quick update

Hello all

I found a spare moment or two at the Peace Corps office, so I thought I’d send a quick update about what is going on in my semi-crazy life.

As many of you may remember, I have since left Quissico. It was a good parting, filled with lots of love, good food, and very few tears. Lua has settled in nicely to her new home in Panda, hanging out with two great PCV’s there who work at the local school. Her new past time, according to them is playing soccer with the kids, she chases after the ball with them- but her mouth is too small to actually catch it, so she is left snapping after it! Haha what I would do to see her running amok with the kids. . . sigh. I miss that goober.

(photo of the baby i got for my birthday- yes, she is sleeping like that)

So since leaving my little grass shack, I have been living out of my backpack for a few weeks now in Maputo at my friends house. I first traveled from Quissico, to Maptuo... then spent about a weeks time in Namaacha helping with pre-service training for the new volunteers, and am now currently living on my friends floor here in Maputo. 

I will be here in Maputo until the 6th, the new group of volunteers swears in on the 5th at the Ambassador's house. From that I will fly to Nampula City, in Nampula Province to assist with their supervisor's conference from the 7-9th. On the 10th, I will be going overland to Quelimane in Zambezia Province (my new home for the next 13 months). There we are having a separate supervisors conference from the 11-13th for the volunteers who will be working with ICAP in the province. So then I am in Quelimane for a week and a half (living in a guest house or something….details still to be worked out). 

From the 13-23rd I will be in Quelimane, getting to know my new town, meeting my work team there, etc. just sort of settling in (while still living out of my backpack). On the 24th I fly back down to Maputo to help with Moz 20 MidService Conference, so back to living in the big city here, in yet another hotel. 

But the very best part of all of this craziness is- on the 29th (because I will be in Maputo) I have been granted approval to travel back to Quissico to help/participate in the Timbila Festival!!!!! So even though its about 6 hours out of my way, I am making the bus trip up to my wonderful town of two years, to see friends and family for the festival. SO EXCITED! 

So... the 29th-31st I will be in Quissico. Bussing back south to Maputo on the 1st, and flying back to Quelimane on the 2nd. 

that is my life in a nutshell.

hectic. crazy. adventurous. fun.

Since being here in Maputo I have been working heavily with this new GAAC toolkit, ICAP and Peace Corps. I have been spending my mornings at the ICAP office, meeting the team there, getting introduced to the various programs I will be assisting with. Afternoons have been spent at the Peace Corps office, working on programming prep for the new incoming volunteers (I found out who is replacing me in Quissico, and think it is going to be a great fit!)

I have completed the final drafts of a few documents with this GAAC program, and turned them into the CDC for final review/feedback/revisions. Hopefully we will have word from the various implementing partners this coming week, in regards to them both.

In addition to the work I’ve been doing, I am also here in Maputo doing medical tests and such, similar to the ones I did at Mid-Service – a physical, dentist, etc. I am hoping to get new glasses while I am here too. Oh, and beauty of all beauties- I had to poop into a cup (testing for parasities)…. Ahh the glamorous life of a volunteer.

(one of the goodbye nights with some fellow 18ers)

With that lovely image in your minds, I’ll say ta-ta

loving every minute of this crazy adventure  

missing you all even more. 

bosse, ahnna na na manguana

Writers note; this will be my last blog probably for a bit because of my upcoming transition. I will be spending this last week at site packing up my house, and saying my goodbyes. from there I will be living in Namaacha, then Maputo. I move to the north in August after the new group swears in. Also, the title of this blog- bosse, ahnna na na manguana is how you say "bye, see you tomorrow" in the local language, Chopi. 

So, I have spent the past week sorting through all the assorted junk that I have accumulated in my house over the past two years here in Quissico. I was slightly shocked and appalled at myself for the amount of crap that has amassed in my small abode. 

During all of this cleaning and thoughts about packing (because in reality I won’t put things in bags/boxes until the final hour), I have done some serious soul searching. While I am still staying in Mozambique for a third year, my life here is about to change drastically.

Not to sound too morbid, but in these last few weeks I have almost felt like I have been told that i only have a few weeks left to live, and that I need to start getting my affairs in order. If you turn your head and squint in a very dramatic way, that statement could be construed as true, in a week, I wont be living here anymore. In reality it is the end of a life, that I lived to my fullest capability. I experienced both emotional and physical intensities I never would have anticipated when I was first sitting in the student union at my college, filling out my application. 

