Things are going well at site, although everyday is a learning experience (to put in nicely). I have finally started being a disciplinarian and making my students write lines/English essays. It's nice, because then I let all the other teachers read it as well and hope this maybe gives them the idea that hitting students isn't the ONLY way to get them to do work. And students really hate essays, one of them cried the other day when I made her write about "the importance of homework". I felt awful, but was like "at least you don't have a big red mark across your butt!"
I found out a couple weeks ago that previous white volunteers in the area complained a lot when people came over to the house, which is probably why villagers were generally hesitant to come over. Why the hell would you move to Africa and not want people to hang out with?!?!? anyhoo, I started having mad tea parties and dinner parties for people, so now I get visitors all the time. For a girl from a big, close, and social family this is P.E.R.F.E.C.T. There are the cutest kids coming over all the time to draw and play on the computer that ma sent (thanks ma). Occasionally, their parents come over too. It's so nice!
Also, I've been doing a ton of HIV/AIDS eds in the community (found the dark underside of Lomwe) so much that I'm practically leaking condoms. Just having good convos with Mama's, doing demos, and taking people to the hospital to get tested (I have been confirmed negative twice this past week alone, which is always a good feeling). Most of the girls I befriend and try to educate are 15 - 20 yrs, already have children, and have been doing this type of "work" since getting out of primary school. I know the other teachers are starting to look down at the company I keep lately (its weird to walk down the street and have everyone NOT looking at me but rather at my companion) but I'm like "dude, if Jesus can hang out with prostitutes, I can hang out with prostitutes too". I also gave the girls some american condoms (thank you Girls) that were sent so that the men know where they came from....hee hee.....
Below are a few pics. Not a ton because I forgot to bring my camera to town. Needless to say, I miss home a ton and can't wait to come back for a brief visit in late august!
This is the duck house (and a huge grasshopper) that I helped build with a neighbor for my back yard. All from wood in the community, and recycled plastic bags on the roof (with nylon).
And these are the ducks, or the "Ladies" as I like to call them. They are called Simon and Garfunkle. I'm looking or a hubby for them because I think babies would be way fun!
This sideways pic is from the first night I had my camera at site (THANKS MOLLY!!!). My neighbor Eva and her housegirl, Mage, in Eva's house. We were all just hangin'.
And this is me and Mage acting Badass.