Hey there, hi there, ho there-
Just thought I would write a quick update about what’s going
on with me, your friendly pen pal in Mozambique. Life has been a combination of
incredible stress/being busy and an insane amount of boredom/doldrums. Its either feast or famine here, there
is hardly ever a middle ground.
The week started off dull and listless. Monday and Tuesday I
only left my house to take a walk through the market and chat a bit with Dona
Julia, my supervisor and organization at the hospital were in another town for
the week, leaving me with little to do. On Wednesday, I waited around for the
water to start running in town, so I could refill my big drum in my house…
unfortunately the water gods were not smiling upon my small town that day, and I
was waiting in vain. I missed my meeting with Acomuza because of this, but was
told that not much happened at the meeting, so I don't feel all that bad.
Thursday finally found me doing something- bright and early
at the hospital for our Cha Positivo meeting (support group for those living
HIV+ in the community). Because my supervisor and counterpart were in a
different town for the week, I got to run the meeting- and decided to give a
small workshop about the plant Moringa. I have talked a great deal about this
“wonderplant” here on my blog – but I will say it again… this plant is truly
astounding. The amount of vitamins and nutrients it offers are fantastic. I
have planted a few trees in my yard, and enjoy the benefits of it on a daily
basis. During this small information session, I had photos, seeds of the plant
to pass out to those in attendance, and an example of the plant itself. We
discussed the methods of cultivation, how to make it into powder, the fact that
you can eat the leaves raw, etc.
It was an incredibly good feeling to be able to talk to 40+
people about this plant, I had someone translating into the local language of
Chopi the entire time to ensure maximum retention. We even had a Q and A
session afterwards. People were digging the Moringa! Woo!
Like I said… feast or famine.
Today I am in Maxixe, preparing for the REDES Regional
Planning Meeting that will be held tomorrow. A lot of time and effort has gone
int planning this meeting – contacting all PCV’s in the area, their
counterparts, organizing the budget, supplies, a space for the meeting, food
for the participants etc. . .my fingers are crossed that everything goes
smoothly tomorrow, and that the meeting is a success.
I’ll be here all weekend for the meeting, going to go over
to Inhambane City after it on Saturday to have dinner and drinks with friends. Looking
forward to it!
Next week my Aunt Sara will be here, she is currently in
South Africa, enjoying the sights and sounds of that beautiful country. I’m
excited to have a viasitor, slightly saddened by the fact that we cant get to
the northern part of the country because of the STUPID travel ban, because of
STUPID political issues.. sighhh…. Oh well, it will still be a nice visit.
Turned in my deposit to the University of Pittsburgh.
Welcome weekend starts the 20th of August!
Hope all is well stateside.
Xoxo
t
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