Packing up my little house, I start thinking about all the work I have done to/within it, how I have turned it into a home- and know that next weekend I  am going to walk away from it, never to return again (at least not under the same circumstances and not in the foreseeable future).

How do I get the people whom I have lived amongst to understand that I am actually leaving? --This I have found to be the most frustrating and saddening part of my upcoming departure. When I say that I'm departing in 6 days, they always joke about how I'll be able to just come south and visit, when in reality, I probably won't. 

How do I deal with those, who I thought I made meaningful connections with, who’s sole desire to strip me of my material possessions as I prepare to leave instead of maybe expressing the sadness in your departure? --This has been the second most frustrating part of my departure. "Estou a pedir, _____". It seems that in the end, all I am good for is my stove, my chairs, my clothes, my shoes etc. . . consumerism and materialism- not just a problem in the United States.

But then there is the rebuttal internal argument that I have about how Mozambicans, especially those I have made close friendships with, are incredibly caring, generous people who opened their homes, and lives to me.  For example, Tia Julia is always there to offer me meals, voices her concern of my (and my family’s) well being. She is overly curious about my habits, and life choices.  I have loved sharing recipes with her, watching as she marvels in shock that Americans make black bean burgers, vegetable stir fry, and banana bread.

Two years of life here in Quissico is now at its inevitable conclusion. Its an odd thing, coming into Peace Corps, knowing that I will have 2 years to serve in a small community, thinking that it is going to be a long and uphill battle the entire time. I know that I have attempted to express my experiences, failures and successes here, but words fail to tell the story. It has been a wild emotional and physical roller coaster. Sometimes within one day I can experience; joy and suffering, accomplishment and disappointment, success and frustration, friendship and familial love - and lets not forget all of those glamorous times when I've had to poop on the side of the road while traveling (or the rare occasion that I didnt actually make it to the side of the road) because of a previous day's indulgence in cheap market food. (ahh, the gastronomic adventures of a PCV)

I have not cried all that often in this country, but when I was walking around town yesterday, I had to put my sunglasses on because the tears started to well up in my eyes as I passed all the familiar scenery which I don’t know when I will see again. My relationship and love for this small town has been created and nurtured by the numerous frustrations and challenges that I went through here. It has been much like a hazing experience, or as my friend jokingly said, like Stockholm Syndrome, making the separation all the more difficult. 

I have been challenged by life here on a daily basis, which I both appreciate and loathe. But through it all I have felt the love of this town, and its people in an indescribable way. I am leaving this amazing place for my next adventure in the northern city of Quelimane but the unforgettable experiences here have left me with a new perception of life. And that, that will never leave me.

thoughts, musings, and observations

Sometimes I feel like I’m the grandmother on an episode of Teen Mom. Lua is a great dog, and a decent enough mother, considering how young she is- but there are instances when I want to smack her and say “you are the one who got pregnant, this is your responsibility” and then I realize that I’m talking to a dog. Not a person.

I have become quite adept at soothing puppies (see on my resume under the section “special skills” – puppy whisperer) and starting to teach them right from wrong. Lua hangs around during the day, but then in the evening goes and wanders around, doing what she does. As the time has gone on, she has become more Mozambican, and less dependent on sleeping indoors etc. She prefers to be outside at night now, and oftentimes digs her own little bed in the sand. All of this is a good thing, especially considering that I wont be caring for her in a week or so. –side note, she is going to a set of PCV’s, but I’m sure that there will be an adjustment period.

who doesnt love a puppy pile

I started cleaning my house yesterday, taking down photos, organizing clothes to pack, throwing out a lot of old papers and such. . . Its strange to walk into my house and know that next week, it wont be my house anymore. I have been trying to think about how to word a note to the new volunteer about what life is like there, but don’t really know where to start. Every individual has a different Peace Corps experience, and what they make of it is completely their own. I will be leaving the keys to my house with the other PCV’s here at site, and will also leave money for the July energy bill. I have already written a note to the new volunteer about where to pay the bill, and will be leaving some old paid slips as examples. . . how strange. Some total stranger will be living in my house, my home in a few short weeks haha. Is it bad that I have created such an attachment to this house? It is my port in a storm, when things become too much to handle here, I go home. Its comforting, its beautiful, its small and shabby, but that's the beauty of it.

