pBlLo6PKBNZKnuCUNv3pVW7sewozXlRaWUiugD68pXyW3J7B4PxQwqgqCGqZz5-VPqvVraiJdoSCGsR/s640/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASSmSc3g9Ml1NLl7QrY9utLB-qDDh6kXeHla7Z7KQuBLhzqRzWTcN95r7pW6QTs1cdm1Q7kG5B4ph6ByeTYnwCkO06q9xksej16U-zsfOXVSGOiI1EK5bCCy1XTy1wty5VFOZbcVaoL47/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASSmSc3g9Ml1NLl7QrY9utLB-qDDh6kXeHla7Z7KQuBLhzqRzWTcN95r7pW6QTs1cdm1Q7kG5B4ph6ByeTYnwCkO06q9xksej16U-zsfOXVSGOiI1EK5bCCy1XTy1wty5VFOZbcVaoL47/s640/005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Once the lines are placed on both sides of the log it is then lifted onto a scaffold to be sawed with a pit saw. The plumb lines are followed while sawing the planks.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNZDlXl0kr3ui19uiVfPpds70p9gRfDHm7CCiwT5RnCbQewDb9YetdjJ79h97V4bQak32ET24h1097LKi1wabeUNm0F8_1_S2XLDzwQ5KZoPbMPB9X6vc4DHWRJXZsJ3KnHnUUCy8BqD2/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNZDlXl0kr3ui19uiVfPpds70p9gRfDHm7CCiwT5RnCbQewDb9YetdjJ79h97V4bQak32ET24h1097LKi1wabeUNm0F8_1_S2XLDzwQ5KZoPbMPB9X6vc4DHWRJXZsJ3KnHnUUCy8BqD2/s640/006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilq10_Lx-6xk2qxsHZjcbj_UkHfWem_KxxOjjlY8hbEW2NghmYIvjVk8YMQO4_MJB_KRpJtP5dgsKwxnO1gleohTUoYJ06N2A6wdKTtvrEZN_FhdOr6arLD6ldvbnI9WMtCXdN2mkfh-4n/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilq10_Lx-6xk2qxsHZjcbj_UkHfWem_KxxOjjlY8hbEW2NghmYIvjVk8YMQO4_MJB_KRpJtP5dgsKwxnO1gleohTUoYJ06N2A6wdKTtvrEZN_FhdOr6arLD6ldvbnI9WMtCXdN2mkfh-4n/s640/008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDA5emPnncyLPfbulUC0_T0KOmvasU5cqiax9JifBQIdnsRtYnFxtMBei0aVWxAU6AKmT41uzjDPqqwzg-JZpD5LyAGgACyx2ZDtfeDkySIgJrgmqBiyn3wAHPKZKCpNiZj2sTClROzT3J/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDA5emPnncyLPfbulUC0_T0KOmvasU5cqiax9JifBQIdnsRtYnFxtMBei0aVWxAU6AKmT41uzjDPqqwzg-JZpD5LyAGgACyx2ZDtfeDkySIgJrgmqBiyn3wAHPKZKCpNiZj2sTClROzT3J/s640/009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHig-P_5m99HIdaNONquA1iyuSiq7wE05pDnCgYcySXS_NKmbIzkH6BY53Fw-KhLoI58-7Hcqs4Vda9uWwC89O3Ehlam1qXO_NcphKXJ5oWwVUxi5o25kKY9OYI-gdhy_N4b-ob4l6fgd/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHig-P_5m99HIdaNONquA1iyuSiq7wE05pDnCgYcySXS_NKmbIzkH6BY53Fw-KhLoI58-7Hcqs4Vda9uWwC89O3Ehlam1qXO_NcphKXJ5oWwVUxi5o25kKY9OYI-gdhy_N4b-ob4l6fgd/s640/010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3hIYjYn6QlKczMGQgufyaZNMlzmriBuXx6mK5hDfAXr3JFUelj9QOsLqnkPRPIcUllUEed3Icmk3GcC3cZh97kzTSfDsAvh5iDHudaPW994hs7kFloA2nU6aztenQxrNd3OrJ812znTf/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3hIYjYn6QlKczMGQgufyaZNMlzmriBuXx6mK5hDfAXr3JFUelj9QOsLqnkPRPIcUllUEed3Icmk3GcC3cZh97kzTSfDsAvh5iDHudaPW994hs7kFloA2nU6aztenQxrNd3OrJ812znTf/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAER64wzR2GOCp9ENalCGDNp8mQzp2DoQHI-zB5eiLZDmftSa89tMsBIZokbp2sw0Dkrzd4urOvdpIw76YzihL-IukZi_etqjpE2ngyC_MKGVxbKCatkRXx3WBVHAYlntV5ZIY_ETsKZ9/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAER64wzR2GOCp9ENalCGDNp8mQzp2DoQHI-zB5eiLZDmftSa89tMsBIZokbp2sw0Dkrzd4urOvdpIw76YzihL-IukZi_etqjpE2ngyC_MKGVxbKCatkRXx3WBVHAYlntV5ZIY_ETsKZ9/s640/012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLooAlGuTb-heeW5Not4UTtUlRujrvD3SxJKONZ1OXgRSW4MBZU_XlU84wpGsIRAJ6osu_ri542KugxDDYM2gWin-0BI-uRsWJOBKG7BloDnXPxV5aKKE_vwY8CQmKz78potgyoqRqJZq/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLooAlGuTb-heeW5Not4UTtUlRujrvD3SxJKONZ1OXgRSW4MBZU_XlU84wpGsIRAJ6osu_ri542KugxDDYM2gWin-0BI-uRsWJOBKG7BloDnXPxV5aKKE_vwY8CQmKz78potgyoqRqJZq/s640/013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifchcsYdPQlAarOjWRzvmtsB6uY-hhnYXeS6n8R0VaKh9Yej9AzfzXKIZvPRqO7SvZVhc2NJVtXpxa6hv9ejBnLvqwzzyTqiRt4OA2Dr6NOGqINooRLdrqtDJHGDXxMuHLZ50CcC81hZdC/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After sawing the planks, the planks are then planed to the proper size and smoothed. When finished you wouldn't be able to tell his planks from planks made from a sawmill. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdW3ObzY8JXO_rq32jEMW2L_OlHGyyACj_arSu1eb8l1GeJo_NkjoD6px42vMbADD0PnSvjdR5MICiqeFT8yXem3h6OM_0iW5PhDYirDMTaf1rkkR14rvqaSp5pRy8SOyGwPj9MiGbg8Q/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdW3ObzY8JXO_rq32jEMW2L_OlHGyyACj_arSu1eb8l1GeJo_NkjoD6px42vMbADD0PnSvjdR5MICiqeFT8yXem3h6OM_0iW5PhDYirDMTaf1rkkR14rvqaSp5pRy8SOyGwPj9MiGbg8Q/s640/015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMAAiKyeYWXoqxWnnxIl2SlPULWdnF77m59VI0-Lnw7IKPkRXbXu1R4PTmTBaVyX2dUKcJvARRgRfve-CExP_oi7i1pJEz5M0uksc5MYojkpGWNx0wT7Omcd027Lt5iQKfiQrVzo5Ouu7/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMAAiKyeYWXoqxWnnxIl2SlPULWdnF77m59VI0-Lnw7IKPkRXbXu1R4PTmTBaVyX2dUKcJvARRgRfve-CExP_oi7i1pJEz5M0uksc5MYojkpGWNx0wT7Omcd027Lt5iQKfiQrVzo5Ouu7/s640/016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTWMY78gIF0MbVIO2CWhrNwFSMEl9da9dLtwqNzV1ocqbow-JI8xtOaJmAJwn8T-te1M0Iur9Pw4_pBF9gC30hLWbXqPiSa6O3pqgoc9vdAjV2IM66IdoYkCkezRtPTUnv3-mmzpDbVin/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTWMY78gIF0MbVIO2CWhrNwFSMEl9da9dLtwqNzV1ocqbow-JI8xtOaJmAJwn8T-te1M0Iur9Pw4_pBF9gC30hLWbXqPiSa6O3pqgoc9vdAjV2IM66IdoYkCkezRtPTUnv3-mmzpDbVin/s640/018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_dBaYK3FxT2olsTMKTU9sDbDEeHkOk8bNbcZQPnwQMywlyKYnnqlFIRSn7GhS_nNFetf4-vwIkzQKrwL0uAuexD3WsaudOQbfrj60B98XOi87z-mD9T4KuXUihWzGQnZnPSaR_Sk1yFW/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_dBaYK3FxT2olsTMKTU9sDbDEeHkOk8bNbcZQPnwQMywlyKYnnqlFIRSn7GhS_nNFetf4-vwIkzQKrwL0uAuexD3WsaudOQbfrj60B98XOi87z-mD9T4KuXUihWzGQnZnPSaR_Sk1yFW/s640/019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This tool helps measure the thickness of the plank. There is a line etched into the plank which indicates how much wood is to be removed to make the plank the correct size.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4Den07WFqZeKJtkAq1WO1gjtCRHkp9Odgje9RtyIGgJQ8K90RZlTGszDSw7Det0QuSYsZSq_iOrvb-qEiEAT7K7pdRN7PW3tots3x2xpFH1BywvABc64fpLBjIr1EYGV1vrm9aMgJBQT/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4Den07WFqZeKJtkAq1WO1gjtCRHkp9Odgje9RtyIGgJQ8K90RZlTGszDSw7Det0QuSYsZSq_iOrvb-qEiEAT7K7pdRN7PW3tots3x2xpFH1BywvABc64fpLBjIr1EYGV1vrm9aMgJBQT/s640/022.