In just over two weeks I will become an official Peace Corps Volunteer. After swearing in, I will head back to Southern Province and ready myself to begin my service.
When I am prepared with all my supplies and goods to begin my two years at a new home, I will make my way to Chikankata district. I will be moving into my own clay brick house with a grass thatched roof and outside shower and toilet.
I will become part of the village there and integrate myself into the community. I will continue to learn and speak Tonga and begin to teach those who are interested in learning about fish farming, sustainable agriculture, HIV/AIDS and other topics. In addition, every day I am sure I will be taught many things from the villagers as well.
I have visited my site and am very excited about the beautiful rolling hills for scenery. I can only imagine how green and lush everything will become once rainy season starts. Also, the community members seem to be very motivated and excited to start working together.
The upcoming weeks will surely pass quickly and I will soon find myself in my own house beginning my service as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Here I Go!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Water-Water, Everywhere!
Or is it?
Water is such an important part of every person's life. However, in the States, we take for granted how easily available our water is and how safe it is for us to consume and use.
Just like at home, here in Zambia, water is necessary for people to drink, bathe, cook, and clean. In addition, all the animals also need water to drink and the plants need water to grow and be plentiful.
But where is all the water? Is it not in the homes? Nope!
Most homes in Zambia do not have electricity or running water. Women must walk short or long distances to a borehole or open well to draw water to carry back home. The boreholes are wells that have a hand pump that bring the water up to the surface to fill Jerry cans or buckets. Some open wells are still in use and water is gathered by sending down a bucket on a rope into the hole and pulling the full container back up to the top. It is a very time consuming and sometimes arduous task!
Once the containers of water are filled, women (because it is the task of women to gather water in Zambia) will put the heavy buckets or cans on their head and carry others in their hands sometimes as well. People may have to walk 100 to 500 meters or more to get their water.
When the water is finally home, it can be put to use for bathing or cleaning or cooking. However, for most of the water, in order to ensure it is safe to drink, it must be boiled or treated or filtered first before drinking.
Also, when one wants to bath in Zambia, their is no shower. One much first heat the water over a fire if they want it warm. And then, just using a basin full of water and a cup to pour water over oneself, a person is able to bath in Zambia. My favorite part about bathing in Zambia is that I can bathe outside under the African sky with the stars above my head. Such a beautiful scenery for bathing!
So, every person needs water. And in many places, water is easily attainable and of a high quality. But, places like Zambia, water is not so readily available everywhere and the process of gathering and using water is so much different than at home in the States or other places like Europe!
It is certainly a bit of life in Zambia that one much get used to, but it is such a small part that one is easily used to it quickly!! I have yet to try to carry water on my head, but maybe after two years I will be able to walk with 20 liters on my head with no hands to steady it! Who knows, it could happen!!
Water is such an important part of every person's life. However, in the States, we take for granted how easily available our water is and how safe it is for us to consume and use.
Just like at home, here in Zambia, water is necessary for people to drink, bathe, cook, and clean. In addition, all the animals also need water to drink and the plants need water to grow and be plentiful.
But where is all the water? Is it not in the homes? Nope!
Most homes in Zambia do not have electricity or running water. Women must walk short or long distances to a borehole or open well to draw water to carry back home. The boreholes are wells that have a hand pump that bring the water up to the surface to fill Jerry cans or buckets. Some open wells are still in use and water is gathered by sending down a bucket on a rope into the hole and pulling the full container back up to the top. It is a very time consuming and sometimes arduous task!
Once the containers of water are filled, women (because it is the task of women to gather water in Zambia) will put the heavy buckets or cans on their head and carry others in their hands sometimes as well. People may have to walk 100 to 500 meters or more to get their water.
When the water is finally home, it can be put to use for bathing or cleaning or cooking. However, for most of the water, in order to ensure it is safe to drink, it must be boiled or treated or filtered first before drinking.
Also, when one wants to bath in Zambia, their is no shower. One much first heat the water over a fire if they want it warm. And then, just using a basin full of water and a cup to pour water over oneself, a person is able to bath in Zambia. My favorite part about bathing in Zambia is that I can bathe outside under the African sky with the stars above my head. Such a beautiful scenery for bathing!
So, every person needs water. And in many places, water is easily attainable and of a high quality. But, places like Zambia, water is not so readily available everywhere and the process of gathering and using water is so much different than at home in the States or other places like Europe!
It is certainly a bit of life in Zambia that one much get used to, but it is such a small part that one is easily used to it quickly!! I have yet to try to carry water on my head, but maybe after two years I will be able to walk with 20 liters on my head with no hands to steady it! Who knows, it could happen!!
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Off To Southern
Tomorrow morning I will take off with the other Tongas to Southern Province for our 2nd Site Visit. We will be visiting the site of another PCV and learn even more about fish farming in the field! We will also get to practice our language in the village!
I am super excited to be able to go stay in a Southern village and see more about rural life in Zambia! We may even harvest a fish pond! After a week with the other PCV, I will be able to go and visit my own site in Chikankata that will be my home for the next 2 years!
All is super well in Zambia and life is good! I am enjoying everything and totally looking forward to the upcoming events and such.
Keep me posted on life in the U.S! Thank you for the letters and messages!! I'll try to keep you all posted in the upcoming weeks before I swear in as a true Peace Corps Volunteer in October!
I am super excited to be able to go stay in a Southern village and see more about rural life in Zambia! We may even harvest a fish pond! After a week with the other PCV, I will be able to go and visit my own site in Chikankata that will be my home for the next 2 years!
All is super well in Zambia and life is good! I am enjoying everything and totally looking forward to the upcoming events and such.
Keep me posted on life in the U.S! Thank you for the letters and messages!! I'll try to keep you all posted in the upcoming weeks before I swear in as a true Peace Corps Volunteer in October!
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