I have learned that as a human being, you don't need much to live comfortably. Yes, my house is not the best for hosting people (though I have hosted over 35 people more than once), but it is a perfect size for one, plus a canine companion.

home sweet home

On my walk to work today, I marveled (as I often do) at the stunning view I am privy to on a daily basis. The steep drop off from the main highway, down into the dense palm tree packed matu that leads to the edge of the lagoons, and the solitary strip of white sand dividing the two lagoons that is my private beach, the other bank of the lagoon is the dividing piece of land between the lagoon and the ocean.  The lagoon was a placid stretch of pale blue, the mirrored image of the two banks with the abundance of palm trees perfectly defined in the water, while on the other side of the dividing stretch of land- the ocean was a turbulent mess of waves, the white froth from the crashing giants visible from the highway.

That view… that spectacular image that presents something different every day for the eye to see will never be forgotten. I feel truly lucky that I have been able to call this spectacular place my home.

view from the highway, looking down onto the lagoon

 - the strip to the left dividing the two is our beach

a cloudy day at the beach

On a side note- my cousin tied the knot the other day to a wonderful man. To find someone that you are willing to commit to forever and ever is no small feat. I am so happy for her and her husband, wishing them a lifetime of laughter and love. It was when I started scrolling through some of the photos my family sent me of the even that I realized just how much I have been missing since being gone.

I wish I could have been a part of that wonderful day, to celebrate with loved ones and family, but (for better or for worse) my life has me going in a totally different direction.  

the happy bride, my aunt and uncle, and her new hubby

its the final countdown

Morning everyone!

Sorry it has been a while since my last posting, it has been a very busy few days for me. Where I last left off, it was the day before the GAAC toolkit weekend with fellow Peace Corps Volunteers, a representative of the CDC, and our supervisor from Peace Corps. The purpose of this weekend was to take all of the documents and things we had been compiling over the weeks on a google drive, into a working Toolkit for the GAAC program. During this meeting (Thursday through Saturday) we were able to complete a working mandatory checklist for all health centers interesting in having the GAAC program, two skeletons of informational flipbooks to train health staff and patients, and a 10 page toolkit (rather than the 45 page one in existence) that will be used to present to the Ministry of Health.

For those of you who haven’t read my past few blogs, GAAC is a community-based ART distribution and adherence-monitoring program by self-forming groups of patients on ART. This is  a great program not only because it creates a community based strategy for helping adherence to HIV treatment, it also helps reduce stigma and discrimination of patients, and helps increase the retention rate of those on the medication. We spent our time at a beach house (I know… though work weekend right?) and after our long and productive days some of us watched the world cup games that were on, while others cooked. It was a fantastic weekend. Productive, and enjoyable. I love when my coworkers are also friends. . . it creates a great work environment.

After this weekend, I had plans to return home to site, but my boss had other plans for me. I instead went to Maputo to participate in numerous meetings on Monday and Tuesday, to present what we had been working on that weekend. I was able to stay with a friend in the city, which was nice- first world comforts, and long working days. It almost felt like I had a real job and was a productive human being haha something that can be rare in a health volunteers life here. We are currently working on finalizing the presentations and toolkits to be given to the Ministry of Health, and the various partners (I-NGO’s that fund the health centers and the GAAC program), and I am helping Peace Corps with defining the PCV role in the GAAC program, in addition to a few other things they have me working on.

I got back to site on Thursday, after having spent Wednesday (which was Mozambique’s independence day) at Bilene Beach with a few close friends. We hung out on the beach, sat on the boat that stays tied up in the water- because we are too cheap to actually pay to have it take us around, cooked good food, and played some fun games. Never a bad time hanging out with good friends at one of my favorite spots. That’ll probably be the last time I’m there for a long time, if ever. Which is such a crazy thought.

hanging out at Bilene

The testing center here in town is open and running every day, which is amazing! I’m so happy that this project came though, and seems to be going well. There are still some kinks to iron out, and things to fix, but hopefully the next volunteer can help with the upkeep of the center. I posted a bunch of photos on facebook, but will put some on here as well.

Oscar opening the center for the day

testing our first patient

what it looks like from the outside.

