Written September 13, 2012

Good morning! I trust everyone has been doing well this week? Any new developments back at home I should know about?

It’s a lovely Thursday morning here, the sun is just starting to come up, and its looking like its going to be another beautiful day. I have had a great week thus far, and have another busy day ahead of me.

Monday was a bit overcast and dreary, but I made the best of it. I was supposed to go out into the campu, but the volunteer I was supposed to go with, had malaria, so that became a no-go. I walked around town, talked with some people, started a new book (Portrait of Dorian Gray) and just kinda did my own thing.

Tuesday I went out into the campu with a volunteer from my one organization – that went really well, the houses we visited were success stories of people staying on their medications, and going to the hospital when necessary. We were encouraging them to talk to their neighbors about it, their successes and failures etc. Hopefully by building a strong community base, we can get more people on the medication they need, and slowly start putting an end to HIV/AIDS. At each house I spoke for a few minutes about how it is very important to use mosquito nets, especially for small children, and especially in these upcoming months as they are both the rainy and hot season. I’m sad to report that many of the people use their mosquito nets for fishing, protecting their gardens, and other household things, simply because they think it looks “ugly” if they use it in their house. I find this odd, because if we ever go into someone’s house, you cant actually see the bedroom. . . .like I said. Strange stuff.

I spent my Tuesday afternoon organizing papers and the office of my one organization, helping them to get a bit more organized, and clear out some of the clutter. That afternoon I started the P90X regimen. . .  OUCH. But in a good way. I’m looking forward to this new workout schedule. I think it’ll be enough to keep me from getting bored – sometimes yoga just doesn’t cut it for me when I’m by myself. It has sort of a high-intensity thing that I like, being an ex-athlete, and will help me fill my time in the afternoons/evenings.

Yesterday we had our weekly meeting with my one organization, that went really well I think, and afterwards I went into Inharrime (about an hour chapa ride) to go to the modista (seamstress) and check in at the post office. . . still nothing. But I gave the woman working there a paper with my name and phone number, that way she can call if I receive anything. It has officially been a month since I was told I was sent something, so I have faith that it should be here by next week. Things have been taking  little over a month I was told. . .not sure why. But I’ve decided at times that here in Moz its best to not ask questions and just practice my patience.

Spent my evening doing P90X, and cooking dinner. I have also started watching the Star Wars series. . truly indulging my inner-nerd. It’s been a great time thus far haha.

Today I have two meetings again, one at the hospital, the other at one of my other organizations. It’s going to be another busy day by Moz standards, and I’m looking forward to it.

I received some sad news yesterday – my good friend here in Moz has decided that she wants to return home for family reasons. I am very sad to see her go, as is she – it is not an easy decision to make, but family is the most important thing, so I can understand her reasoning. She will be missed more than words can say, and I will be loosing my daily phone call friend. I wish her all the best in her endeavors, and hope that we remain in touch. Safe travels home love.

I hope everyone at home is doing well, missing you all tons – to those who have been sending me emails – thank you! It’s so nice to hear from you.

May the force be with you.

t