He is pretty much the love of my life here...I feel like I am doing something new with each day that passes. Here’s a couple highlights of the past couple of weeks:
1. I’ve officially killed my first chicken. It actually wasn’t so bad. The part I’m not that much of a fan of is depenar-ing, or plucking the chicken. It’s a bit too smelly/messy.
2. I’ve become REALLY good friends with my xixi (pee) bucket. Most of the time it is known as my balde, or bucket used for taking showers. The best part of this bucket, though, is its second job as a xixi bucket in my room overnight. A side effect of the malaria meds is an overactive bladder, so it has come in pretty handy.
3. I turned 23, and celebrated ALL weekend. On Halloween, Corpo da Paz held a Halloween party. We all dressed up and invited some members of our families to show them how absolutely ridiculous Americans can be. I was amazed at how resourceful all the trainees were with their costumes. We had a costume contest, limbo, snacks, trick-or-treating, and roasting marshmallows. The next day, my host family threw me the most amazing birthday dinner/dance party. My two brothers came into town from other provinces, along with some extended family members from all over Moz/South Africa. We had a feast, cake, and TONS of dancing. I also tried cow head for the first/last time. My family went above and beyond my expectations, and it was a birthday that will be hard to beat in the future. They also remembered that watermelon was my favorite fruit and had one brought in from South Africa as a gift.
Site visits are coming up this Saturday and we are all so excited to get out of Namaacha for a few days. We are going to stay with current volunteers at their sites. It should be a blast. I’m most excited about seeing different parts of Moçambique. I’m headed to Chongoene in Gaza. I’ll be going with a chemistry teacher and we are pretty much going to be on the beach. There are a few of us that are going to be in the same area, so we are all planning on meeting up a couple of the nights to hang out. This has been what we have all been waiting for pretty much since day one, so I can’t wait!!!
Thanks for all of the birthday wishes, and I’m sorry if I haven’t had a chance to respond to them. It means a lot to know all of you remembered/were thinking about me. I miss you guys and think of you often. Remember, if you’re ever bored, feel free to shoot me a letter.
Yvonne Contreras, PCV
Corpo da Paz/U.S. Peace Corps
C.P. 4398
Maputo
Mozambique
Most missed American item: a roll of Kirkland brand tp (actually any 2-ply would work).
2. I’ve become REALLY good friends with my xixi (pee) bucket. Most of the time it is known as my balde, or bucket used for taking showers. The best part of this bucket, though, is its second job as a xixi bucket in my room overnight. A side effect of the malaria meds is an overactive bladder, so it has come in pretty handy.
3. I turned 23, and celebrated ALL weekend. On Halloween, Corpo da Paz held a Halloween party. We all dressed up and invited some members of our families to show them how absolutely ridiculous Americans can be. I was amazed at how resourceful all the trainees were with their costumes. We had a costume contest, limbo, snacks, trick-or-treating, and roasting marshmallows. The next day, my host family threw me the most amazing birthday dinner/dance party. My two brothers came into town from other provinces, along with some extended family members from all over Moz/South Africa. We had a feast, cake, and TONS of dancing. I also tried cow head for the first/last time. My family went above and beyond my expectations, and it was a birthday that will be hard to beat in the future. They also remembered that watermelon was my favorite fruit and had one brought in from South Africa as a gift.
Site visits are coming up this Saturday and we are all so excited to get out of Namaacha for a few days. We are going to stay with current volunteers at their sites. It should be a blast. I’m most excited about seeing different parts of Moçambique. I’m headed to Chongoene in Gaza. I’ll be going with a chemistry teacher and we are pretty much going to be on the beach. There are a few of us that are going to be in the same area, so we are all planning on meeting up a couple of the nights to hang out. This has been what we have all been waiting for pretty much since day one, so I can’t wait!!!
Thanks for all of the birthday wishes, and I’m sorry if I haven’t had a chance to respond to them. It means a lot to know all of you remembered/were thinking about me. I miss you guys and think of you often. Remember, if you’re ever bored, feel free to shoot me a letter.
Yvonne Contreras, PCV
Corpo da Paz/U.S. Peace Corps
C.P. 4398
Maputo
Mozambique
Most missed American item: a roll of Kirkland brand tp (actually any 2-ply would work).
vonnie...
ReplyDeletewow, the chicken. i still can't get over it. i was a bit shocked when i sat down with my cup of coffee at 9am and noticed that you posted pictures! i was so excited...then i open up a bloody chicken and, well, my coffee didn't seem as tasty after that! HAHA...but you are crazy!! anyways, i'm so glad you're birthday went well. it sounds like you had an awesome time! i figured your first african birthday would be one to remember! and i totally support your decision to never eat cow head again! i am sending a letter/card/pictures soon so keep your eye out for them! i miss you and love you so much!
reyni
Sounds like you're having a good time. It's nice to know that your host family is making you feel special. That was really nice of them to give you a birthday celebration. I agree with Reyni about the chicken. That's pretty gross. And I can't believe you tried cow head! Disgusting as well. I'm sure it didn't taste well as you said it was your first and last time you'd eat it. The picture with the little kid on your back is adorable! Can't wait for your next post!
ReplyDeleteI am absolutely in love with the picture with you and the kid... what's his/her name?? I am on pins and needles until your next post... and all the people in my class are loving the pictures too! I keep telling them of my awesome friend in Mozambique... they think you are a badass! (especially because of the chicken incident- like Reyni said... kind of gross but definitely of the earth) miss you terribly, and my letter should be arriving soon!
ReplyDeleteyou look so happy!! and you really have brightened my day today.. the chicken thing i am beginning to accept.. however, i must insist that when you come back.. that gets put to rest.. i take my test on wednesday.. say about 10000 prayers for me :) lol.. i miss your face th most.. it's funny seeing pictures of you.. hahaha.. keep on trucking.. your new life looks amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! So glad to hear things are going well. Your birthday IS special & I'm happy to read/see that you enjoyed the celebration. Hope you've received our package? Another one is on it's way! Enjoy your time seeing other sites!! I am so proud of you....you are truly a blessing to everyone around you. Miss seeing you & spending time together.....Take care & keep in touch =D
ReplyDelete