The puppies are getting really big, they all have their own personalities, and have started to recognize me. We play together, and they are eating solid food now (xima, fortified with dried milk powder, and dried shrimp) Lua is continuing to nurse them, but not as often. I am a bit worried about how skinny she has stayed. Not really sure why she isn’t gaining weight back. . . hopefully her life in Panda is a good one. . . I cant believe I have to say goodbye to her in a week. Its going to be really really tough. The puppies all have homes, and will be looked after.

puppo's hanging out in the yard

I really cant believe that I have two weeks left. That's it. Its Monday the 30^th, in two weeks I’ll be waking up in Namaacha, and from there, moving forward with my life here in Mozambique. I couldn't even imagine if I was actually moving back to the states.. that's insanity. WHERE DID THE TIME GO?

Just so everyone is clear about what is happening in my life these next few weeks- I will be in Quissico until the 12/13^th of July, from there, I will be going to Namaacha to be a visiting volunteer for the new volunteer’s training. When that is over on the 20^th of July, I will move to Maputo to work with Peace Corps, ICAP, and hopefully the CDC until August 6^th, when the new volunteers swear-in. From there, I fly with them to Nampula City, where I participate in their supervisor’s conference, and then I will bus south to Quelimane – where I will be living until August 2015. The volunteer that I am replacing will be in Quelimane for about a month of overlap time, so I’m still not sure what my housing situation will be like for the first month I’m there. By September I should have the home I’ll be in for my third year. I get home leave from December 10^th to January 10^th, which will be a nice break- 30 days stateside to see friends and family over the holiday season. Aside from the fact that the cold weather will shock the hell out of me, I am really looking forward to the visit.

Lots of life changes coming up in these next few weeks. . . just trying to stay on top of it all. Today I went to the hospital for a bit, but then came home to start going through my home here. I have plans to put things in bags (I can have 2 bags and a box) on Sunday… so I’m just doing a lot of the prep work this week. I’ll be selling my refrigerator to the boys here, but aside from that, leaving a majority of the things for the next volunteer.

I kind of have the same feeling I did before leaving the states for Peace Corps. . that anxious, butterfly in the stomach, procrastinating packing, and not really wanting to say goodbye feeling. I know that it has been an incredible two years, and am very happy that my adventures here in Moz aren’t over yet… but this is the first “home” I’ve made on my own as an adult. . it will be very hard to say goodbye.

looking both ways, before crossing over to my 3rd year

Hindsight is always 20/20. Or so that is what they say.

Looking back over my 2 years here in Mozambique thus far, my time spent during training in Namaacha, and then my placement in Quissico, and all of the traveling I have done in between. . got me to thinking. Would I have done anything differently?

Going all the way back to my preparation leading up to Peace Corps, I do think I should have tried harder to learn the basics of Portuguese. When I arrived in country I really had no idea what was about to happen, and until I was immersed in a language I didn't understand did I realize the necessity. Its something that we tend to take for granted in the US I think. . . the ability to communicate easily and rapidly with anyone. When I arrived here, I didn't even understand or know how to ask for a cup of water. It was the very basics for me. Because of this- I don't think that my PST experience in Namaacha was all that it could have been.

Once arriving here at site, I immediately began to integrate into the community. I was doing home-based visits with my community organizations, trying to find my place at the hospital, and doing my best to overcome the language barriers- day by day, becoming more comfortable with Portuguese. Looking back over the 2 years here in Quissico, I wouldn't really change anything. I have enjoyed my time here, I have been exposed to numerous life experiences and lessons. Some days (ok . . .weeks) have been extremely hard here, while some have been the best times of my life thus far. .  I have made a small reed hut, into a home. Making friends and family here in Quissico has molded my experience here into a loving and welcoming one. When I spend time with them life feels completely at peace. And, I have been fortunate enough to find a loving companion who has been with me for over a year now – my dog Lua.

From my ‘home base’ in Quissico, I have traveled all over the southern part of Mozambique, in addition to a few places in the central and north on extended trips;

I traveled to the Chimoio and Gorongoza area, over land, in the central for Thanksgiving of 2012. That area is now considered a “war zone” because of the ongoing political strife. I was flown to Nampula City last September for the REDES Handover, and took that opportunity to travel to Ilha de Moçambique and Pemba over land. I have had the opportunity to visit almost every volunteer site here in the southern provinces, especially now because of our limited travel abilities dividing the country. From the most rural areas inland Gaza and Inhambane, to the beach towns- I have had the opportunity to really see the beauty the southern part of this country has to offer.