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4Den07WFqZeKJtkAq1WO1gjtCRHkp9Odgje9RtyIGgJQ8K90RZlTGszDSw7Det0QuSYsZSq_iOrvb-qEiEAT7K7pdRN7PW3tots3x2xpFH1BywvABc64fpLBjIr1EYGV1vrm9aMgJBQT/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzSkbPDjwjpnzvCiTBWIx6DiAWK4exhX9K_BfeKhaLFd4p7lmpMZZx4xvsnAEBqrQQPNovJltvNNEelQYol_dy4IMUD7QflesNbDLp1WzaX6RqIOsvsPoIgO3oPliu19gnAF-TzdFHFRD/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzSkbPDjwjpnzvCiTBWIx6DiAWK4exhX9K_BfeKhaLFd4p7lmpMZZx4xvsnAEBqrQQPNovJltvNNEelQYol_dy4IMUD7QflesNbDLp1WzaX6RqIOsvsPoIgO3oPliu19gnAF-TzdFHFRD/s640/023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfh55zNPZ7SeMAuqDQZ_hQdcAOC8C1FsdeRfYgntRCERVcmf0YrjgOKCqw6KVfeZREL7rWSuYujaoApJeK6Qbw67-fDyKz2YemU3dyr0IcuPHRkabdqkMose-q48z_804M-mxoZ0UcpNBP/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfh55zNPZ7SeMAuqDQZ_hQdcAOC8C1FsdeRfYgntRCERVcmf0YrjgOKCqw6KVfeZREL7rWSuYujaoApJeK6Qbw67-fDyKz2YemU3dyr0IcuPHRkabdqkMose-q48z_804M-mxoZ0UcpNBP/s640/024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes a lot of wood is to be removed to lessen planing and uses an axe-like tool to remove the excess.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zdcs09lAQInzIyKf0KaZ7GHHtg1U62G5n1jUXSpGgeUYHJn_L58LQPoayFAByckMUSCLSsZDjb_WfUmGx36TorAfHP_p4V77hX6kPwlTfxic-kOeSy5HFVz5H9lFbY5J6H3Knt6qOS5c/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zdcs09lAQInzIyKf0KaZ7GHHtg1U62G5n1jUXSpGgeUYHJn_L58LQPoayFAByckMUSCLSsZDjb_WfUmGx36TorAfHP_p4V77hX6kPwlTfxic-kOeSy5HFVz5H9lFbY5J6H3Knt6qOS5c/s1600/027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Harrison with his wife and one of his sons. He has nine children; most are grown and living on their own.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie56vu-BN6swjUpZCHEfYpFUct_pvDYQQelfgOH3hGfEfwDsK5_cVS8_UQidD3uXTAJNAEZVjqq6TvPJkYN-0kprVYD5gqeut89KST8fpY11Zu8d4n7NbxSP43qTpOr7wOYMJiU8qGAZfv/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie56vu-BN6swjUpZCHEfYpFUct_pvDYQQelfgOH3hGfEfwDsK5_cVS8_UQidD3uXTAJNAEZVjqq6TvPJkYN-0kprVYD5gqeut89KST8fpY11Zu8d4n7NbxSP43qTpOr7wOYMJiU8qGAZfv/s640/032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Harrison's home. Notice his roof is tin instead of thatch. Tin roofs are sought after in the village because they are more durable than thatch. Tin roofs are weighted down by rocks and bricks to keep them in place. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7GECgpIYlrGsihmCFtJ_bX477nybu8VBziipYvCu7cYB9MTk-soX8o6mqIdwHpyUHBDdGWYLnXWURxJdCk9LCQLBJPd4C2FhATQs4VC8S_NMseV_0WgfcaAHkTs6Va9D7roZafsNqy8D/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7GECgpIYlrGsihmCFtJ_bX477nybu8VBziipYvCu7cYB9MTk-soX8o6mqIdwHpyUHBDdGWYLnXWURxJdCk9LCQLBJPd4C2FhATQs4VC8S_NMseV_0WgfcaAHkTs6Va9D7roZafsNqy8D/s640/035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-34576471167533205882015-11-12T15:38:00.002-08:002015-11-27T00:20:35.657-08:00Eventful two months...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh557Fv2m_nvWRr0Qn0jCI4P-Ky27i9-_4InQ45jACuhefCRoZzK5ekvw56xPd7ihskC9lOlb8oxBboVT5SqVFRII2HALVBwSpANOtMnpQmI8Ze7bLD_tnCiB4pl7KgBr8Q4TpjcdL0zbeL/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh557Fv2m_nvWRr0Qn0jCI4P-Ky27i9-_4InQ45jACuhefCRoZzK5ekvw56xPd7ihskC9lOlb8oxBboVT5SqVFRII2HALVBwSpANOtMnpQmI8Ze7bLD_tnCiB4pl7KgBr8Q4TpjcdL0zbeL/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Passing by the Kabompo River on our way from Zambezi. The Kabompo River is one of the deepest rivers in Africa. There are many animals that live in and along side it, including crocks and hippos and I'm sure plenty of monkeys. I plan to visit this river in a couple of months and explore. It is a two hour bus ride from where I live.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>More pics of the Likumbi Lya Mize ceremony in Zambezi along the river. This is a traditional three day ceremony put on by the Luvale tribe. </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgDTBq2em3aC0O1Zr2GtbkoTjflqHNmwSToWt_5oIqztqmQeCZAjt-xNmHKssgyhM2ymO2TBwtv5_uhXqIlaLt-l9LaYbckBYdD3KGl7L8VrenkTdu8_bZV6vR7ta6QaMal4qhITgRrA6/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgDTBq2em3aC0O1Zr2GtbkoTjflqHNmwSToWt_5oIqztqmQeCZAjt-xNmHKssgyhM2ymO2TBwtv5_uhXqIlaLt-l9LaYbckBYdD3KGl7L8VrenkTdu8_bZV6vR7ta6QaMal4qhITgRrA6/s640/003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> We took dugout canoes to cross the river--one kwatcha to cross. About 10 people could fit on the canoes. Some canoes were much longer.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2-AUQ06VQnBkiUes7lEMdH7YJcO5QmTd9I7JfibjuUfwpySUQRfSkGGBkObYjmccP4VOGZmYqYUKJ86VtfRxQ7xi2ZRMmhv4wcTTUkxEsEipwEn9Mi0JDrjNDWtClPF_ljzZm4If_6Rn/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2-AUQ06VQnBkiUes7lEMdH7YJcO5QmTd9I7JfibjuUfwpySUQRfSkGGBkObYjmccP4VOGZmYqYUKJ86VtfRxQ7xi2ZRMmhv4wcTTUkxEsEipwEn9Mi0JDrjNDWtClPF_ljzZm4If_6Rn/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Zambezi is a shallow river as compared to the Kabompo. The Zambezi ends up at Victoria Falls hundreds of miles south.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqTto__flq8OMOAe2x7OB1OUZfAEEKvW4KviTs-ccDx16I81Lbc04CWf378gcqLFKSPFoNy9fpjEo3FDuNOBACSyaMTIUsH0eJTL7x9j8vvqsWkVfMJKuqcqOGYfbdzMLIxzHKpz4Ou1p/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqTto__flq8OMOAe2x7OB1OUZfAEEKvW4KviTs-ccDx16I81Lbc04CWf378gcqLFKSPFoNy9fpjEo3FDuNOBACSyaMTIUsH0eJTL7x9j8vvqsWkVfMJKuqcqOGYfbdzMLIxzHKpz4Ou1p/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1g4joUAS6k14xbMjSX7AcmF9OjHGvQfZLtCcd4VnLwlrRZ-CVvMO_LjmP0thAW7Vci45_87rJeggCWnY049cSPG_w-Pk1PYOw5SVTlopxKKBVwdbZFmGhOGDwTj3L8S9XJpmWMdaj6AGs/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1g4joUAS6k14xbMjSX7AcmF9OjHGvQfZLtCcd4VnLwlrRZ-CVvMO_LjmP0thAW7Vci45_87rJeggCWnY049cSPG_w-Pk1PYOw5SVTlopxKKBVwdbZFmGhOGDwTj3L8S9XJpmWMdaj6AGs/s640/010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A spectator at the ceremony getting a good view.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgserrJ2WQFbOPLEvLzNI1U0YT4YlCUd1mu2rIW-ODxErYn8No5RbDWpDgpbiZyLA9OSc2qJfkmAEw0PqStjKoe4BlDPDyxkMrgPh0h2qJ4I3i39yf5h56WmgiRULsu2hW0_KTcVVieT4/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgserrJ2WQFbOPLEvLzNI1U0YT4YlCUd1mu2rIW-ODxErYn8No5RbDWpDgpbiZyLA9OSc2qJfkmAEw0PqStjKoe4BlDPDyxkMrgPh0h2qJ4I3i39yf5h56WmgiRULsu2hW0_KTcVVieT4/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> A Makishi dancer. They perform as clowns at coming of age ceremonies for boys and girls. The costumes represent different characters. The Makishi would run after people and hit them with their sticks (not hard). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2OdSLPIapXm9npQ8N2nwnrGrOij7ACT_WQUCDpHqazNcdL1HG9WmuNXnEH9fhN4qBBJNYwuUYVsHBP2Bsl2fUwGzqkkDZCB0KC2rBN40lqca-P85UQeWX4WAypLGwIyuu0DkRaAGEjaT/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2OdSLPIapXm9npQ8N2nwnrGrOij7ACT_WQUCDpHqazNcdL1HG9WmuNXnEH9fhN4qBBJNYwuUYVsHBP2Bsl2fUwGzqkkDZCB0KC2rBN40lqca-P85UQeWX4WAypLGwIyuu0DkRaAGEjaT/s640/012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> My friends I went with and I were maybe a handful of white people at the ceremony. We were constantly asked to have our pictures taken with people with cameras. They don't see white people often; if at all. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Back in my village</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmK-J9RL6q2KL0SdAHSVmLvGtzvWcWvguIhbxkiqRtOiPbSDfGxBRGmtqdpiiAJ4TOiOri4TE0isv0y6HTEWBPtgCoODV8OZegbl3hT7SY6Ow4HwQQygkWTGAngbpUi9JWbixcMnzlpz3/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmK-J9RL6q2KL0SdAHSVmLvGtzvWcWvguIhbxkiqRtOiPbSDfGxBRGmtqdpiiAJ4TOiOri4TE0isv0y6HTEWBPtgCoODV8OZegbl3hT7SY6Ow4HwQQygkWTGAngbpUi9JWbixcMnzlpz3/s640/017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> My friend Harrison is making my new hoe handle. I broke mine. It's easy to do if they aren't made right. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwo4hdmv6dHZ1k0Y5tdyFVoeKgFWEmOopdMkgcPwsyjklHAnId_lpvYxcTuQdgWZkDIO2T2eYbbE76Jw9FF6kAc4XuZrMVaq6f9tN8QjyaURok5FRdzwdDcHeH1LYU-4MBh6awxOu1tHs5/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwo4hdmv6dHZ1k0Y5tdyFVoeKgFWEmOopdMkgcPwsyjklHAnId_lpvYxcTuQdgWZkDIO2T2eYbbE76Jw9FF6kAc4XuZrMVaq6f9tN8QjyaURok5FRdzwdDcHeH1LYU-4MBh6awxOu1tHs5/s640/022.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Fellow Peace Corps Vollunteer, Oliver, is waiting to catch a papaya. This is how they get them down. He did catch it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRiVLt-N6a_wGocIjkzXE0hZLvPSoZ856Curc-XUNJ8_SZNATAk9y-1Y-dSYlBCe6bb413UKm8bDuFMgKR6yf1nL4x0fX37XoKlquD-gib0_mvuhfz3Nvdet6epgWjtavw1Br_ulZwSP2/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRiVLt-N6a_wGocIjkzXE0hZLvPSoZ856Curc-XUNJ8_SZNATAk9y-1Y-dSYlBCe6bb413UKm8bDuFMgKR6yf1nL4x0fX37XoKlquD-gib0_mvuhfz3Nvdet6epgWjtavw1Br_ulZwSP2/s640/028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Relaxing at nearby Mutanda Falls enjoying a braii (barbecue).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhI-6yq__KFbGPkIW3klpF4arPAX8svgcnoP4JKT042eVa92W32-PQ5lmedvGt3kejY4aj5nITTm-KVo-eHiTrOn035ry3ZULDf4LzxG6Akhe8b83jLiHqPL1qOWR5tIL6I7YNwIF-7qIv/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhI-6yq__KFbGPkIW3klpF4arPAX8svgcnoP4JKT042eVa92W32-PQ5lmedvGt3kejY4aj5nITTm-KVo-eHiTrOn035ry3ZULDf4LzxG6Akhe8b83jLiHqPL1qOWR5tIL6I7YNwIF-7qIv/s640/027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgRErg-wBE-37tj4McRABgN9onJ9fw9AMgY0ZtDyUicL3mmZu10Qo3Pqngtdb8NnpCIqa6h5RM9_7hSV5ojNbBO0a50ABtOQozKO82raYz21wGYUg4kWF7IOnu2ctc6vBzCdTmi3VsZhh/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgRErg-wBE-37tj4McRABgN9onJ9fw9AMgY0ZtDyUicL3mmZu10Qo3Pqngtdb8NnpCIqa6h5RM9_7hSV5ojNbBO0a50ABtOQozKO82raYz21wGYUg4kWF7IOnu2ctc6vBzCdTmi3VsZhh/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgx5mYooPvftIq7TnYxYO-vXshVIo6ZtI1UdeDbyJctQCXsjmn5a4tUkxZSmVcCd3JlMfPhOWOJ-0L1-XdpSWKal7xfbvIcGItoKggYohVd-QdqdB9_FJHEl0yJ-1QXUqgFFRy-CBYSp8/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgx5mYooPvftIq7TnYxYO-vXshVIo6ZtI1UdeDbyJctQCXsjmn5a4tUkxZSmVcCd3JlMfPhOWOJ-0L1-XdpSWKal7xfbvIcGItoKggYohVd-QdqdB9_FJHEl0yJ-1QXUqgFFRy-CBYSp8/s640/026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;">Catnap</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;"></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXPjU4JUIhkoS_isJkh-ei5RbIFHuedVq4V9QFU7LX7bjuHgLxKY0u9Gedg80hY4tM_zWUYo9jmOnV3aWKXfSgrEF41lhfDZ7WqS6K70gd6CzzaIoP3ecXBO4Zkyo0DOq4mbVxzyEpB4D/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXPjU4JUIhkoS_isJkh-ei5RbIFHuedVq4V9QFU7LX7bjuHgLxKY0u9Gedg80hY4tM_zWUYo9jmOnV3aWKXfSgrEF41lhfDZ7WqS6K70gd6CzzaIoP3ecXBO4Zkyo0DOq4mbVxzyEpB4D/s640/001.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;">And now for my workshop!</b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"> I held it in October. It was a big success. The name of it is Northwestern Province Agroforestry Workshop. About 40 people attended from villages across Northwestern Province to learn about all the important uses of trees from food security to soil improvement. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The workshop was held for three days and the first day included a trip to an agriculture research station where we learned about grafting and trees that nitrogen fix soil. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The second day we had a visit from the Solwezi District Forestry Office and learned how to plant trees, build nurseries, and how to make money from trees such as beekeeping and honey production. Chief Mumena visited this day. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The third day I and others from my village facilitated sessions on fruit drying, how to organize groups in tree planting activities and had a tour of the village.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_1HRp7v9hWUacvec-aukn-RmDYxw786_HTHbjJueoBZHKKcoAq5OIxnu8VkWhtab_mG1KDx9fttk_Nm7aaRHDWgTXBpPjiexf8QdIMQVpLAWNZUL8Xd1Lc5hmsT4eOvlFJze5BgElSsq/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_1HRp7v9hWUacvec-aukn-RmDYxw786_HTHbjJueoBZHKKcoAq5OIxnu8VkWhtab_mG1KDx9fttk_Nm7aaRHDWgTXBpPjiexf8QdIMQVpLAWNZUL8Xd1Lc5hmsT4eOvlFJze5BgElSsq/s640/036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The amazing cooks who kept everyone well fed. All of the cooking was done over charcoal. The electricity was out most of the time so we relied on our torches (flashlights) to see during supper. The borehole had broken a few times. We had to search for alternative water sources. We depended on 20 20liter containers full of water two times per day for drinking, washing dishes, cooking, and bathing. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhMTGN-7co5hvDzX1sRfxpOAF4zq0JeQ0EJqCy7tz8L03J1QNLIE4A9MkYRH0ayfc8YQDWFB2PHig2MthGHxcQJd7wrhyphenhypheneBjwfJiIxTjfkUN4eMRhTcc_gAsobt8auGAhM7m4o2MaOtzm/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhMTGN-7co5hvDzX1sRfxpOAF4zq0JeQ0EJqCy7tz8L03J1QNLIE4A9MkYRH0ayfc8YQDWFB2PHig2MthGHxcQJd7wrhyphenhypheneBjwfJiIxTjfkUN4eMRhTcc_gAsobt8auGAhM7m4o2MaOtzm/s640/038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> First day of the workshop at the Mutanda Research Station. Mr. Bwembya (in the white shirt behind the table) is an expert in using trees to improve soil. The man in the striped shirt is Moses, the interpreter. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3B8cMq3d-40sy5j0z188jui1SF8YYtfOX5ZN_8sKvbff55eRVJZiuB8EYrO5XqJJieyvvsur2ZYxXr3yoZVfTVQi6enTGu7wBJVmaG6ibGVUD7HOI7xd0cQ1Ya7mNUr-XLh7CIfGamX6/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3B8cMq3d-40sy5j0z188jui1SF8YYtfOX5ZN_8sKvbff55eRVJZiuB8EYrO5XqJJieyvvsur2ZYxXr3yoZVfTVQi6enTGu7wBJVmaG6ibGVUD7HOI7xd0cQ1Ya7mNUr-XLh7CIfGamX6/s640/052.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Chief Mumena visited the second day of the workshop. He gave an amazing inspirational speech about the importance of trees. Chief Mumena forbids charcoal making in his chiefdom which is one of the best things a chief can do to save the forests.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Alf6fBNwueyAKER6lvhUIBlQNn-rYck-4w1igT27cwJf8CQurtlY8U2R8lfZ2VOEBj22yZFLz8gOObDzrvDoskAOEH7oX4zhVfncfvat1wDRkTBGB5B0kwjQB_J_EZvQxBZWOrovW7J4/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Alf6fBNwueyAKER6lvhUIBlQNn-rYck-4w1igT27cwJf8CQurtlY8U2R8lfZ2VOEBj22yZFLz8gOObDzrvDoskAOEH7oX4zhVfncfvat1wDRkTBGB5B0kwjQB_J_EZvQxBZWOrovW7J4/s640/054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Every morning we had a special treat. These are special-made fritters. They tasted like donuts! Another morning we had homemade rusks, and another morning buns and jam. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjjWOucCWEyz88GBcbkOIvGgAt_To3tBUvkRqrCgUpRSwcYTKeDRL_CqkzMAZZXKnMJChJI1sKr-wJv36KzQvck4pez19_t3sgG4tqfMtoqJNchO30x9poSe0fxfz5DMojy6P8r6QVdBA/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjjWOucCWEyz88GBcbkOIvGgAt_To3tBUvkRqrCgUpRSwcYTKeDRL_CqkzMAZZXKnMJChJI1sKr-wJv36KzQvck4pez19_t3sgG4tqfMtoqJNchO30x9poSe0fxfz5DMojy6P8r6QVdBA/s640/062.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Demonstrating seed planting using used shake-shake containers. Shake-shake is a traditional home brew sold commercially. Plenty of them can be found by the roadside.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mm6156IKWgdI-VdqHQa4OIkJNgX1olKKQ4arm4UPbgEDgD-Nhqv__HQArjidbNpbODxo5Psk2QNjFwl47_XrOTCjhaY7JP8zMkGo32nuhSKEVVg3BcZNMlCyaG6xfyf2BVVuPyaM39ey/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mm6156IKWgdI-VdqHQa4OIkJNgX1olKKQ4arm4UPbgEDgD-Nhqv__HQArjidbNpbODxo5Psk2QNjFwl47_XrOTCjhaY7JP8zMkGo32nuhSKEVVg3BcZNMlCyaG6xfyf2BVVuPyaM39ey/s640/069.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hS9o0AyZ6WwuW2B8Fnku8QkrY7vcnDGK5x_Gb5YaCc9J9Yvlo3-OhFeQ8j89xH0kxesKBP3aNHqzE2SNITvdy3z5iUR7Se8r3CKgFpmoshbcHalXy6z8uzn_OoNZK-mj0mv1z5RoAhNn/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hS9o0AyZ6WwuW2B8Fnku8QkrY7vcnDGK5x_Gb5YaCc9J9Yvlo3-OhFeQ8j89xH0kxesKBP3aNHqzE2SNITvdy3z5iUR7Se8r3CKgFpmoshbcHalXy6z8uzn_OoNZK-mj0mv1z5RoAhNn/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4VGH-NnPRiX8jLcZ0RflVWUMU5juuHPSftpY020Wuc_ls-CxmxbtZawzXmkNfsQjkNZ4WEaupAKwFyNAdzHhyphenhyphenGWjDLgfnaiCcNp8N9ZLlmS4DP8SZYHd_Vk44scXqafgnzPOoVvmW7e1/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4VGH-NnPRiX8jLcZ0RflVWUMU5juuHPSftpY020Wuc_ls-CxmxbtZawzXmkNfsQjkNZ4WEaupAKwFyNAdzHhyphenhyphenGWjDLgfnaiCcNp8N9ZLlmS4DP8SZYHd_Vk44scXqafgnzPOoVvmW7e1/s640/070.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Great pic of Patricia. She is well-known in the village for her baking. I hired only the best to feed us. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaO9wje8cSfFqibBuLsrxOh_e8sCDdHirrqvyS2Os9HDuwKVWsK5pHBYDS59ZRCt8EQZe19AM4WBJGXWPWy7w4wVh1p0v4NntN2duL_mb96crg8wG9Vpc-N9nOpuWvCMt_pUIgNsdmL-gl/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaO9wje8cSfFqibBuLsrxOh_e8sCDdHirrqvyS2Os9HDuwKVWsK5pHBYDS59ZRCt8EQZe19AM4WBJGXWPWy7w4wVh1p0v4NntN2duL_mb96crg8wG9Vpc-N9nOpuWvCMt_pUIgNsdmL-gl/s640/073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Split everyone into groups for this session on developing tree-planting activities. Each group presented their plan.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMGrxWw9ecAHuBLSCXoLUt11g0_ocJ1c9wvgt5JkxI1GsNoNoc0n-Ft2GYPkEFSpgw2be2ZxT778jo1Cf3qnaJm0H-hjNWX_4vrapGZ_HLkVARhqgZ8jJ3kpimKkCgg4ZjBD0fe9aF3M9/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBn7p4eQ6TzMr7BbmN3qPcu6AiBIyR0DRt1RAWuO67D4b3y94kT1eVzijMPzyQeTKdB4X-XfzBke0yPtZN-V6DngT0xDfn3CSRD-jWef-aKBAHK94LCDCVxs-V9B8fdZGzsFfvdHRC-28/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBn7p4eQ6TzMr7BbmN3qPcu6AiBIyR0DRt1RAWuO67D4b3y94kT1eVzijMPzyQeTKdB4X-XfzBke0yPtZN-V6DngT0xDfn3CSRD-jWef-aKBAHK94LCDCVxs-V9B8fdZGzsFfvdHRC-28/s640/074.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Happy with how things are running. Peace Corps Volunteers selected representatives from their villages to attend the workshop They were to be enthusiastic learners of trees and encouraged to continue on with tree planting in their villages and teaching others.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMGrxWw9ecAHuBLSCXoLUt11g0_ocJ1c9wvgt5JkxI1GsNoNoc0n-Ft2GYPkEFSpgw2be2ZxT778jo1Cf3qnaJm0H-hjNWX_4vrapGZ_HLkVARhqgZ8jJ3kpimKkCgg4ZjBD0fe9aF3M9/s640/080.JPG" width="640" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I enjoyed running the workshop. This is the largest project of my service.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOUWjZW0acFQs4IkaP99YRMoWAmI7XqVfxpO_LFfC4TYiVIomzitjngn2NsL5aDo0Gp7_IJ7P6paMRUaoh3uZHNxrogPjioyDxnqk1rkQkYFhNa0HW5LC3DvYrVvdO9IXOG_kY_InVYf0/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOUWjZW0acFQs4IkaP99YRMoWAmI7XqVfxpO_LFfC4TYiVIomzitjngn2NsL5aDo0Gp7_IJ7P6paMRUaoh3uZHNxrogPjioyDxnqk1rkQkYFhNa0HW5LC3DvYrVvdO9IXOG_kY_InVYf0/s640/089.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Volunteers helped out. Aubrey (the cute redhead) lead icebreakers which got the participants up and moving about...and laughing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAtLKjw5gLjwJYc362JLsYhSyMPP8TxZDMUJ6Fd8NZibKdow2-yUd_BWsdk_rD2N00u46mWV3AFv5l8gnBE0_5lLa4-JgVspYOQYJzubnOjOPMAb_sHeXvFXTsXflZu59OqNMBGbEs0iY/s1600/096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAtLKjw5gLjwJYc362JLsYhSyMPP8TxZDMUJ6Fd8NZibKdow2-yUd_BWsdk_rD2N00u46mWV3AFv5l8gnBE0_5lLa4-JgVspYOQYJzubnOjOPMAb_sHeXvFXTsXflZu59OqNMBGbEs0iY/s640/096.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ryder passing out dried pineapple and bananas that the Volunteers prepared prior to the workshop.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVW7fT-GQObB2J6YTm9rgHALcgZDfFH4vE9CQemP7HtBshj6EUyCDg-HT0gCXvmmqH3dRbQ0rN1g5zZtxWrGTgBmOBB_T85tjIUZQbhyphenhyphenK6Gyd803wnX8_9TC0_2ntAFaUApyuutYm99wZ8/s1600/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVW7fT-GQObB2J6YTm9rgHALcgZDfFH4vE9CQemP7HtBshj6EUyCDg-HT0gCXvmmqH3dRbQ0rN1g5zZtxWrGTgBmOBB_T85tjIUZQbhyphenhyphenK6Gyd803wnX8_9TC0_2ntAFaUApyuutYm99wZ8/s640/092.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To my left is Chiefita. He is a friend of mine who runs the Mutanda Center. He also oversees a honey production business. He gave a talk on the honey business which we are trying to promote to lure people away from charcoal making. To my immediate right is Moses. He is my interpreter and my main counterpart. He speaks English fluently and can speak 13 other languages. On my far right is Harrison. He is the village carpenter, indigenous tree expert, and environmentalist. Harrison helped facilitate sessions and interpreted when Moses got tired. My workshop wouldn't have been a success if it weren't for the contributions from these wonderful people. </span></div>
