Lusekelo Signing In

Jezhina Jamie ne Stacey nangwa Lusakelo. (My name is Stacey or Joy)

I have received a new name from my language instructor. He has named me Lusekelo, or Joy, in Ki Kaonde. Since the Zambians have a tremendously difficult time pronouncing “Stacey,” and either say “Tessie” or “Sessie,” I may just adopt Joy for good when I get to my village.

It is Sunday afternoon and we are on a field trip to Lusaka today. It is amazing how quickly my perspective on money and exchange rates has changed. I thought my hamburger today was tremendously expensive at the rate of 18,000 kw (or roughly 4.00 USD) when I pay 2,000 kw in the village for a Coke. I have not enjoyed Coke since high school, but since arrival it’s my greatest indulgence and I look forward to it almost daily. My walk from the village into the boma is about fifteen minutes and no matter how hot it is outside, I willingly take the trek up into town to sit under the shade and sip on a soda. My home stay parents had a stern chat with me about eating a couple of night ago, and feeling like a penitent teenager, I have submitted to eating larger portions of nshima and salady during my meals (veg oil)!

I have tried to post some photos, but the computer here is very very very slow. So I have taken nearly 200 pictures and have not had the chance to get any of them to you. I saw myself in a full mirror for the first time in three weeks and it’s a little shocking. I’m rumpled and brown and bleached and tired looking. I have not figured out how to politely ask for laundry assistance and since I opted to come into town today instead of staying home and washing, I can look forward to another week of ignoring the stench of my well worn clothes. Fortunately, my African parents are tremendously concerned with my well-being, so I don’t worry really much about anything else. They heat water for me every morning, I bucket bathe in a wooden shelter with a few friendly flies, and when I leave the bathing shelter, there is breakfast magically waiting for me in my hut!

I took my first language test and took part in an HIV/AIDS presentation to 12th graders on Friday. It was a nerve wracking experience talking to high schoolers, some of whom are in their 20s, and getting asked extremely detailed questions about HIV transmission and prevention. I’m thrilled to have the first presentation over with since I have a better idea of how to prepare for the next one. I know so little! And HIV is no trivial matter here, many of our students ask difficult questions because they are directly affected by the disease. I passed the language test although I was instructed to know my gardening tools and how to say “beans” for the next test! Wheelbarrow: ngolfwana. (sometimes the things that take precedence in language training are pretty arbitrary).

My nearest “muzungu” neighbors and I went to a coming-of-age ceremony last night with our brothers and sisters. We were escorted by hand through the dark to watch traditional dances from the village women. One of my “cousins” was near me and was able to explain the significance of the dances, which was remarkably helpful. I felt stupidly conspicuous with my glaring headlamp, and yet very priviliged.

The PC keeps us incredibly busy during these first few weeks at training. I have very little down time. On Monday we will have site interviews and then in two weeks I will be headed up to the Northwestern province to see my new site! As soon as I have my new address, I will post it since it takes a LONG time for us to receive our mail. I am really looking forward to having the opportunity to settle into a new home.

Thank you for the letters! We have not received any in the last week and a half or so, but I have responded to the letters I have gotten and really look forward to hearing from those of you who have written, but have had their letters delayed by the postal service:)

I must dash. I have a few more minutes to grab a soft serve ice cream before the bus takes us back to the village Zam-style (five people to a four person seat!). I have never been more aware of the width of my hips.

With All My Love,
SJJ