I was fortunate enough to have 4 visitors here to share in my joys and frustrations. My mom visited over the New Year of 2013, which was hot, rainy, and wonderful. She came quite early into my service –which was both wonderful and (in hindsight) unfortunate for her. I was still trying to gather my bearings here in this country, struggling with the language, figuring out the best ways to travel etc. So she was exposed to the very raw and unrefined life of a PCV. The safari that we went on in South Africa was such a wonderful adventure! The incredible animals we were able to see, the new lessons that we learned, and spending time together. Couldn't have asked for more.

Next was my dad’s visit in June-July 2013. . .he came to Mozambique, via South Africa and Zambia. That was one of the best adventures I have ever been on. Seeing Victoria Falls, some new spots in South Africa (Durban and Pretoria), and then taking him to my favorite spots here in Mozambique! At the time that he visited, I was so much more comfortable with my life here, knowing how to navigate the transportation system, good places to stay at the beach, and just feeling more at home here at my site.

A decent amount of time passed before my next visitor came- during that interlude I was sent home to the states for emergency leave when my dad was sick, the holidays came and we welcomed in 2014, starting the anticipated final year of service!

In March of 2014 my aunt came to visit. I met her in the capital city of Maputo, and our adventures took us to a few beaches here in the southern part of Mozambique, and we even flirted with the idea of flying up to the north to do some traveling there(decided not to because of outrageous prices).  While we were at my site I showed her around, taking her to work, to the lagoon etc. It was really wonderful having her here because she was also a Peace Corps Volunteer in Africa (Kenya). Although the time difference between our services has allotted for many changes, like everyone having cell phones, electricity in small towns etc – many things are still the same; like the food and manner of transport. While she was here, I was able to really think about (and ultimately decide) about extending my contract for the third year. It was absolutely wonderful having her here in Mozambique, and I wish she could have been here a bit longer.

Last month, May 2014, I had my final visitor for my 2 year service- my brother! It was his first time to the continent of Africa, and he experienced the highs and lows of Peace Corps life. After having some luggage trouble with the airline, we made it to my site, from there we did a beach trip, but mainly kept it low-key, staying with other volunteers, and spending lots of time here at my site. Although we didn't go on any grand adventures here, I realize that it was still a “grand adventure” for him - which is all that matters. He says that he could do the Peace Corps life, but would never have any desire to do so, which is understandable . . . its not a life for everyone.

Having all of these visitors has truly helped my 2 years fly by. When you sign up for Peace Corps, you think about how long 2 years is, and while there have definitely been instances where it seems like time is draggggggging by, in hindsight, it has not been a long time at all.

I named this blog “living in the moments…” because that is exactly what life is here. It is all about the moments. Good and the bad, taxing and stressful, blissful and joyous. . . you get the picture.

The other evening, while I was watching the USA win against Ghana (GO USA!!!) my wallet was stolen, including my phone and all of my money (about 100 USD) so that was a truly unfortunate incident. But earlier that day, the testing center in town was opened, and has been running smoothly every day this week! We have already tested 35 people in the 3 days that it has been open- already a higher number than those that have been tested at the hospital in the same timeframe. Like I said, the bad with the good.

I am at Acomuza for the morning, and then will be heading to the hospital in the afternoon. Tomorrow is Cha Positivo, the monthly support group meeting at the hospital for HIV+ people. Afterwards I am traveling to the Xai Xai area for a work meeting from Thursday to Sunday. We will be finishing up the GAAC Toolkit that was started at my close of service conference back in April. Exciting times!

Until I am able to buy a new smartphone with an international sim card slot (if anyone has one stateside, please let me know, and I’d be happy to purchase one), I am working with a simple Nokia phone that calls/texts but has no internet. My number has changed as well for the time being +258 84 398 5044.

Xo’s to all

tuesday's gone, with the wind.

Hello everyone, and happy Tuesday!

Yesterday was not the best of days for me, I was hit by some horrible stomach bug (again) and spent most of my day in bed or my bathroom. Yuck. Today I am feeling better, a little worse for the wear, but that's life in Moz for ya. Some days excellent, the next, you just cant seem to get away from your pit latrine.