<br /></div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-91993975449418338532015-11-02T11:38:00.000-08:002015-11-12T16:32:26.511-08:00the home stretch...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Earlier in my blog I wrote an entry comparing Peace Corps service with a marathon. Well, I am now in the home stretch with only six months left.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Six months is half a year, but it will go by fast! I made the final decision a few weeks ago I will not extend my service for an extra year--which I was in fact considering--and will leave Zambia for good in April of next year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> What has been going on in my mind since my decision is pictures are forming of home in my mind. I think about home more and more as the days go by. I have no idea what I will do when I get home as far as work is concerned, but I am not going to worry about that right now. I just want to come home.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I still have many things I want to do before I leave Zambia. I'm not finished here, yet. As a procrastinator, I do my best work at the end. I thrive under pressure. Kind of like a race; I get the adrenaline rush again that helps me push hard to do the best I can to finish.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> One thing that has been on my mind lately is my health. It is not the way it was before I left for service. I was running several miles per week, ate fairly healthy (an awesome high power smoothie every morning), had healthy relations with family and friends, went hiking and spent alone time in the forest...I haven't done any of this since I've been here. In fact, I started a vice which I won't disclose publicly, but promise myself to discontinue when I leave here.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I want to run races again. I want to run with my friends. I want to go hiking. I want to spend time alone on the top of a mountain somewhere.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Alone. I have not been alone, except in my hut, since I've been in Zambia. There is literally nowhere to go where I can be alone. There is no solitude. Solitude for me back home was something I needed weekly. If I didn't get it, I would get cranky.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Living in a fishbowl, being stared at constantly, and even when hiding in my hut I'd hear "Ginny" over and over until I come out I am sure has taken a toll on me in some way.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> But, when I come home, I think one of the first things I will do is climb a mountain just to be alone. I will sit and listen to the birds and watch the clouds roll by. This is what I need in my life. Solitude.</span></div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-65061683679729998822015-09-26T05:52:00.003-07:002015-09-26T10:00:54.932-07:00Likumbi Lya Mize Ceremony in Zambezi...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> A few fellow Peace Corps Volunteers and I attended the Likumbi Lya Mize Ceremony in Zambezi on the Zambezi River a few weeks ago. The ceremony is a Luvale tribe tradition held in August. There was dancing, singing, drumming, and visits from important chiefs as well as from President Lungu of Zambia. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The following pictures are of the Makishi dancers. They represent various characters who traditionally entertain during the end of male and female initiation ceremonies. The ceremonies include male circumcision and life lessons for males and females who have entered puberty.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRcfsP7XyZauqgOChrT_DWo1TeR_jgAWp-LZZOgcZSGtrvSpHO0xfssj3ex0rfApfz3Bej164wLhTcJSXu4FtdiK3iI8asK6DiQomgBIPBJtB4saIs8m5xlfRdwX_QmV-5udWLkOiLFqA/s1600/DSC_0376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRcfsP7XyZauqgOChrT_DWo1TeR_jgAWp-LZZOgcZSGtrvSpHO0xfssj3ex0rfApfz3Bej164wLhTcJSXu4FtdiK3iI8asK6DiQomgBIPBJtB4saIs8m5xlfRdwX_QmV-5udWLkOiLFqA/s640/DSC_0376.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuPeE-MsEyH7iorONJG-ECOP6CFVCf75ig0uboq-InjrkqGccWYAT07vxHsHUAsZ5Hof92X44KmTW9bIQRrVRPjUswtsqOBbiMbSILor6X8YrT4L9CFbbpfW1u0v1vv86UOLlzyM2ibCn/s1600/DSC_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuPeE-MsEyH7iorONJG-ECOP6CFVCf75ig0uboq-InjrkqGccWYAT07vxHsHUAsZ5Hof92X44KmTW9bIQRrVRPjUswtsqOBbiMbSILor6X8YrT4L9CFbbpfW1u0v1vv86UOLlzyM2ibCn/s640/DSC_0402.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPWhUc65y-gEhFxJRl1Xn6fkN9DtxgoIxujVcXlOgouRyX-OQWVIqQ9CECvlQWqJQpDhYee4t6e43rp-bdbUZvPg82jH0Zk1ReIDTNpiW0GdfzF2R1E3wpoZtDujpRVcFtVb0MHZ-KdwU/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPWhUc65y-gEhFxJRl1Xn6fkN9DtxgoIxujVcXlOgouRyX-OQWVIqQ9CECvlQWqJQpDhYee4t6e43rp-bdbUZvPg82jH0Zk1ReIDTNpiW0GdfzF2R1E3wpoZtDujpRVcFtVb0MHZ-KdwU/s640/DSC_0108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIkyQGo4f6-MYqybG2Z3uFewXab2n84uiWVbIYfG_zLsY0gm4OdoOyI_RL9fEJ_HAFmb85z6V5sUTxZ6SfBnGWHeskHaO2YTlGpVzkR3Lw6Qla9D77G2La9hYHmlPCkV-GsLL7U6PJyLr/s1600/DSC_0411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIkyQGo4f6-MYqybG2Z3uFewXab2n84uiWVbIYfG_zLsY0gm4OdoOyI_RL9fEJ_HAFmb85z6V5sUTxZ6SfBnGWHeskHaO2YTlGpVzkR3Lw6Qla9D77G2La9hYHmlPCkV-GsLL7U6PJyLr/s640/DSC_0411.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0A3Uc159mT_X6zEJ_yr1-M5KkTWPe5mdxAScCvUKOlxtG3XzWJ7aDuTOpJInoiX2G_KrH6xvFRDZNft89rFvX7ohQ2pFG5D58OvGWKTBeE7b7cmbnk9tFs2lvhD2CpxhasKfE2qX8f-S/s1600/DSC_0691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0A3Uc159mT_X6zEJ_yr1-M5KkTWPe5mdxAScCvUKOlxtG3XzWJ7aDuTOpJInoiX2G_KrH6xvFRDZNft89rFvX7ohQ2pFG5D58OvGWKTBeE7b7cmbnk9tFs2lvhD2CpxhasKfE2qX8f-S/s640/DSC_0691.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The photo below is of some of the Volunteers and me. I am sitting next to the chief of my village, Chief Mumena. Seated next to him is a senior chief from Angola.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCldxqniH-2axWyUg7x80ULfUpCMZCFU0nShRyvH91suYqMscHtj6OIxqYN2YY649uMXCcqibDqf-YJrZpFK9FHCy-jubec7-4Ey-HWsaNf5gOjnHDcrLVZpoHXBJp0p5LReCm8HKF0YqB/s1600/DSC_0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCldxqniH-2axWyUg7x80ULfUpCMZCFU0nShRyvH91suYqMscHtj6OIxqYN2YY649uMXCcqibDqf-YJrZpFK9FHCy-jubec7-4Ey-HWsaNf5gOjnHDcrLVZpoHXBJp0p5LReCm8HKF0YqB/s640/DSC_0613.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
