Dear ___,
In case you’ve been wondering why you haven’t heard from me lately (i.e. over a year) it’s because I moved half way across the world and you really should read the rest of this blog and get up to speed. Do it. Now.
OK, now that you’re all caught up, here’s what’s been going on since September. I had 4 fantastic visitors during the first half of October, MO and her HBA/PCCS entourage. We spent a few days at my site, then traveled to Zambia, Dedza, Liwonde and Zomba. Traveling to new places and visiting my host family in Dedza were great, but everyone’s favorite part was being in my village. They got to meet lots of people and shake lots of hands and get a taste of what my life is like here. Combined, they took over a thousand pictures at my site alone, so if you want to see pictures you should ask them.
Once I got back, life settled into an incredibly hectic routine, visiting 2 other schools and substitute teaching on Mondays and Fridays in addition to teaching at my school. Yes, I’m aware that I need to learn how to say no. On the plus side, one of my teachers typed a couple of her own exams (I’ve been teaching her how to use the computer) and I got a friend to type the Chichewa exams for me.
One of the best decisions I’ve made this term was deciding to hire a student to help me out around the house. I pay his school fees and he does the laundry, sweeps and mops every week. It’s a pretty fantastic arrangement for both of us.
It feels like I’ve been in town excessively this term. Sometimes it was just to be social (e.g. Halloween and Thanksgiving) but most of the time I was there on legitimate business (e.g. mid-service medical exam, printing exams, getting the SIM card in my phone replaced after it was stolen by a student).
In addition to school stuff, I’ve been working with a community-based organization and got to be present for a ceremony in which they distributed a bunch of supplies to some of the people they help out. My favorite part was when they gave plastic sheeting (to put on the roof to keep the rain out) to a bunch of agogos (grandparents). I’ve never seen so many old Malawians at once and they were just adorable.
I’ll be spending this Christmas in my village. I’m a little sad (especially since most of my Peace Corps friends are in America now) to be so far from home for the holidays, but my neighbors are happy that I’ll be spending Christmas with them. I’ve already promised to bake something for the festivities.
I hope you’re having a lovely holiday season. Let me know how you’re doing. Eat something amazing for me.
Amy