So… last week was a good one, quite busy finishing up the last bits of REDES Workshop logistical things, a visit from the CCS Maputo team to our hospital here, the weekly meeting with my community organization Acomuza etc. . .life is back to normal here in Quissico, and I couldn't be happier about it.

Some of the things that I am working on this week are; promotion of a new and exciting tool called the Living Library. Its an online resource for PCV’s in Mozambique. It is created and curated for and by PCV’s and has a wide variety of subjects. It offers information and a focal point or “subject specialist” for each informational topic. It is still a work in progress, but with more promotion and involvement of others I think it could be a great success and incredible toolkit for current in-country volunteers.

The new REDES leadership is being voted in this week, and we should have an announcement by this weekend as to who the new representatives are going to be! Always exciting to know that the project is moving forward, and that it is being passed off into good hands. The actual handover will be taking place in Nampula City (like it did last year) and I have been invited to go because I am a Southern Coordinator, and because of my involvement with the registration and legalization process that happened in April. I am excited about participating in the handover, but that is one more weekend out of site, when I have so few left. . . its tough.

In addition to that, I am trying desperately to get the training project for the Acomuza members completed. If you remember, a few weeks back, I planned and organized a 2 week training for 6 volunteers from my community organization here at the hospital. During this training, the 6 volunteers were trained to give HIV testing and consults. From this training we want to open the testing center that is in town, to help increase the number of people being tested. The training went well, I even made certificates for everyone, and emailed them to one of my counterparts here at the hospital…. Unfortunately since the conclusion of the training, my counterpart has practically disappeared. He is working out in the field for CCS, which is understandable, but almost a month has passed now, and my Acomuza volunteers are without certificates, and the testing center has still not been opened. It is frustrating, and I am doing what I can to try and make it happen – but there are only so many texts and calls and general persistence one can do. It would be very sad to see this all work fall apart.

This past weekend I spent my time here at site. It was nice to relax with my friends, in my house, with my dog and the puppies (who are growing at an alarming rate). I started going through my clothes and some household things to give away and started thinking about what I am going to take with me to Quelimane. Sunday was Children’s Day here in Mozambique, so my Tia Thelma (my neighbor who moved to the other side of town) came over, and we made cakes for her daughters. It was a great time hanging out with her, baking cake, drinking tea, and watching a movie (in Portuguese of course), all the while knowing that the cakes were going to two of my favorite people in Quissico. Couldn't have asked for a better day.

Unfortunately yesterday I was hit by who knows what, and spent most of the day in bed. However, I used that opportunity to catch up on some media that came with a great review -Wolf of Wall Street. It was possibly the longest movie I have watched in a long time. While it was absolutely excellent, for those of you who know me, you know that I just cant sit through a movie, let alone a 3 hour one. So I was constantly pausing it, to make tea or to play with the puppies – but I did finally make it through!

how could you not want to play with those fuzzies! 

Today I am at the hospital, working with CCS on some things regarding Acomuza, and organizing various other things, like the GAAC Toolkit (we have a rough draft done!) oh, and getting my life together.

I have 5 weekends remaining in Quissico, and for 2 of them I will be away traveling for work. I

t's slightly depressing and overwhelming to know that my time in this amazing spot is coming to such a quick close. Knowing that I will never again live in my little grass shack, or be in this place of my life again. Wild. Its an interesting feeling to be sure, 2 years gone in what feels like the blink of an eye.

Speaking of, as of last week, I have officially been in Mozambique for 2 years! Wooo!

photos!

ansel... building sandcastles - some kids never grow up

REDES Workshop! the girls doing a impromptu skit

REDES Workshop! some of the girls describing their income generation project

Lua and her babies!

cuties!! 

so... whats next?

Life update;

I am back at site after the REDES Workshop that happened this past weekend in Homoine, Inhambane Province. It was a really great success- good venue, good food, and great informational sessions. I really think that the girls, and the PCV’s involved in it had a nice time. 

It was a hectic few weeks leading up to the preparation of it, but once it happened it was all worth it.

I don't know if you all remember the post I wrote about last year’s Workshop, and the debacle that it was- this year was a complete and total shift for the positive. I’m hoping to get some pictures of it to post on here, and will try to write a blog describing what happened in greater detail, I just wanted to keep you informed that it had happened, and that it was a success! 