photo credit: Aubrey Byron</div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-45668852912857232962015-08-24T23:03:00.000-07:002015-09-26T10:05:19.268-07:00Hey! New Pics!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m2InlMr5hQ2EIEN2eU213GWx414BIlns_NVnds4zV6rA4QLnhqC7OKzhBM_ykCRRw-fXbTHNg5c-2jv8h4q30VtOKa4k7IC37-bHXYWzSdre4HVsN15rhkyrbXzow1jS0HqsE5rodS5S/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m2InlMr5hQ2EIEN2eU213GWx414BIlns_NVnds4zV6rA4QLnhqC7OKzhBM_ykCRRw-fXbTHNg5c-2jv8h4q30VtOKa4k7IC37-bHXYWzSdre4HVsN15rhkyrbXzow1jS0HqsE5rodS5S/s640/008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My village friends.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3TDdjb5_dKV9yMssrSVD6PEm4Tj2LFZYYzBGZ-PrMZgzYlJzdRvrgt78Z-6AzPQNU1tViXCOikFeL0AYKGf0z8CaUVuwuuzm8Oox_D5o_R5m9x0nO8XS5FDae5oENwK6M2H1ksesUOD3/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3TDdjb5_dKV9yMssrSVD6PEm4Tj2LFZYYzBGZ-PrMZgzYlJzdRvrgt78Z-6AzPQNU1tViXCOikFeL0AYKGf0z8CaUVuwuuzm8Oox_D5o_R5m9x0nO8XS5FDae5oENwK6M2H1ksesUOD3/s640/009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> My neighbor with his grandson, Savior.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4EfFRQSSfnF4upOXA0fiWc1oHJMFTTBa8GmSY07RZp9p66oVgI0hAZIl1B3nq08EJuZrWZWC7zNRa9S1_rKkvfslhKz_qMfgPPSt6_842pbp3WNihjW2xdq2NWKH1UXtVYWpbzxxPYP3/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4EfFRQSSfnF4upOXA0fiWc1oHJMFTTBa8GmSY07RZp9p66oVgI0hAZIl1B3nq08EJuZrWZWC7zNRa9S1_rKkvfslhKz_qMfgPPSt6_842pbp3WNihjW2xdq2NWKH1UXtVYWpbzxxPYP3/s640/012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Puppy who has been stealing my shoes. I have to search my yard when she does that. She's so cute!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mr2n7dREJcZWYIGZoNyinAtAS1KIanTucUE8uiP3vluQi0QsW6Jh1njuJyGnXFTi03DmjoV8Yz7YER4-RWWgJvQRb3O57voGEtXAQ3ILV5XxKvUG_yIGr7Y4dXMUq_E53yFa8GxcYLfP/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mr2n7dREJcZWYIGZoNyinAtAS1KIanTucUE8uiP3vluQi0QsW6Jh1njuJyGnXFTi03DmjoV8Yz7YER4-RWWgJvQRb3O57voGEtXAQ3ILV5XxKvUG_yIGr7Y4dXMUq_E53yFa8GxcYLfP/s640/015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> My buddy Lawrence. He is 11, has never been to school and lives with his uncle. I don't know why he doesn't live with his parents. I am teaching him to read and I am trying to find a way to get him in a school. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>And now for something completely different...</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Fellow Peace Corps Volunteers get together periodically to celebrate like we are here in the following pictures. We are holding a COS (close of service) party for Volunteers in our province who will be returning to the United States now that their service is over. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Our parties usually involve a theme. This theme is ABC--Anything But Clothes. This is how we bond (haha). Many of us wore plastic bags. And one wore newspapers!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmh9IzZIvXptzE4bXPC3XjOmmpWuDSdOTVA17EYVHfhhfvQS5HNavQvbRIUPOFzedQDiOnlRJgZuRXOj646Lhw7W9ZeRRr4hu-P-3zea9ZAlBp05LJGUozU08zS_o_4Dy4vKYiWJ4-G1j/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmh9IzZIvXptzE4bXPC3XjOmmpWuDSdOTVA17EYVHfhhfvQS5HNavQvbRIUPOFzedQDiOnlRJgZuRXOj646Lhw7W9ZeRRr4hu-P-3zea9ZAlBp05LJGUozU08zS_o_4Dy4vKYiWJ4-G1j/s640/019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0HhkDdAlVlMHjvp_GhwkXZaLfFw2BbAjtqIsq_GSvnourG5fCUPkDW2UhlF8htsQSkuPmp4DVMyontvsA0UNzzNaGmmlrilYBH-hUnX7XtktufA_KF4u_w4p2VecSo64DJBpOrLIAkFC/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0HhkDdAlVlMHjvp_GhwkXZaLfFw2BbAjtqIsq_GSvnourG5fCUPkDW2UhlF8htsQSkuPmp4DVMyontvsA0UNzzNaGmmlrilYBH-hUnX7XtktufA_KF4u_w4p2VecSo64DJBpOrLIAkFC/s640/042.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-10038249492131527622015-08-24T21:45:00.002-07:002015-08-24T21:52:23.552-07:00Daily rolling blackouts, decreased water pressure, farmers searching for places to sell their maize, gas shortages, increased food prices, layoffs at the mines…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">This has been happening in Zambia the past few months and
it’s continuing to worsen. Zambia is expected to completely black out by the
month of November. Imagine a country the size of Texas without power.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The main reason for the power shortage is there is not
enough water in Kariba Dam to supply electricity needs for the country. Zambezi
River is low and rain isn’t expected to fall until November. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> So, with the rolling blackouts, refrigeration isn’t keeping
food cold anymore. Milk producers are throwing out spoiled milk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Increased gas prices are causing a fuel shortage. Sometimes
people are stuck where they are because there is no gas at the gas stations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Mines are laying off employees or even shutting down
completely due to a decrease in the price of copper. The power shortage is
making things worse for the mines, as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> This all trickles down to the small farmer; the people I
have been working with for the past year and a half. Most of them live without
electricity, so why would they be affected? Well, they are stuck with maize
they can’t sell because the government has no money left in the reserves to buy
maize. Most farmers rely on income from maize as their only income source of
the year. This means they will have no money to buy the things they need;
including food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Some water sources rely on electricity to run. Women and
children will have to spend a large portion of their day walking longer