So what’s going on here is that I was selected for PST (pre-service training) to be a visiting volunteer. My week is week 7, where I will be talking about the GAAC program and HIV – fitting considering my 3^rd year job description. It is also site announcement week, so I will be able to know who I will be living with in the North, and can start the foundation for the PC/PCVL relationship there! I will be in Namaacha for this from July 13th to July 20^th for this training. 

My original date to leave site was July 28, to be in Maputo to go through the medical processes and such before I move north to Quelimane and start my work with ICAP. However, it didn’t make much sense to me to leave site until the 20th, to come back and be here another 7 days before returning to Maputo. … So, I will be living in Maputo (possibly with a friend, or a hotel) for about 2-3 weeks working with ICAP, and Peace Corps until the 22ers swear-in. From there I will fly north to Nampula with the newly sworn-in volunteers to assist with their Supervisors Conference.

From there, I will bus down to Quelimane, where I will be living in temporary housing, until around the 9^th of September when the current PCV posted there leaves.

I have just under 7 weeks until I leave Quissico. In that time I have to close out some projects here, make my rounds to say goodbye to all of my friends/family I have made here over the past two years, figure out what to pack to go north, give Lua away to another PCV, find a home for her puppies (she had 4 of them) and just try to stay mentally sane through all of this.

I am really really really looking forward to this third year extension, the work will be incredible, and I get to explore a whole other part of this beautiful country. However, it is really starting to sink in, that while I will still be living in Mozambique. . . I wont be here in Quissico, in my little reed hut that I’ve turned into a home, with my dog, my friends, and the life that I have grown to love (even though at times I am absolutely frustrated with it). 

The plan is to spend as much time here as possible before I leave, just trying to soak it all in.

That's all for now.

xo

Brother Comes to Mozambique

Good Morning Everyone!

Well, well, well. . . it has been a crazy few weeks, and it will continue to be an equally as hectic time until I finally move up to Quelimane. 

Ansel’s visit has come and gone. It is amazing how 2 weeks can just FLY by. One minute I was picking him up at the airport (ok, it was more like I body-tackled him with excitement) and the next I was putting him on the bus to Maputo so he could catch his plane!

together after almost 2 years!

I met him without problem on the 11^th of May, unfortunately his bag didn't make his connecting flight – so we spent an impromptu night in Maputo with one of my friends. It was a lovely night filled with delicious food, and pleasant conversation. I think it was good for him to start getting on Mozambique time, and it gave him an opportunity to meet some of my friends and see a bit of the city.

The next morning we went back to the airport where his bag was waiting for us, and we were able to get it with little problem. From there we took a taxi out to the city limits, and hitchhiked north to Macia. In Macia we stayed with some of my good friends- and it gave Ansel a chance to see a bit of a town in the Gaza Province, and to see how PCV’s have fun! We did a ‘barraca’ hop- which means we went to 4 different ‘bars’ and had beers at each one. Playing card games, pool, and just joking around with friends. . . couldn't ask for a better way to spend a Monday Funday.

The next day we worked our way to Quissico, where we had a nice dinner with the boys, and took it easy for the evening. From the 13^th until the 21^st we were at my site here. Here he was able to; meet my neighbor-family, meet Tia Julia and her family, see how my community organization holds meetings, go to the lagoon, eat delicious food (matapa, feijao, couve, chicken etc)- and even took a day trip adventure with my sitemate Kevin to Xai Xai (a big city in the Gaza province) while I was stuck at the hospital all day.

From site, we went north to Inhambane City where we stayed with another PCV friend, and were able to go to Tofo Beach during the day, and see a bit of the city by night. On the morning of Friday the 23^rd, I put him on the 4am bus from Inhambane City to Maputo, where my PCV friend hosted him for the evening, because I had to go to Homoine for the REDES Workshop, and unfortunately I could not accompany him to the airport.

ahh... the chapa's in mozambique. lovely memories

All in all, a very simple but still, quite a lovely visit. I hope that he enjoyed his time here, as much as I enjoyed having him here. I am very thankful for all of the PCV’s that put us up during our travels… I couldn't ask for better friends!

He made it safely back to DC, where my mom picked him up and they drove back to Pittsburgh.

Miss you already buddy!

-xoxo, sis