distances to retrieve water for bathing, cooking, cleaning, watering their
gardens, and drinking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Another worry is the increase use of charcoal. Charcoal is
made from trees. Much of Zambia is battling deforestation. Charcoal is one of the few fuel alternatives
for cooking and boiling water when people’s power is out. Even people living in gated communities in the suburbs are turning to charcoal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Millions of people are expected to go hungry on top of
entering hunger season next month. Children who come over to my hut to play
games, draw with chalk on my kinzanza floor, look at National Geographic
magazines will suffer from hunger like they’ve never known before. And there’s
not much I can do about it. I can only watch this happen. I love these
children. And the people…these peaceful people…will suffer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> But, the spiral I am witnessing here in the country I am
serving is spiraling fast; too fast for anyone to know what will happen next.
My home of almost two years will become another African country forgotten about
after the headlines make it known to the world it exists. But, it doesn’t
matter because there is nothing anyone can do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Zambia has made its way into my heart. I love it here and I
love its people. A place I’ve experienced feeling safe, safe enough to hitch
rides on my frequent travels and not one time feeling threatened. How many
countries can you name where a woman can hitch alone and feel safe? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Zambia is a place where great opportunity can happen, but,
for now, the people must wait. Wait for years until it gets back to where it
was when I arrived. This isn’t the States; it’s a developing country.
Developing countries can’t afford setbacks such as this. I just hope it stays
peaceful and the children I’ve become friends with hang in there until things
get better.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">*Since I wrote this article the copper prices continue to drop and the Kwatcha is now $1=K8. Expatriates are starting to emigrate to other countries due to job loss. </span></div>
</div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-2072260121123864562015-08-06T07:51:00.000-07:002015-08-06T07:53:28.845-07:00What you think isn’t how it is…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Some Peace Corps Volunteers hand out ‘sweeties’, or candy, regularly to children. I don’t. Reason why I don’t is because I want children to
appreciate ME as a friend. I tried handing out candies to children early in my
service when they performed tasks, but that leads to children coming by
frequently asking if they can do something for a sweetie. It sounds reasonable,
but having children coming by several times throughout the day is tiresome and
annoying and I don't have that many tasks to delegate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> This culture has been sensitized to receiving things for
free; especially from white people. That is what we do. It is our fault we’ve
created this way of thinking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> The only thing I will freely hand out is chalk to use to
draw on the cement floor of my outdoor kitchen, which I rarely use. Children
eagerly practice writing their names and draw pictures of bicycles and cars
with the chalk. They don’t have many opportunities to do this because paper and
pencils are a rare commodity in the village.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Another reason I don’t hand out sweeties is these children
don’t visit the dentist or even brush their teeth. They may live their entire
life not flossing their teeth. This is a big concern of mine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"> So, if you envision visiting a third-world country and hand
things out; change your vision. In the States we do this handing out of things
like sweeties so we can see the smiles on children’s faces. Here I want to see
a smile on a child’s face because he can write his name without help anymore.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-84797273485160551832015-08-03T08:26:00.002-07:002015-09-26T10:16:30.490-07:00True African experiences...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXDTvQoUQwkVOsaT4VNMPLcR4r9HPi6KhhnGAQlhZLbM6upTtEgw8Z92clmS0ldPt_ljgDlPYT4mRr_U_fBxLT7n9tZy9PwaRajI3IX3uSrgQer4MmzO1VCaDgj9ZkKu2th8z6D-un1dS/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXDTvQoUQwkVOsaT4VNMPLcR4r9HPi6KhhnGAQlhZLbM6upTtEgw8Z92clmS0ldPt_ljgDlPYT4mRr_U_fBxLT7n9tZy9PwaRajI3IX3uSrgQer4MmzO1VCaDgj9ZkKu2th8z6D-un1dS/s400/IMG_0013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> This past weekend I attended Chief Mumena's Lubinda Ceremony. Got a picture taken with my new Kaonde friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The ceremony is the annual gathering of people of the Kaonde Tribe. The ceremony showcases traditional dance and local people sell foods they harvested and items they make. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Two weeks ago I attended a camp (Camp Tree) at Kafue National Park organized by a fellow Peace Corps Volunteer. Each Volunteer brought along two students to attend the camp. I presented tree planting demonstrations.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniEessmVnlt-MznjD-88EoYcCb2tqreWU1P7gT6N0R9t9iQ_UVK3cC8FD_PC-Jgiw3L9OlEaevlousR24_AUBtcMMtHDog_I-pekITEZK3arExOWXh8uHChb2qOjR25UBHoKZGAriBeHI/s1600/IMG_2103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniEessmVnlt-MznjD-88EoYcCb2tqreWU1P7gT6N0R9t9iQ_UVK3cC8FD_PC-Jgiw3L9OlEaevlousR24_AUBtcMMtHDog_I-pekITEZK3arExOWXh8uHChb2qOjR25UBHoKZGAriBeHI/s640/IMG_2103.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIMz8c1Yfs44VKpwgf3yNvLc3dgxbPcCDo723_kAPzhQ0yNknX31K82ZE_m3fmuTOcYnOzX94-PI6KaKlrCQyx5Fz-Q7x42UcKczCNF-iFTFqOFqqJcC4Bu7RxS6hEq2Oo_FmOfC3kkz2/s1600/IMG_2105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIMz8c1Yfs44VKpwgf3yNvLc3dgxbPcCDo723_kAPzhQ0yNknX31K82ZE_m3fmuTOcYnOzX94-PI6KaKlrCQyx5Fz-Q7x42UcKczCNF-iFTFqOFqqJcC4Bu7RxS6hEq2Oo_FmOfC3kkz2/s640/IMG_2105.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oZ89tMQQNkm8fo_pP-4_IeV2U8jmLmycQjRB5rOBFyL9cfBjm-GUWnSSyPiKz4rBesbI2qYQjq96AuIU1YKRh1gArfNnAoQitfnswZniVMV6JzswN3Rs1j_553iwifuoPbsmcWsXXJsk/s1600/IMG_2108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oZ89tMQQNkm8fo_pP-4_IeV2U8jmLmycQjRB5rOBFyL9cfBjm-GUWnSSyPiKz4rBesbI2qYQjq96AuIU1YKRh1gArfNnAoQitfnswZniVMV6JzswN3Rs1j_553iwifuoPbsmcWsXXJsk/s640/IMG_2108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The man beside me is Harrison who is from my village. He acted as my interpreter for both Lunda and Kiikanonde and he presented tree talks and demonstrations, as well. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">This is the Africa we see on documentaries!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oFLxNNrGSN3qYvh1nsQulMEbqi3qbByGBbGYjUtMg8tnGj42EAsxgEtZ0uvFiwE3H6GWeOkr5ijoklBhjKkX8QAtafN8lYudMVMLYAoE-GQjgyIv17vFr1wk2u4sIwpjsislSo9C1vA9/s1600/IMG_2166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oFLxNNrGSN3qYvh1nsQulMEbqi3qbByGBbGYjUtMg8tnGj42EAsxgEtZ0uvFiwE3H6GWeOkr5ijoklBhjKkX8QAtafN8lYudMVMLYAoE-GQjgyIv17vFr1wk2u4sIwpjsislSo9C1vA9/s640/IMG_2166.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We traveled to the northern part of Kafue National Park for the camp where most visitors fly in by airplane. We drove in a 50 passenger bus following a bush path for several miles; the second bus driver had to get out every few meters to move tree branches out of the way for the bus to pass</span><span style="font-size: large;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The bus had to cross a plank bridge over a river. All of us had to get out of the bus while the bus crossed while we all crossed our fingers hoping the bus wouldn't fall into the river. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The bus also had to literally bushwack around a fallen tree. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> We reached camp around 2 in the morning. Our bus was the first bus to travel this route. So glad we made it.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EgCMc0s_Y0zUb3w7oR0vOKGiYzkyKyP6hyphenhyphenW1uhAr6o5hnYRob8flPm1Hug375XUX7nuO_zi20HVL3v0S2mQJZCYzyBu_8FQkzgVIiqXBmCxtbqGrYrsrqRBhDaNyuOrRNACeprZH3-N-/s1600/IMG_2144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EgCMc0s_Y0zUb3w7oR0vOKGiYzkyKyP6hyphenhyphenW1uhAr6o5hnYRob8flPm1Hug375XUX7nuO_zi20HVL3v0S2mQJZCYzyBu_8FQkzgVIiqXBmCxtbqGrYrsrqRBhDaNyuOrRNACeprZH3-N-/s640/IMG_2144.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We camped along a river with hippos and crocks. I heard elephants off in the distance and lions were sighted 8k away.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ELfgCU6YmBbcy25Y93Nk6eD1n_koKHWzi-VmGgucwcHOucOha-dALasd2nB9XBsQ-t_BayyL6ukGfVhQ6mgBhyIbFGp2HIqSQy0aka02kjiOTvQds0L62_hRvn1lU1gnXhpOHfnxmtWM/s1600/IMG_2182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ELfgCU6YmBbcy25Y93Nk6eD1n_koKHWzi-VmGgucwcHOucOha-dALasd2nB9XBsQ-t_BayyL6ukGfVhQ6mgBhyIbFGp2HIqSQy0aka02kjiOTvQds0L62_hRvn1lU1gnXhpOHfnxmtWM/s640/IMG_2182.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Active demonstration on desertification.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7h80WEz7jGunSCp9odgixUWusGoITc6N2m6VjuILsMI0OreHj0MRNaql0lA2AbZ2203YrxLYb9AV2MlFUbwMbSZcw8pGD5GZQi2Zeibvh4OB996vdmNUcXGoG7lRDZXaofkDbrmOrBRK/s1600/IMG_2236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7h80WEz7jGunSCp9odgixUWusGoITc6N2m6VjuILsMI0OreHj0MRNaql0lA2AbZ2203YrxLYb9AV2MlFUbwMbSZcw8pGD5GZQi2Zeibvh4OB996vdmNUcXGoG7lRDZXaofkDbrmOrBRK/s640/IMG_2236.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My fellow Peace Corps Volunteers and me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MuzHhkODjiAh7u4zgi2LAsa4g86oJAsrfhqKzVS2KjpTyGvAr_8ulPrnZgRu-RyhbjY94_oM9jDxAwvQ5vg8znHX-QKtIt-s22PNo94gqv0DlL_4ShMk3L_QbX4h0useAqgLe0Q9cu4F/s1600/IMG_2205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MuzHhkODjiAh7u4zgi2LAsa4g86oJAsrfhqKzVS2KjpTyGvAr_8ulPrnZgRu-RyhbjY94_oM9jDxAwvQ5vg8znHX-QKtIt-s22PNo94gqv0DlL_4ShMk3L_QbX4h0useAqgLe0Q9cu4F/s640/IMG_2205.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The wonderful and lucky group of students who attended Camp Tree in Kafue National Park.</span></div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766963880996462378.post-60669008795700388662015-07-09T09:37:00.001-07:002015-09-26T10:06:43.341-07:00Update on me...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqvtwanymFHdMJKMkcy9arkEBBbXpYG-tNKdqXc4nMrV3P1L5C4mdCt99U8BkvZELdPGec-cubOF_AWOOe7dN_NNE-hHk2SuJcM_Xzc24M6cq5btvYpBqwlCYUwXBmBtJbTAQ6VCn4Bnb/s1600/11692779_10153434021288648_1041546704914611732_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqvtwanymFHdMJKMkcy9arkEBBbXpYG-tNKdqXc4nMrV3P1L5C4mdCt99U8BkvZELdPGec-cubOF_AWOOe7dN_NNE-hHk2SuJcM_Xzc24M6cq5btvYpBqwlCYUwXBmBtJbTAQ6VCn4Bnb/s640/11692779_10153434021288648_1041546704914611732_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> A hen made her way into my heart. Since I took in seven orphaned puppies two weeks ago, a hen showed up. She has taken on the role of 'mother' to the puppies. If a puppy strays away from the others she will fly over to it and herd it back to the others. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> She also found the cat door--a hole I chiseled out of my hut wall to allow the cats to come in and out. So, at night she roosts on the back of my couch. She lets me pet her, too. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> And I was worried I would become attached to the puppies!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrA5Ep1sg3JRv3OT4WUH-nGTqe5dsatbGjGgiYdDaTXtfrzc-0kFYzKrqD4ZOqde2HbnIRSyn2SAJ5SwYKIJ91-5bSvMNU6XVzREwyiYamMudqrsDxgbiY8Odtv-VZcnukLuVFjSNQcuKr/s1600/11693827_10153434021293648_5106839407888808791_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrA5Ep1sg3JRv3OT4WUH-nGTqe5dsatbGjGgiYdDaTXtfrzc-0kFYzKrqD4ZOqde2HbnIRSyn2SAJ5SwYKIJ91-5bSvMNU6XVzREwyiYamMudqrsDxgbiY8Odtv-VZcnukLuVFjSNQcuKr/s640/11693827_10153434021293648_5106839407888808791_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I've lost over 20lbs and I haven't cut my hair since I arrived in Zambia. My health is still great and I'm still getting around riding my bike and walking. I don't run much anymore, but I hope to get back into it when I come back to the States. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I've made many friends here and am enjoying my time here very much. My service ends in April of next year, so I have one more Thanksgiving, Christmas and a birthday (48!) before I come home. </span></div>
ginnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06092963694447924986noreply@blogger.com0